bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the cattle Subsector: A Demonstration in Guyana
Authors: Spreen Thomas H. , McCarl Bruce A. , White T. Kelley
Published: July 2010

The complex nature of cattle production and its multi‐year production process confronts policy makers with a difficult problem of evaluating proposals relating to the cattle subsector. A mathematical programming sector model is developed to assist policy makers in objectively analyzing alternative proposals. The model explicitly incorporates individual producer behaviour and accounts for the dynamic nature of cattle production through a multi‐year formulation and endogenous valuation of ending inventory. To account for transitional adjustment more fully, a recursive quadratic programming model is employed.

The model s specified for Guyana, South America. New production alternatives for Guyanese cattle producers are simulated. The results indicate that two new alternatives are viable and also demonstrate the usefulness of the model as a tool to evaluate such proposals.

La nature complexe et le caractère pluri‐annual du processus de production bovine confronte les planificateurs à un difficile problème d'évaluation des projets liès à ce secteur. Un modèle sectoriel de programmation mathématique a été développé pour aider les planificateurs à analyser objec‐tivement les différents projets envisagés. Le modèle incorpore explicitement le comportement in‐dividuel du producteur et prend en ligne de compte la nature dynamique de la production bovine à travers une formulation pluri‐annuelle en une évaluation endogène des stocks de fin de periode. Afin de prendre entierément en consideration les adjustements transitionnels, on a employé un programme quadratique récursif.

Le Modèle a été spécifié pour la Guyana située en Amerique du Sud. De nouvelles alternatives de production proposées aux éleveurs guyanais ont été téstée et simulée avec ce modèle. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que deux de ces alternatives son viables. Ils démontrent également l'utilité d'un tel modèle comme outil d'évaluation de tels projets.
Blueberry Production in new Brunswick, nova scotia, And Maine: A Reply to wood ET AL.
Authors: Kevan Peter C. , Oppermann Edward B.
Published: July 2010

Wood et al [4] have criticized Kevan's [1] analyses of blueberry production in New Brunswick as related to insecticide applications. Their criticisms have elements of validity, but do not refute in general Kevan's conclusions. That is not to say Kevan's original analyses were not overly simple. However, we present here further arguments which lend strong credence to the essential validity of Kevan's position [1, 2] that blueberry production in New Brunswick has suffered since 1970 because of applications of fenitrothion directed at spruce‐budworm infestations in the forest, but which also have adversely affected native pollinating bees of the blueberry lands. The crucial feature of the criticism is Kevan's choice of the co‐variate, Nova Scotia, with which to compare New Brunswick. Wood et al object to the choice of Nova Scotia because of the presence of positive trend in blueberry production. In order to clarify this objection it is necessary to point out that Kevan used the time period 1960‐75, wheras Wood et al use 1951‐77. The trend coefficients and their significance levels for 1960‐75 for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were —0.017 (p = .849) and 0.251 (p= .047), respectively. These estimates support Wood et al. However, Wood et al go on to argue that Kevan should have used Maine as the comparison; their correct logic up to this point is now used in error.
The Agricultural task force report — The benefit of Hindsight
Authors: Gilson J. Clayton
Published: July 2010

In September 1967, the Federal Government established a Task force on Agriculture which was given the major objective of assessing agricultural goals and policies in Canada. The Task Force submitted its report, Canadian Agriculture In The Seventies, to the Federal Minister of Agriculture in December 1969.
Consumer information on Distributor and Manufacturer Brands of food
Authors: Mccartney Leslie K.
Published: July 2010

Consumer information affirms that distributor brands of food are less expensive than corresponding manufacturer brands1 and that these brands are equal in quality [2, p. 8]. The price difference between these two types of brands thus represents a real gain to the consumer purchasing distributor brands rather than just a case of paying less for lower quality products. Furthermore, one source has estimated that ten per cent of the grocery bill can be saved through purchasing distributor brands [6].

