Project Report Series最新文献

{"title":"Capital Formation, Technical Change, and Profitability in Prairie Agriculture","authors":"T. Veeman, A. A. Fantino, Yanning Peng","doi":"10.7939/R3GB1XH98","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3GB1XH98","url":null,"abstract":"This report comprises a number of related components focussed on the role of capital and capital formation in production, productivity and competitiveness in Canadian agriculture, concentrating on the Prairie region of Western Canada in the period 1970 to the early 1990s. The report includes the analysis of investment flows and capital stocks data, problems in measuring productivity, and an assessment of the relative roles of technological change and economies of scale in estimated productivity growth. In addition to the nature and extent of technical change, other features of the structure of production technology are analyzed by estimation of a translog cost function. Input mix and investment data indicate an important increment in investment, resulting in a larger machinery stock in the 1970s and a modest increment in the stocks of capital related to agricultural land and buildings. Changes in the input mix result from the initial post-war substitution of capital for labour and an eventual rising share of materials inputs including agrichemicals. The land input appears to change little and slowly. Land related investment and repairs also show a slow but steady growth over the period. In the 1980s, the labour share slowly rises, reversing its previous downward trend. The important increase in capital-related investments, particularly machinery, in the 1970s is followed by a considerable drop in the 1980s. Dis-investment appears to be taking place in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, productivity and total output do not appear to be shrinking, and productive capacity does not appear to have been seriously affected in the short run by the lower levels of investment in the 1980s. Cost function parameters, elasticities of derived demand for inputs, and Allen partial elasticities of input substitution are estimated in the report. Results indicate an increasingly rigid production structure in the 1970s and early 1980s, lower elasticities of derived input demand and reduced input substitution. Such trends suggest that technology in prairie farming was becoming a \"technological package\". This trend was modestly reversed in the late 1980s when a slowly changing input mix resulted from reduced use of chemicals and machinery. These changes may be related to changing economic conditions which generally favoured cost reduction as opposed to output expansion. The relatively slow response indicates the persistence of rigidities. It is not yet clear whether slightly lessened rigidity is the start of a new trend or only temporary. Testing functional properties of the cost function indicates rejection of homotheticity, of constant return to scale, and of Hicks neutrality. The index number methodology for the empirical measurement of agricultural productivity is analyzed. A major problem is measurement of \"durable\" capital items. Aggregation or indexing procedures is another important conceptual issue. Given the conceptual superiority of flexible indexes w","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"157 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116078342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Economic Analysis of Alternative Cropping Decisions Under Uncertainty","authors":"L. Bauer, F. Novak, G. Armstrong, Blaine Staples","doi":"10.7939/R3CJ87Q3K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3CJ87Q3K","url":null,"abstract":"This project has examined after tax gross margin net present values accruing to Albertawheatf armers under three fertilizer and crop rotation systems; a fixed rotation traditional fertilizer system, a static economic fertilizer decision system within a fixed rotation, and a static economic fertilizer decision system within a dynamic flex-cropping framework. Decision rules appropriate to each system were developed for case farms in three Alberta agro-climatic regions; Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Olds. The flex-cropping issue is expressed in a dynamic programming framework and incorporates elements not fully explored in previous studies; income taxation, variable input level decisions and stochastically determined moisture conditions and crop prices. Decisions are compared by simulating net present values of after tax gross margins for each system. The traditional system generatedthe lowest net present value, approximately 5 to 17 per cent below the static economic system. Greater improvements, on the order of 14 to 31 per cent above the static economic system, were observed by following dynamic flex-cropping decision rules. Not only did the dynamic flex-cropping decision rules generate superior decision rules regarding mean net present values, the rules were also risk efficient. The probability of low gross margins was minimized in all cases by following the dynamic flex-cropping decision rules. The results of this and related studies indicate that dynamic flex-cropping models are viable for solving crop scheduling problems. The prescriptive power of the model is limited by available data, limitations which reside primarily in the agronomic components. The relationship between spring soil moisture, soil nutrients, and yield must be more clearly defined. This may be accomplished through extensive and long term field trials or through use of emerging biophysical models. Standardization of soil moisture classifications, including method of sampling and depth of measurement, would make field data more adaptable for making fertilizer and recropping decisions. The production