People keep farming because they love it

By Joan Janzen

According to Statistics Canada, the average age of farmers in Saskatchewan is 55. The 2021 census revealed that more than 60 percent of operators in Saskatchewan are 55 years or older, almost double the number of those aged 35-54.

Nevertheless, Hugh McLean from the Kindersley area noted that most farmers in his area are in the 35-year-old category. Likewise, Gordon Dunn reported that his son has taken over the farm, but at the age of 80, Gordon still helps out.

PHOTO BY JANE DIETRICH

“There’s times of the year when it’s busy, and I can fill in and alleviate the workload,” he explained. He enjoys contributing, and why not? It’s common for businessmen to continue working past the age of 65, and farming is a business.

The census also showed that 735 more women were in the agriculture sector in 2021 than in 2016. However, that number is likely higher since women who have other jobs aren’t tagged as farmers in the census. Jane Dietrich from Mendham is one of the women in Saskatchewan who enjoys farming.

She and her husband are in their late 60s. “I would say most farmers in our area are over 60,” she said. She estimated there are less than ten farmers in the area who are under 40.

“Some older farmers keep farming to help their children who have a second job while farming,” she explained.

Gordon Dunn said helping out on the farm gives him something to do and helps to keep his mind active. It’s common for farmers who enjoy good physical health to continue working on their farms.

“People keep farming because they love it and it keeps them occupied,” Jane Dietrich commented. It appears to be an accurate observation; one that is not recorded by Statistics Canada.