The credibility of this information is open to question however, as few statements concerning the price and quality of these types of brands have been carefully documented in Canada. In the light of the limited empirical support and the substantial consumer benefit involved, the purpose of this study is to test the reported relation between the price and quality of distributor and manufacturer brands.

Establishing a working definition for quality is a key problem encountered in price‐quality analysis. Food quality is multidimensional and its various dimensions may be classified into two broad categories: subjective or sensory attributes such as taste, aroma, appearance; and objective attributes located below the threshold of perception such as nutrients and freedom from harmful micro‐organisms. Because the sensory attributes are more amenable to measurement by non‐food scientists and to variation in hidden attributes being controlled by law, this paper focuses on sensory quality.

The quality and preference concepts overlap to some extent, as the subjective attributes of food are common to both quality and preference. To ensure that “sensory quality” is well distinguished from overall quality, “sensory quality” is referred to as “sensory preference”.

Having gone some distance towards establishing an operational definition of quality, the principal objectives are:

Summary

The findings, though tentative and focused on the sensory component of quality, can scarcely be regarded as providing empirical support for the price‐quality information referred to earlier. Distributor brands were notably less expensive for three‐quarters of the products surveyed. As well, the manufacturer brand was rated significantly higher than at least one distributor brand for four of the ten products subject to sensory evaluation. The results therefore suggest that there is a very general tendency for distributor brands to be priced lower than manufacturer brands and to be of equivalent quality.
On Measuring Farmers' Economic Weil‐Being
Authors: Chase Linda , Lerohl M.L.
Published: July 2010

A measure broader than net farm income has been used to examine the economic well‐being of farmers. The composite measure incorporating farm returns to labor and management, off‐farm income, and net worth values, shows Canadian farmers' economic well‐being has improved in real terms since 1967. However, disparity in the measure among provinces has increased. Off‐farm income and annuities of net worth have increased in importance, relative to the total economic well‐being measure, though at different rates in different provinces, and should not be ignored in agricultural policies and programs.

Two related issues require further attention. One is to examine the interaction of money income and asset ownership within the farm sector; the other is to provide comparison groups in the non‐farm sector which take into account money income and net worth. The annuity approach to net worth may provide an appropriate instrument for comparison.
An Econometric Analysis of Yield Variability in Paddy Production
Authors: Kalirajan K.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this paper is to extend the specification of conventional production functions to a stochastic production frontier in order to explain productivity differences among firms. This involves explicitly incorporating the random variability, which is beyond the farm operator's control, and the true farmer specific variability, which is under his control, into the model. Assuming a Cobb‐Douglas production relationship, the model was estimated by the maximum likelihood method. Using the estimated results, the causes for the farmer specific variability were identified. Farmers' understanding of the technology and access to extension advice were the most important factors influencing yield variability.

L'objectifde cette communication est d'étendre la spécification desfonctions deproduction convenlionelle à la limite dune production stochaslique dans le but d'expliguer les différences de productivité entre firmes. Ceci implique l'incorporation au modele d'une part de la variabilité dûe au hasard el hors du contrôle de l'agriculteur, d'autre part de la variability specifique à I'agriculteur qu'il peut contrôler. Supposant un rapport de production Cobb‐Douglas. le modèle a été eslime par la methode de probabilité maximum. Utilisant les resultals estimés. les motifs de la variabilité spécifique de I'agriculteur om été identifiés. La compréhension par l'agriculteur de la technologie el l'accès au conseil d'extension ont été les plus importants facteurs affectanl la variabilité des rendemenls.
AN EVALUATION OF PRICING PERFORMANCE OF THE CANADIAN FEED GRAINS POLICY
Authors: Storey Gary G. , Kulshreshtha Surendra N.
Published: July 2010

Models, both theoretical and econometric, were developed to examine the pricing performance of the Canadian feed grains policy. An 18 equation econometric model, comprising three levels; farm, Canadian Wheat Board and domestic open market, provided the means to measure intermarket price relationships empirically. The model was further simulated for two policy situations, changes in domestic barley stocks and exports.