functions defining the relationship between spring soil moisture levels and yields are particularly important. These require continued empirical attention. The model developed lends itself readily to extensions such as additional crops,fertilizer inputs, erosion costs and soil degradation issues, financial structure of the farm, and evaluating the influence of government programs. Modern computers with large computational and storage capabilities make the implementation of stochastic dynamic programming methodology a viable farm management tool.","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"11 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126402436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetically Modified Foods: Consumers' Attitudes and Labeling Issues","authors":"M. Veeman, W. Adamowicz","doi":"10.7939/R35H7BV4H","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R35H7BV4H","url":null,"abstract":"Consumers' attitudes to genetically modified (GM) food ingredients and their reactions to and preferences for labeling of GM food are topical issues for Canadian food policy and are the subjects of this study. This project included several components. The first of these was an assessment of public attitudes to biotechnology and to GM food based on evidence from polls and other studies. These show increasing awareness and some increase in wariness of GM food, in Canada and elsewhere. In the second component of the project, analysis of survey data on Alberta consumers' preferences for different policy approaches to GM food was undertaken. This analysis indicates a preference by Alberta residents for GM food policy to emphasize the provision of more information to consumers, through labeling, over a policy that would provide for more rigorous inspection; even so, more inspection was favored by many respondents. More regulation that would restrict biotechnology was the least favoured of the three options that were presented to Alberta respondents. In a third component of the project, a case study on individual's attitudes to and preferences for GM ingredients in two selected food items (one of which was a nacho chip and the other of which was bread) was pursued through focus groups that were conducted in Edmonton, Alberta in 2002. This indicated highly varied attitudes and responses to GM food in general and to the selected products in particular. Attitudes to and preferences for environmental and health benefits that might be introduced through biotechnology were explored in these groups. Some 50 percent of focus group respondents indicated a willingness to buy the identified GM products, at a price discount. The fourth and final component of the project involved two sections of a Canada- wide survey, conducted in early 2003. These components queried respondents' assessments of the importance of various food safety risks and various environmental issues associated with food and agriculture, as well as attitudes to labelling policy. Overall, Canadians tended to see agricultural biotechnology as more of an environmental risk than a food risk and numbers of other food and environmental issues were seen to be more risky by many respondents. However the use of genetic modification/engineering in food production was seen as a very high risk issue by about one-fifth of respondents. Respondents also indicated a strong desire for public involvement in biotechnology policy, voted strongly for mandatory labeling and disagreed that labeling is not needed if the product's quality remains unchanged. An appreciable majority of respondents expressed a degree of skepticism concerning the use of voluntary labeling. The findings of this project have served as a basis for subsequent more extensive and detailed assessment of Canadian consumers' risk preferences and trade-offs in the context of specific product GM labelling policies.","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"256 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122736973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Study of Optimal Location: Competitiveness of the Alberta Cattle Feeding Industry with U.S. Regions","authors":"Duncan P. McKinnon, M. Lerohl","doi":"10.7939/R3794125C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3794125C","url":null,"abstract":"This study examines optimal location of cattle feeding among Alberta and the north-western U.S. states. Optimal location is based on comparative advantage (reflected in lower cost) in the production of resources such as feeds and feeders, and final product of boxed beef. Transportation costs of resources and final product also influence optimal location. A spatial equilibrium model is developed to determine optimal location amoung seven regions. It is a linear programming cost minimization model that applies to 1988. A production function for transforming intermediate resources into final product (boxed beef) is used and regional demand for boxed beef is specified. Alberta beef supply and disposition for 1988 is simulated, and various policy alternatives are then applied to this base model. Results indicate Alberta can be competitive with U.S. regions in feeding and processing cattle. Comparison of actual 1988 cattle feeding patterns to \"optimal\" feeding patterns indicated by the model leads to several inferences. Significant impacts on numbers of cattle fed in Alberta arise from removal of (or alterations to) the current method of paying the Crow Benefit. The Alberta cattle sector shows considerable sensitivity to this polocy through its impact on barley price. Study models indicate that Alberta cattle feeding and processing industry would expand with Crow rate removal. Had Pacific Rim demand for high quality beef been greater, both northern and southern Alberta would have