Statistical Profile of Antigonish County

Prepared by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

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Contents 1.0 Introduction ...... 2 Agriculture in the Local Economy ...... 2 2.0 Population and Population Change ...... 3 3.0 Economic Profile ...... 3 4.0 Agricultural Profile of Antigonish County ...... 5 4.1 Number of Farms ...... 5 4.2 Farm Revenue ...... 7 4.3 Farm Expenses ...... 10 4.4 Land Use ...... 12 4.5 Farm Size ...... 14 Bibliography ...... 15 Appendix ...... 16

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1.0 Introduction

Agriculture in the Local Economy

Antigonish County is home to a variety of farm production activities from cattle ranching to greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production. This agricultural diversity and innovation is important to economic development in Antigonish. In 2010, Antigonish County farms reported a total of approximately $26.1 million in farm receipts which accounted for 4.39% of all receipts reported in Nova Scotia. In the same year, farms in Antigonish County reported a total business operating expense of approximately $21 million. Thus, Antigonish’s agricultural industry produced a surplus of $5.1 million.

In regard to employment, health care, trade, manufacturing, and education are the dominant industries in the Northern region. Although employment in agriculture in Antigonish is lower than in other industries, agriculture remains a significant sector to the local economy. The emerging industry of agri-tourism also benefits the local economy and promotes local agriculture. Agri-tourism projects in Antigonish County include farmers’ markets, U-picks, farm accommodations and the annual exhibition.

Despite a slight decline in the number of acres used for farming purposes, the overall number of farms has increased since 2006. Indeed, Antigonish County ranks third among all counties in regard to its use of arable land (“Antigonish County,” para. 4). With 15% of arable land being used for agricultural production, Antigonish surpasses the provincial average of 13% (“Antigonish County,” para. 4). It is clear that agriculture remains a vital industry to the economy in Antigonish and will continue to play its role in the future of Nova Scotia’s economy. 3

2.0 Population and Population Change

Between the years 2006 and 2011, Antigonish County experienced a total population increase of 4% or a total of 753 people. Table 1 demonstrates that, for the most part, Antigonish experienced an increase in population across all census subdivisions. Subdivision B was the only area to experience a population decline with a percentage change of 0.8%. Antigonish County’s population growth (4%) far exceeded that of Nova Scotia’s (0.9%).

Table 1: Population of Antigonish and Census Subdivisions, 2006-2011

Area 2011 2006 % Change Antigonish County 19,589 18,836 4 Antigonish (Town) 4,524 4,236 6.8 Subdivision A 8,253 7,730 6.8 Subdivision B (including Pomquet and Afton 23 reserves) 6,812 6,870 -0.8

Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

The population of Antigonish County is predominately concentrated in rural regions. Since 2006, both population centres and rural areas experienced a population increase of approximately 6.8% and 3.2% respectively.

Table 2: Antigonish County, Rural and Population Centres1, 2006-2011

2011 2006

Population % of Total Population % of Total

Rural 15,065 76.9 14,600 77.5

Population Centre 4,524 23.1 4,236 22.5

Total 19,589 100 18,836 100 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

3.0 Economic Profile

In 2013, the Northern region (including Colchester, Cumberland, Pictou, Guysborough, and Antigonish)2 represented approximately 26% of the agricultural industry in Nova Scotia. Although, an

1 Population centre refers to an area of at least 1,000 and no fewer than 400 persons per square kilometer. Beginning in 2011, the term ‘population centre’ replaces the term ‘urban area’ from previous censuses. 4

estimate for Antigonish County is not specifically given, the data indicates that its geographic region is a significant component to the agricultural industry in Nova Scotia.

In comparison to the other industries in the Northern region, agriculture accounted for approximately 2.03% of all jobs in the region, which is higher than the provincial average of 1.17%. The industries with the highest employment in the Northern region were trade, health care and social assistance, manufacturing and educational services.