The analytical results support the theoretical contention that the structure of the feed grains market (policy) does not lead to price efficiency. Results showed that performance was dependent upon Canadian Wheat Board export policy and producer marketing decisions which in turn are influenced by the feed grains policy and associated marketing structure.

Des modèles théoriques et des modèles économétriques ont été développés avec le but d'examiner le fonctionnement, à l'ègard des prix, de la politique des grains alimentaires au Canada. Un modéle économetrique àéquations, comprenant trois niveaux; la ferme, La Commission Canadienne du Blé, et le marché libre domestique; a produit le moyen de mesurer empiriquement les rapports entre les cours de marche. Le modèle a ètè simulé, en addition, pour examiner deux situations politiques, les changements dans les stocks domestiques et dans les expoetations de l'orge. Les résultats analytiques donnent appui à l'hypothèse théorique que la structure du marché des grains alimentaires (la politique) ne mène pas à l'efficacité de la détermination des prix. Les résultats ont montré que le fonctionnement dépendait de la politique d'exportation de la Commission Canadienne du Blé et des décisions marchandes des producteurs qui, à leur tour, sont influencées par la politique des grains alimentaires et par la structure marchande y associée.
Economies of Size in Grain Farming in Saskatchewan and the Potential Impact of Rail Rationalization Proposals
Authors: Fleming Marion S. , Uhm Ihn H.
Published: July 2010

This paper empirically examines the economies of size in both grain production and distribution by farm truck in Saskatchewan by using farm level data, and confirms that economies of size prevail. The examination also shows that economies of size in farm trucking reinforce the economies in production. The policy implication is such that the potential impact of an increase in rail freight rates and branch line abandonment would have a differential impact on individual producer's net income by farm size.

En utilisant les données relev'ees au niveau des fermes, ce document examine d'une façon empirique les exploitations agricoles de la Saskatchewan importantes tant du point de vue de la production céréaliere que de la distribution par camionnage et confirme que ce genre d'exploitations prédomine. L'analyse montre aussi que le camionnage par gros tonnage renforce la production. L'impact potentiel d'une augmentation des tarifs ferroviaires et I'abandon des voies d'embranchement auraient un impact sur le revenu net de chaque producteur variant selon la grandeur de son exploitation.
An Econometric Model of the Colombian Beef Sector: 1950–1970
Authors: Gutierrez Nestor F. , Boer A. John De , Ospina Enrique
Published: July 2010

Recent theoretical and empirical studies of beef cattle producers by Barros, Jarvis, Nores, Reutlinger, and Yver have focused on producers' supply response assuming cattle represent consumption goods and capital goods. To differentiate producer price response for cattle sold as consumption goods and cattle retained as capital goods requires data on herd and slaughter age‐sex structure. This has limited the range of econometric work which could be carried out in many developing countries. This study utilizes a time series of the Colombian cattle herd which was recently constructed by Rivas and Valdes and which has the necessary age‐sex and slaughter data to develop a complete system of structural equations representing the simultaneous determination of demand and supply for Colombian cattle over the 1950–1970 period.
Agro Service Rings as a Tool for Reducing Costs on Family Farms
Authors: Fobes Walter
Published: July 2010

This study assesses savings in machinery investment and hourly costs under Agro Service Ring (ASR) conditions for spring operations in Queens County, Prince Edward Island. Depending on various assumptions, machinery investment savings from 50 to 90 percent may be possible, though high levels of co‐operation and agro management are required. The study indicates that larger farmers may not benefit significantly from savings in hourly machinery costs, but they would likely benefit from a reliable labor supply and from lower machinery investment, which frees capital for alternative investment. The smaller farmers would benefit considerably from lower hourly machinery costs. Part‐time and semi‐retired farmers, however, may not perceive a need for an ASR.

Qualitative, social and not‐readily‐quantifiable long term benefits of ASRs are probably considerable: for instance, farmers can specialize in machinery ownership rather than enterprise, thus permitting crop diversification, lower risks, soil conservation, and so on. Public support for ASRs during their lengthy “running in” periods would thus be warranted.

