Yukon farmers are calling on the territorial government to follow its own advice – in the wake of a tariff war with the U.S. – to buy local products.
Bridget Hurlburt owns and operates Horse Haven Ranch west of Whitehorse with her husband, Cody. When calving season begins they’ll be up every three hours – but right now, what’s keeping her awake at night is a lack of business from the Yukon government.
The territory buys food for government-run facilities such as hospitals, schools, jails and continuing care homes. It said it has spent more than $9.6 million on food ordered through food services giant Sysco Canada between 2021 and 2025.
Between 2021 and 2024, it spent $124,000 on locally-produced goods.
Bridget says the government placed one order with Horse Haven Ranch last year for 50 pieces of beef jerky.