Muskoka Haliburton Farms For Sale

Muskoka is home to 162 farms producing primarily livestock, namely chickens, cattle, and horses, with cash receipts over $3.2 million in 2016. Agriculture in the Muskoka region has diversified with the opportunities of agri-tourism in the sought-after landscape of cottage country. Wineries that host samplings and tours are one form of agri-tourism that is incredibly popular during the seasonal tourist shift, where the population of Muskoka doubles over the summer months. The majority of the region still fosters mainly small-scale farms. There are many supports to continue sustaining and diversifying these farm operations for future generations. One such way is to enable more production facilities and opportunities, including butchering and packaging livestock and creating cheese or jams. Diversifying the agriculture sector to include production facilities allows the region to be more self-sufficient while supporting the local agriculture market and simultaneously growing. 

The agriculture sector in Haliburton reports 59 farms in operation, with 23 producing crops and animals. The region is responsible for employing an additional 30 people between all farms. However, there is an increase of small-scale farming within the region, including farms with less than 10 acres and farms with 760 – 1,119 acres. The primary agriculture in Haliburton County is cattle, which has seen an increase from 2011 to 2016 of 444 to 923 cattle, respectively. Additionally, the region has seen increases in hens and chickens, beekeeping, and major field crops in the same period. There have been decreases in farming categories such as fruit and tree nuts, turkeys, sheep, lambs, and goats. The region has also maintained a steady maple syrup production and vegetable production.  

The Muskoka Federation of Agriculture and the Kawartha Lakes Haliburton Federation of Agriculture represent farmer families' interests and opinions throughout the Muskoka Haliburton Region. As a member of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, both organizations work to improve the agricultural sector for local needs and improve agriculture across the province of Ontario. 

Conservation is a high priority for the region, with many wildlife reserves and conservation areas. The Muskoka Conservancy is a natural reserve spanning over 3,000 acres of land throughout Muskoka, most of which is close to various lakes. Sustainability is fostered through community partners and landowners alike, with multiple programs available to visitors and residents. Additionally, many organizations promote sustainable agriculture through a variety of resources. Two of these organizations include Harvest Haliburton and Climate Action Muskoka, focusing on accessible and sustainable initiatives, including seed libraries and economic and sustainable development.