Cette étude évalue les économies réalisees sur l'investissement et le coút horaire de machines agricoles dans le cadre de l'Agro Service Ring (ASR), á la saison du printemps dans le comté de Queens (Ile du Prince Edouard). En fonction d'hypotheses variées, il est possible d'économiser enlre 50 et 90 pour cent sur les investissements en machines, bien que cela exige un haul niveau de coopération et de gestion agronomique. L'étude indique que les gros fermiers peuvent ne pas bénéficier sensiblemenl des économies faites sur le coút horaire des machines; par contre, ils pourraient bénéficier d'une offre en main‐d'oeuvre fiable et d'investissements en machines moins élevés, ce qui permet d'utiliser le capital sous d'autres formes d'investissements. Les petits fermiers tireraient des bénéfices considérables si le coút horaire des machines était moins élevé. Pourtant les fermiers á temps partiel el en demi‐retraite peuvent ne pas ressentir le besoin d'un ASR.

Les avantages á long terme des ASR, avantages qualitatifs, sociaux, et ceux que l'on peut difficilement quantifier á l'heure actuelle, sont sans doute considérables: par exemple, les fermiers peuvent choisir d‘étre propriétaires de machines plutǒt qu'entrepreneurs, favorisant de ce fait la diversification des cultures, des risques moindres, la conservation des sols, etc. L ’appui du public en faveur des ASR pendant leur longue periode de “rǒdage” serait ainsi jus‐tifié.
Agricultural Land Prices: The Effect of the Terms of a Sale
Authors: Gray Edward C. , Prentice Barry E.
Published: July 2010

Cash sales are often made at a discount. This is as true for farmland as it is for commodities purchased in everyday commerce.

A recent investigation of agricultural land prices in the central part of Wellington County, Ontario, since the mid‐1920s confirms the lower price that all‐cash can secure, but it finds that price does not increase progressively as the proportion of cash decreases. This seemingly aberrant behavior of farmland price is satisfactorily explained by three separate effects. The first is related to the security potential of loans on different terms; the second, to the market for mortgages; while the third concerns interest rates.
Alternative Hedging Strategies for an Alberta Feedlot Operator
Authors: Caldwell J. , Copeland J. , Hawkins M.
Published: July 2010

This paper examines the feasibility of a Canadian producer using the U.S. futures markets to hedge specific products. “Multihedging” refers lo a situation where a producer uses several hedges to hedge both inputs and outputs and in doing so locks in a profit margin on his operation or minimizes his losses. In particular, the paper examines the feasibility of hedging two inputs (barley and feeder cattle) and one output (fat cattle). The Chicago Board of Trade corn contract is used to hedge barley; the Chicago Mercantile Exchange feeder cattle contract to hedge feeder cattle; and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle contract to hedge fat cattle. These hedges are evaluated in terms of the level of returns to the producer, the primary conclusion being that during the period from September, 1975, to January, 1978. an Alberta feedlot operator could have increased his income level by hedging, but in doing so. he would have incurred a greater degree of instability.

Cette communication examine la faisabilité pour un producteur canadien d'utiliser le marchéà terme amèricain pour arbitrer desproduits spècifiques. Dans un “multiarbitrage,” un producteur se livre à plusieurs arbitrages sur les entrèes et les sorties; cefaisant, il obtient une marge bénéficiaire ou minimise ses pertes. Cette communication examine en particulier la faisabilité d'arbitrer deux entrèes (orge et betail destinè a la boucherie) et une sortie (bétail engraissè). On utilise le contrat de maïs du “Chicago Board of Trade” pour arbitrer I'orge, le contrat des animaux de boucherie du “Chicago Mercantile Exchange” pour arbitrer les animaux de boucherie, le contrat de bétes sur pied du “Chicago Mercantile Exchange” pour arbitrer le bétail engraissé. On évalue ces arbitrages en fonclion des revenus qu'ils rapportent auproducteur tels que mesuréspar la moyenne et enfonction des variations dans les revenus tels que mesurées par l‘écart.
Pricing of Rail Branch Line Services
Authors: Wilson William W. , Tyrchniewicz E. W.
Published: July 2010

The deterioration of the extensive branch line network of the railway system in western Canada can be attributed to initial overbuilding by the railways and to regulations retarding and/or prohibiting branch line abandonment despite economic pressures for a rationalized system. The problem is further aggravated by the statutory grain rate structure, which does not differentiate between branch line and nearby main line origins. Consequently, farmers are not forced to evaluate relative rail transport costs associated with delivery options. Pricing rules, consistent with economic efficiency criteria, for financing branch line service are specified in this paper.