Table 3: Northern Region, Total Employment by Industry, 2013

Nova % of Nova Scotia's % of Northern Region's Industry Scotia Total Employment Northern Total Employment Total employed, all industries 453,800 100 68,800 100 Agriculture 5,300 1.17 1,400 2.03 Forestry, fishing, mining, etc. 11,200 2.47 2,100 3.05 Utilities 4,600 1.01 600 0.87 Construction 33,500 7.38 4,900 7.12 Manufacturing 30,600 6.74 7,200 10.47 Trade 73,000 16.09 13,000 18.9 Transportation and warehousing 19,600 4.32 3,600 5.23 Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing 22,100 4.87 2,000 2.91 Professional, scientific and technical services 27,800 6.13 2,100 3.05 Business, building and other support services 23,500 5.18 2,500 3.63 Educational services 36,700 8.09 5,400 7.85 Health care and social assistance 69,400 15.29 11,400 16.57 Information, culture and recreation 19,300 4.25 2,100 3.05 Accommodation and food services 29,000 6.39 4,400 6.4 Other services 18,600 4.1 2,800 4.07 Public administration 29,400 6.48 3,200 4.65 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2013.

Figure 1 displays a clear comparison of the percentages of total employed by each industry in Nova Scotia and the Northern region.

2 The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) divides Nova Scotia into 5 geographical regions. The Northern region includes Colchester, Cumberland, Pictou, Guysborough, and Antigonish counties. According to the Labour Force Survey Estimates (LFS), some areas are too small to enable production of independent estimates from the survey. Thus, smaller regions with similar economic characteristics are grouped together. 5

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16 14 12 10 8 6

4 %of Total Employed 2 Nova Scotia 0 Northern Region

Industry

Figure 1: % of Total Employed by Industry: Northern Region vs. Nova Scotia, 2013.

Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2013.

4.0 Agricultural Profile of Antigonish County

4.1 Number of Farms

From 2006 to 2011, the total number of farms in Antigonish County had increased by nine. Table 4 indicates that the predominant farm types in Antigonish County were cattle ranching (31.5%), greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production (20%), and fruit and tree nut (19.5%). Although ranching cattle remains a dominant farm activity in Antigonish, it had dramatically decreased since 2006 from 93 to 74 farms (-20.43%). In addition, hog and pig farming had decreased by 50%. All other types of farm production had either increased or remained the same. 6

Table 4: Antigonish County, Total Number of Farms by Farm Type, 2006-2011

Farm Type 2011 2006 % Change # of Farms % of Total # of Farms % of Total Cattle ranching and farming 74 31.5 93 41.3 -20.43 Hog and pig farming 1 0.4 2 0.9 -50 Poultry and egg production 5 2.1 5 2.2 0 Sheep and goat farming 6 2.6 1 0.4 5 Other animal production 22 9.4 19 8.4 15.79 Oilseed and grain farming 0 0 0 0 0 Vegetable and melon farming 3 1.3 1 0.4 66.67 Fruit and tree nut farming 46 19.5 38 16.8 21.05 Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production 47 20 45 19.9 4.44 Other crop farming 31 13.2 22 9.7 40.91 Total farms 235 100 226 100 3.98 Note: Retrieved from Statistics Canada, 2011.

In comparison to Nova Scotia, Antigonish County had a higher percentage in several farm types including cattle ranching; oilseed and grain; vegetable and melon; other crops; and other animal production. It is evident that the percentages of cattle ranching (31.5%) and greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production (20%) in Antigonish County were significantly higher than that of the provincial percentages of 17.9% and 14.1% respectively. The percentage of fruit and tree nut farm types in Antigonish County fell below that of the provincial average by 5.3%.

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30 25 20 15 10

%of Total Farms 5 0 Antigonish Nova Scotia

Farm Type

Figure 2: % of Total Farms by Farm Type: Antigonish County vs. Nova Scotia, 2011 7

Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

Table 5 demonstrates that Antigonish’s Subdivision A had the highest percentage of farms in the county (56.17%) while Subdivision B had the lowest percentage of farms (43.83%).

Table 5: Total Number of Farms by Farm Type by Census Subdivision, 20113

Antigonish Antigonish Antigonish Farm Type County Subd. A Subd. B Cattle ranching and farming 74 50 24

Hog and pig farming 1 0 1

Poultry and egg production 5 4 1

Sheep and goat farming 6 3 3

Other animal production 22 13 9

Oilseed and grain farming 0 0 0

Vegetable and melon farming 3 0 3 Fruit and tree nut farming 46 19 27 Greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production 47 27 20 Other crop farming 31 16 15

Total farms 235 132 103 Note: Retrieved from Statistics Canada, 2011.