increased exports by shipping beef through Vancouver. Exports to the Pacific Rim would have displaced beef shipments from Alberta to eastern Canada. Depreciation of the value of the Canadian dollar would also have led to increased activity in the Alberta cattle sector. Alberta imported more feeders from the U.S. as value added cattle feeding and processing activities increased in Alberta. The additional boxed beed was shipped south to the U.S.","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"93 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115197048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Econometric Analysis of the Relationship Between Alberta and United States Livestock Markets","authors":"F. Novak, J. Unterschultz","doi":"10.7939/R3319S86J","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3319S86J","url":null,"abstract":"This study uses Vector Autoregressions to investigate and measure the relationship between Alberta slaughter steer prices, United States - Canada exchange rates, Texas slaughter steer prices, nearby live cattle futures prices and live animal exports to the United States (in dollars). The general conclusions are that the exchange rate has a relatively smaller impact on Alberta slaughter steer prices than do U.S. steer markets. Shocks to the exchange rate result in a smaller change to Alberta prices than equally likely shocks to the U.S. futures price. Typically over 1 month periods the U.S.-Canada exchange rate does not play a big role in changing Alberta prices. This may be due to the relative stability of the exchange rate over shorter time periods relative to U.S. cattle prices. Live animal exports are more sensitive to changes in other variables not included in our model than to U.S steer prices, Alberta steer prices or exchange rates. These results have possible implications for Alberta cattle feeder investors. The stronger influence of the futures prices on Alberta prices suggest that Alberta investors first look at the futures market for the price information that most strongly influences the Alberta market. The close relationship of the Alberta market and the futures market implies that the futures market can be used by Alberta cattle investors for risk management. There still exist local Alberta factors that contribute to price risk but the U.S cattle market is the major source of price risk.","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"79 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131885254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Socio-Economic Evaluation of Sportsfishing Activity in Southern Alberta","authors":"W. Adamowicz, P. Boxall, D. Watson, T. Peters","doi":"10.7939/R3086382P","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3086382P","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"76 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126724563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic Effects of Environmental Quality Change on Recreation Demand","authors":"A. Coyne, W. Adamowicz","doi":"10.7939/R3ZK55W6X","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3ZK55W6X","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"38 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"121941044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Incorporation of Nontimber Goods and Services in Integrated Resource Management. I. An Introduction to the Alberta Moose Hunting Study Interim Project Report","authors":"K. McLeod, P. Boxall, W. Adamowicz, Michael A. Williams, J. Louviere","doi":"10.7939/R3XS5JJ4S","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3XS5JJ4S","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"57 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123002505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Household and Moose Hunting Survey Results for Newfoundland","authors":"B. Condon, W. Adamowicz","doi":"10.7939/R3DR2PC42","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R3DR2PC42","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"52 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124640930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ecological Goods and Services Survey Summary Prepared for: Lower Souris Watershed Committee","authors":"Alicia Entem, J. Unterschultz, S. Jeffrey","doi":"10.7939/R35Q4RM9P","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.7939/R35Q4RM9P","url":null,"abstract":"An interview based survey of farm landowners in the south east corner of Saskatchewan was undertaken to evaluate the provision of wildlife habitat by agriculture. Producers were asked to provide management information regarding a piece of their land that was managed as a unit. Within the past ten years there has been a reduction in the conversion of remaining native land to crop land, an increase in conversion of annual crop land to perennial cover crops, an increase in the use of minimum disturbance (no-till) farming, and a decrease in the use of fire on stubble fields and sloughs. Many producers in the area often stated economic reasons for their current land use division. Even ecological reasons (productive capacity of the soil, poor cropping soil, light soil etc.) often had an economic basis. If the land was not productive enough, a management scheme with lower input costs would be adopted. This was commonly demonstrated in this survey by the conversion of marginal land to tame forages. Producers within this region seem willing to adopt farming practices that connect economic sustainability with environmental responsibility. This survey is part of an-on going study of the region.","PeriodicalId":183610,"journal":{"name":"Project Report Series","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122010237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}