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Farm Work

Québec’s economy transitioned from an agricultural economy to an industrial one during the 20 ^th century. This radical transformation was brought on by new mining operations, the growth of the forest industry, and hydroelectricity. Furthermore, in the 1920s, Québec’s farmlands were drained and the absence of funds impeded the development of better agricultural practices. During the Depression, most farmers limited themselves to subsistence farming, going back to commercial farming after World War II. Since the productivity of farms intensified, their number diminished while their average size increased.

The first industrialization of Québec took place during the second half of the 19th century. It first started with industries in Montréal, and then spread throughout Québec. The peaceful chirping of birds gave way to the sounds of engines actively ploughing the ground. Modernization of tools and mechanization of machines increased production in many sectors. With industrialization reaching cities like Montréal, regional economies were forced to adapt in order to supply food to the growing urban population. Gradually, farming joined the food-processing industry (transformation and distribution) serving large cities. In fact, the farming industry now had to supply the increasing needs of cities populated with workers who left the country to work in factories. Machines gradually invaded agricultural landscapes, with the sound of motorized threshers, harvesters, tractors, and mowers filling the air.