4.2 Farm Revenue

Farms in Antigonish County reported approximately $26.1 million in farm receipts in 2010 which had increased from $24.6 million in 2006. Despite an increase in revenue between 2006 and 2010, Antigonish County experienced a decline in its percentage of Nova Scotia’s total farm receipts. In 2006, Antigonish County’s revenue formed 4.84% of Nova Scotia’s total revenue. Meanwhile in 2010, Antigonish County’s revenue constituted 4.39% of Nova Scotia’s total revenue.

Table 6: Total Farm Receipts for Antigonish County and Nova Scotia, 2006-2010

3 According to Statistics Canada, a census subdivision is an area that is a municipality or an area that is deemed to be equivalent to a municipality for statistical reporting purposes. 8

2010 2006 % Change Nova Scotia $ 594,903,481.00 $ 509,520,691.00 16.76 Antigonish County $ 26,119,156.00 $ 24,647,887.00 5.97 % of Nova Scotia's receipts 4.39 4.84 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

According to census subdivisions, Subdivision A reported approximately 65% of Antigonish County’s total farm receipts. This subdivision also had the highest receipts per farm with an approximate average of $128,000. Subdivision B was the only region that had receipts per farm lower than the County’s average of approximately $111,000. Both subdivisions fell below the provincial average receipt per farm of $152,344.

Table 7: Total Farm Receipts by Census Subdivision for Antigonish County, 2010

Total Farms Total Farm Receipts % of County Total Receipts per Farm Antigonish County 235 $ 26,119,156.00 100 $ 111,145.34 Antigonish Subd. A 132 $ 16,867,330.00 64.58 $ 127,782.80 Antigonish Subd. B 103 $ 9,251,826.00 35.42 $ 89,823.55 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

In 2010, 70.64% of farms in Antigonish County reported receipts less than $50,000. Farm receipts under $10,000 appeared to be the most popular category with 99 farms reporting receipts of this amount. These reports constituted 42.13% of the total farm receipts for Antigonish County.

Table 8: Total Number of Farms in Antigonish County by Farm Receipts, 2006-2010

Farm Receipts Category 2010 2006 # of Farms % of Total # of Farms % of Total Under $10,000 99 42.13 64 28.32 $10,000 to $24,999 43 18.3 53 23.45 $25,000 to $49,999 24 10.21 32 14.16 $50,000 to $99,999 17 7.23 16 7.08 $100,000 to $249,999 20 8.51 27 11.95 $250,000 to $499,999 15 6.38 22 9.73 $500,000 to $999,999 12 5.11 11 4.87 $1,000,000 to $1,999,999 5 2.13 1 0.44 $2,000,000 and over 0 0 0 0 Total Farms 235 100 226 100 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

Between 2006 and 2010, farm receipts fluctuated, either increasing in some categories or decreasing in others. The percentage of farms that reported farm receipts under $10,000 category dramatically increased after 2006. Figure 3 demonstrates that the percentage of farm receipts for Antigonish and Nova Scotia were similarly distributed across all categories. 9

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40 35 30 25 20 15 10 Nova Scotia

%of Total Farm Receipts 5 0 Antigonish

Farm Receipts Category

Figure 3: % of Total Farms by Farm Receipts Category: Antigonish County vs. Nova Scotia, 2010

Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

Table 9 displays the reports for each farm receipts category according to each census subdivision. The subdivisions had more or less the same distribution of reported receipts as Antigonish County. In each subdivision, more farms reported receipts under $10,000.

