Farm Work

Québec’s economy transitioned from an agricultural economy to an industrial one during the 20th 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.

Hymne au travail (Work Anthem)

Download audio (3 minutes 01 second, 2.77 MB)

Male voice (Alfred Normandin), accompanied by a fanfare.

Performer: Alfred Normandin, 1919
Source: BAnQ (Québec National Library and Archives) – Digital collection [sound recordings]

It is Work, nature lover,
That illuminates every creation.
Every being can find in it the nourishment
That he would never find in inaction.

You must work hard to fertilize the earth,
So it gives you its gold and fruits.
Hard work makes suffering less painful.
It is a sun for the darkest of nights.

Work! Hello to you, pillar of life.
You give well-being day and night.
And leave everywhere your mark with strength and constancy
From the depths of the mine to the top of the tower.

The brain thinks and the hand does,
Because of Work, houses and palaces
For a long time have replaced the hut;
Before peace, war wishes to surrender.

Always, the bird builds its moss nest.
From routine, it cannot digress;
But toward progress, work pushes us.
Work, salutation! Salutation worker!

Work! Hello to you, pillar of life.
You give well-being day and night.
And leave everywhere your mark with strength and constancy
From the depths of the mine to the top of the tower.

Modern Agricultural Machinery

Download audio (40 seconds, 0.63 MB)

Sound of a running tractor

Audio Director: Kathleen Cousineau, 2015

  • A man is sitting behind the wheel of a tractor. Children are sitting on the tractor and the hay wagon.
  • A man driving a tractor in a farm field.