Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Farm type

Release date: November 17, 2021Updated on: February 9, 2022

Definition

The "farm type" of a census farm indicates the predominant type of production of the operation.

The Census of Agriculture farm type classification has been aligned with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) from 2001 to date, and each census farm has been assigned a "Canadian industry" (six‑digit NAICS code) and its corresponding "industry group" (four‑digit NAICS code) based on the NAICS hierarchical structure, for data dissemination purposes. The farm type classification was aligned with the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) from 1961 to 2001.

The Census of Agriculture uses an objective method to determine a farm type for each census farm. The process classifies each census farm according to the predominant type of production by estimating the potential revenues from the inventories of crops and livestock reported on the questionnaire and by determining the product or group of products that make up the majority of the estimated revenues. For example, a census farm with total potential revenues of 60% from hogs, 20% from beef cattle and 20% from wheat, would be classified as a "Hog and pig farming" (NAICS 112210) farm.

Changes in farm type over time could reflect a shift in the operation's agricultural activity, changes in commodity prices, or both.

Two categories were added to the Census of Agriculture farm type classification in 2021: "Cannabis grown under cover" (NAICS 111412) and "Cannabis grown in open fields" (NAICS 111995).

Statistical unit(s)

Not applicable

Classification(s)

Not applicable

Reported in

2021, 2016,^{Footnote 1} 2011,^{Footnote 1} 2006,^{Footnote 1} 2001,^{Footnote 1} 1996,^{Footnote 2} 1991,^{Footnote 2} 1986,^{Footnote 2} 1981,^{Footnote 2} 1976,^{Footnote 3} 1971,^{Footnote 4} 1966,^{Footnote 4} 1961,^{Footnote 5} 1941^{Footnote 6}

Reported for

Farm type

Question number(s)

Not applicable

Responses

Not applicable

Remarks

For more information on the classification standard the Census of Agriculture farm type classification is based on, refer to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

Note(s)

Footnote 1

For the 2016, 2011, 2006 and 2001 censuses, all census farms were assigned a farm type using potential values of revenues by commodity. The farm type categories were aligned to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), and the commodity or group of commodities that made up 50% or more of the total farm revenues reported determined the farm type. A "Maple Syrup and Products Production" category (NAICS 111994) was added to the farm type classification in 2011.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Footnote 2

For the 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 censuses, all census farms were assigned a farm type using potential values of revenues by commodity. The farm type categories were aligned with the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC). As a result of refinements to the farm typing procedures, some census farms that reported tame hay were typed differently in 1996 than in previous censuses.

Return to footnote 2 referrer

Footnote 3

For the 1976 Census, since the revenue information by commodity was not collected anymore as in previous censuses, a new methodology was introduced based on the potential value of revenues by commodity. Census farms with $2,500 or more in total farm revenues were classified by farm type. The commodity or group of commodities that made up 51% or more of the total farm revenues reported determined the farm type. The farm type categories were aligned to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC).

Return to footnote 3 referrer

Footnote 4

For the 1966 and 1971 censuses, the Census of Agriculture collected the value of agricultural revenues by commodity for the year prior to the census and census farms reporting $2,500 or more in total farm revenues were classified by farm type. The commodity or group of commodities that made up 51% or more of the total farm revenues reported determined the farm type. The farm type categories were aligned to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC).

Return to footnote 4 referrer

Footnote 5

For the 1961 Census, the Census of Agriculture collected the value of agricultural revenues by commodity for the year prior to the census and all census farms reporting $1,200 or more in total farm revenues were classified by farm type. The commodity or group of commodities that made up 51% or more of the total farm revenues reported determined the farm type. The farm type categories were aligned to the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) for the first time.

Return to footnote 5 referrer

Footnote 6

For 1941, the Census of Agriculture collected the value of agricultural revenues by commodity for the year prior to the census and most census farms (except farms beginning operations in 1941, farms used for pasture and other special cases) were classified by farm type. The commodity or group of commodities that made up 50% or more of the total farm revenues reported determined the farm type.

Return to footnote 6 referrer

Date modified:: 2023-07-07

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Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Farm type

Definition

Statistical unit(s)

Classification(s)

Reported in

Reported for

Question number(s)

Responses

Remarks

Note(s)

Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021Farm type

Definition

Statistical unit(s)

Classification(s)

Reported in

Reported for

Question number(s)

Responses

Remarks

Note(s)

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Dictionary, Census of Population, 2021
Farm type