Table 9: Total Number of Farm by Total Farm Receipts Category by Census Subdivision, 2010

Nova Antigonish Antigonish Antigonish Farm Receipts Category Scotia County Subd. A Subd. B Under $10,000 1,643 99 46 53 $10,000 to $24,999 799 43 24 19 $25,000 to $49,999 418 24 19 5 $50,000 to $99,999 273 17 11 6 $100,000 to $249,999 277 20 9 11 $250,000 to $499,999 199 15 13 2 $500,000 to $999,999 154 12 7 5 $1,000,000 to $1,999,999 92 5 3 2 $2,000,000 and over 50 0 0 0

Total Farms 3,905 235 132 103 Note: Retrieved from Statistics Canada, 2011. 10

4.3 Farm Expenses

In 2010, the total farm business operating expense for Antigonish County was $21,011,447. In Antigonish, the average business operating expense per farm was approximately $89,400 which was lower than the provincial average of approximately $128,000. It is evident that the greatest expenses for farms were other expenses excluding depreciation and capital cost allowance ($4,149,164), total feed, supplement and hay purchases ($3,893,697), and total wages and salaries ($3,594,045). Interest expenses in Antigonish County were about 9.2% of total farm expenses while the provincial average was 5.2%. 11

Table 10: Farm Business Operating Expenses for Antigonish County and Nova Scotia, 2010

Nova Scotia Antigonish County Farms Farms Reporting Amount $ Reporting Amount $ Fertilizer and lime purchases 1,957 $ 13,201,434.00 116 $ 687,558.00 Purchases of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc. 1,459 $ 11,734,327.00 86 $ 213,578.00 Seed and plant purchases (excluding materials purchased for resale) 1,286 $ 10,952,683.00 67 $ 281,006.00 Total feed, supplements and hay purchases 1,825 $ 108,870,856.00 124 $ 3,893,697.00 Livestock and poultry purchases 1,067 $ 30,507,684.00 69 $ 947,226.00 Veterinary services, drugs, semen, breeding fees, etc. 1,517 $ 8,710,636.00 105 $ 574,541.00 Custom work, contract work and hired trucking 1,665 $ 28,483,557.00 116 $ 818,835.00 Total wages and salaries 1,521 $ 101,190,562.00 103 $ 3,594,045.00 All fuel expenses (diesel, gas, etc.) 3,644 $ 26,035,222.00 221 $ 1,153,245.00 Repairs and maintenance to farm machinery, equipment and vehicles 3,344 $ 22,441,124.00 209 $ 1,260,713.00 Repairs and maintenance to farm buildings and fences 2,301 $ 10,367,519.00 145 $ 620,464.00 Rental and leasing of land and buildings 581 $ 4,145,716.00 25 $ 88,955.00 Rental and leasing of farm machinery, equipment and vehicles 515 $ 5,818,991.00 26 $ 189,939.00 Electricity, telephone and all other telecommunication services 2,898 $ 11,790,016.00 175 $ 586,169.00 Farm interest expenses 1,579 $ 26,107,223.00 105 $ 1,952,312.00 All other expenses (excluding depreciation and capital cost allowance) 3,352 $ 80,190,026.00 199 $ 4,149,164.00 Total farm business operating expenses 3,905 $ 500,547,576.00 235 $ 21,011,447.00 Note: Retrieved from Statistics Canada, 2011.

In 2006, Antigonish County farms reported a total of $20,343,691 in farm business expenses with an average expense per farm of approximately $90,000. On the other hand, in 2010, farms 12

reported an amount of $21,011,447 with an average expense per farm of approximately $89,400. Therefore, farms in Antigonish County decreased their average operating expense by approximately $600 in four years.

Table 11: Total Farm Business Operating Expenses Antigonish County, 2006-2010

Total Farm Business Farms Average Operating Operating Expenses Reporting Amount $ Expense per Farm

2010 235 $ 21,011,447.00 $ 89,410.41

2006 226 $ 20,343,691.00 $ 90,016.33 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

4.4 Land Use

In 2011, area in Christmas trees, woodlands and wetlands accounted for most of the land use in Antigonish County (50.49%). Furthermore, land in crops made up 29.83% of Antigonish land use. Summer fallow, tame of seeded pasture, natural land for pasture, and other land composed the remaining farmland (19.68%).