Le réseau ferroviaire des lignes d'embranchement dans l'Ouest du Canada est en très mauvais état. Ceci s'explique par une trop forte densité de construction ferroviaire et par les reglementations retardant et/ou interdisant /abandon des lignes d'embranchement. bien que les pressions économiques dictent un sysfème plus rationnel. Le probleme est accru par la structure du tarif du grain imposé par la loi qui ne distingue pas entre ligne d'embranchement et ligne principale. En consequence, les agriculteurs n ont pas à estimer le coût relatif du transport par train associé aux livraisons. On mettra ici en relief la politique des prix compatibles avec des crières d'efficacitééconomique et destinès à fmancer les lignes d'embranchement.
Consumer Surplus from Public Water Works
Authors: Sigurdson Dale G.
Published: July 2010

Towns and villages in the prairie provinces have always had the problem of inadequate water systems. Either the system is undersized or the source is inadequate. Towns are, therefore, required to raise money for the construction of new systems. Since water is frequently a declining cost utility, marginal cost pricing results in inadequate revenue to total cost. Yet optimal allocation of resources requires the equation of marginal costs and revenues. Towns are forced, then, to look to other sources of funding, particularly public agencies.
Risk Analysis in the Theory of the Firm: An Old Problem Revisited
Authors: Gray R. S. , Furtan W. H.
Published: July 2010

Risk and uncertainty are key components of decision‐making. The theory of the firm has been modified to incorporate risk and uncertainty in various ways. This paper incorporates the notion of survival and loss in the owner's equity with Arrow's theory of risk‐bearing. The paper puts forth the argument that risk‐averse behavior may be observed because of the chance of survival rather than from utility. Some simulation results of a representative farm are also reported.

Le risque el l'incertitude sont les facteurs clefs d'une prise de décision. La thèorie de la ftrme a été modifiee, afin d'y incorporer, de manîeres differentes, le risque et I'incertitude. Cette étude allie à lafois la notion de survivance et celle deperte dans I'equite du propriétaire, selon la théorie d'Arrow, Iraitant de la capacile a supporter le risque. L'étude met en relief I'argument que le risque, par opposition au comporlement peut être observé plus par rapport au hasard de survivance que du point de vue de l'utilité. Quelques résultats de simulation d'une ferme caracterislique sont aussi reportés.
A Regional Analysis of Productivity Change in Canadian Agriculture, with Special Reference to Energy Prices
Authors: Chan M. W. Luke , Mountain Dean C.
Published: July 2010

By using a profit specification for the agricultural sector instead of the conventional value‐added production formulation, this paper explains changes to regional productivity in Canada in terms of changes in output prices, material prices, energy prices, capital deepening and technical progress. The results indicate that ignoring variable input and output price increases will generally result in an overstatement of the rate of technical progress. Most notably, in the 1973‐79 period, energy price increases caused a reduction in average labor productivity, though increased capital deepening and rising output prices offset price increases for energy and other materials.