In comparison to provincial land use, Antigonish County had a higher percentage of land used for crops, tame of seeded pasture and natural land for pasture. On the other hand, Nova Scotia’s percentage of total land use was higher than the Antigonish County in Christmas trees, woodlands and wetlands. 13

Table 12: Land Use for Antigonish County and Nova Scotia, 20114

Land Use Antigonish County Nova Scotia

# of Acres % of Total # of Acres % of Total Land in Crops (excluding Christmas tree area) 19,214 29.83 280,889 27.59

Summer Fallow N/A 1,145 0.11

Tame of Seeded Pasture 4,540 7.05 52,271 5.13

Natural Land for Pasture 3,954 6.14 62,142 6.11 Area in Christmas trees, Woodlands and Wetlands 32,525 50.49 559,664 54.97

All Other Land N/A 61,964 6.09

Total 64,413 93.51 1,018,075 100 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

The number of acres used for farming purposes had decreased since 2006 from 71,719 acres to 64,413 acres. Since 2006, there had been an increase in the percentage of total land use in crops and tame of seeded pasture. However, there had been a decrease in the percentage of total land used for pasture and for Christmas trees, woodlands and wetlands.

Table 13: Land Use in Antigonish County, 2006-2011

Land Use 2011 2006 # of Acres % of Total # of Acres % of Total Land in Crops (excluding Christmas tree area) 19,214 29.83 19,916 27.77 Summer Fallow N/A 41 0.06 Tame of Seeded Pasture 4,540 7.05 3,914 5.46

Natural Land for Pasture 3,954 6.14 5,183 7.22 Area in Christmas trees, Woodlands and Wetlands 32,525 50.49 38,711 53.98 All Other Land N/A 3,954 5.51 Total 64,413 93.51 71,719 100 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

4 Some data has been suppressed by Statistics Canada to meet the confidentiality requirements of the Statistics Act. This data is expressed by “N/A”. 14

4.5 Farm Size

In 2011, the average farm size in Antigonish County was approximately 274 acres which was higher than the provincial average of approximately 260 acres. In comparison to the provincial average farm size, Subdivision A had a higher average while Subdivision B’s average fell slightly below it.

Table 14: Total Acres and Average Farm Size in Antigonish County and Nova Scotia, 2011

Average Farm Total Farms Total Acres Size (acres)

Nova Scotia 3,905 1,018,075 260.71

Antigonish County 235 64,413 274.1

Antigonish Subd. A 132 38,334 290.41

Antigonish Subd. B 103 26,079 253.19 Note: Adapted from Statistics Canada, 2011.

In Antigonish County, approximately 35% of reporting farms owned less than 129 acres. The most common acreage size in Antigonish was between 240 to 399 acres (52 farms reported). In total, the farms with these acreage sizes accounted for almost 22% of Antigonish farms.

Table 15: Total Farms by Farm Size Category for Antigonish County and Nova Scotia

Total Under 10-69 70-129 130-179 180-239 240-399 400-559 560-759 760 acres Farms 10 acres acres acres acres acres acres acres acres and over Nova Scotia 3,905 406 907 637 317 343 574 302 192 227

Antigonish County 235 15 28 39 17 30 52 29 13 12

Antigonish Subd. A 132 7 10 23 14 14 32 15 10 7

Antigonish Subd. B 103 8 18 16 3 16 20 14 3 5 Note: Retrieved from Statistics Canada, 2011.

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Bibliography

(2010). Antigonish County: Profile of Agricultural Land Resources. Retrieved from https://www.novascotia.ca/agri/elibrary/nsalrc/AppendixF-AgriculturalProfiles-Antigonish.pdf

Barkhouse Appraisals. (2007). Antigonish County. [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.barkhouseappraisals.com/AntigonishCo.jpg

Statistics Canada. (2011). Farm and farm operator data [Table]. Retrieved from http://www29.statcan.gc.ca/ceag-web/eng/index- index;jsessionid=D68BABE4379BC41D58B112C4B2FAFFB8

Statistics Canada. (2013). Labour force survey estimates [Table 282-0061]. Retrieved from http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a47

Statistics Canada. (2011). Population and dwelling counts [Table]. Retrieved from http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2011/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table- Tableau.cfm?LANG=Eng&T=304&PR=12&S=51&O=A&RPP=10

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Appendix Map of Antigonish County

Note: Retrieved from Barkhouse Appraisals, 2007.