C'est en subsliluant une spécification du gain pour le secleur agricole à la formulation classique de la valeur ajoutée de la production, que cette communication explique les changements regionaux de la productivité au Canada en fonction des changements du rendement el des prix des matériaux el de ľénergie, en plus des changements du rapport capital/main‐ďoeuvre el du progrès technique. Les résultals indiquent que si on ne tenait aucun compte des augmentations variables des prix ďenlrée el de sortie. ľaccélération du progrès technique serait, en général, exagéré. Pendant les années 1973 à 1979 en particulier, les augmentations des prix de ľénergie onl donné lieu à une réduction de la productivité moyenne de la main‐ďoeuvre. Néanmoins, ľaugmentation du rapport capital/main‐ďoeuvre el les prix croissants du rendement onl compensé les hausses des prix de ľénergie el ďaulres matériaux.
Adjusting the Seasonality of Milk Shipments in Canada: Problems, Economic Impacts and Potential Policies
Authors: Caine Richard J. H. , Stonehouse D. Peter
Published: July 2010

High‐summer / low‐winter patterns of milk production and shipments (or seasonality of milk shipments) give rise to capacity utilization problems and attendant additional costs in the transportation, processing and distribution sectors of the dairy industry. While it is technically possible to modify the natural seasonal pattern, it may not be economically optimal to do so. This may in part explain the highly seasonal pattern of industrial milk shipments in Canada. and may suggest the need for policy incentives to induce an y adjustment.

Linear programming models were used to analyze a small sample of highly seasonal dairy farms in Ontario. It was found that uniform shipment patterns would reduce farm profits only marginally (up to $240). Profit‐maximizing scenarios were associated with even greater levels of seasonality than actually existed on these farms. Policy measures such as quarterly quotas and winter subsidy premiums were found to be effective in reducing the seasonality of milk shipments. It was concluded that these or alternative policy incentives would be necessary for inducing a uniform milk shipment pattern in Canada, in view of the negative impacts on farm profits of adopting a uniform pattern.

Les modèles saisonniers de la production laitiére et de ses livraisons donnenl lieu à des problèmes ďutilisation de capacilé et des coiits supplementaires dans les secteurs de la production, de la distribution el du transport de ľinduslrie laitière. Pourtant il sepeul qu'il soil sans but lucralif de modifier ce moďele naturel. Ceci peul expliquer en partie le caractére extrémemenl saisonnier des livraisons de lait induslriel au Canada, et peul suggérer également le besoin ďuliliser des stimulants de politique agricole pour causer de ľajustement.

Cet exposé présenle ľapplication de modèles deprogrammation linéaire à un petit nombre de fermes laitières onlariennes, qui son! caractérisées par une production extremémenl saisonnière, à permis de constater les résultats suivants: ľadoption ďun échelonnemenl uniforme des livraisons tout au long de ľannée diminuerail les profits des exploitationns agricoles non plus que 240 dollars; les scénarios les plus profitables sont ceux qui sonl les plus saisonniers– on n'a pas vu pourlanl de lels scénarios aux fermes analysées; ľutilisation des mesures de politique agricole telles que des quotas trimeslriels el des primes à la production hivernale est éfficace pourfaire plus uniformes les livraisons laitières.

Finalement, on conclul que des stimulants de politique agricole seraient nécéssaires pour développer au Canada un modèle de production laitière caractérisé par un étalement uniforme des livraisons de lair tout au long de ľannée, el ceci à cause des effets négatifs ďun tel modèle sur les profits des exploitations agricoles.
Consumer Welfare and the Livestock Economy in the United States
Authors: Anderson Ronald , Wilkinson Maurice
Published: July 2010

This paper analyzes the responsiveness of the U.S. meal and poultry economy to government policies and other exogenous shocks. In particular, it focuses on the measurement of changes to consumer welfare. An explicit econometric model represents the supply of fed beef, non‐fed beef, pork, and poultry. The interaction between the livestock and feed grain markets is captured by an econometric model of the supply and demand for corn. Consumers are represented by a complete system of consumer demand equations.

The model is used for a partial analysis of the welfare effects of an actual agricultural policy decision – the sale of large quantities of grains to the Soviet Union in the third quarter of 1972. The loss to consumers that is attributable to the increased grain exports did not reach its maximum until the second quarter of 1975. It is estimated that from 1973 to 1975 consumers suffered a reduction of meat consumption that they valued at $4.5 billion (U.S.). Furthermore, the effects of grain exports proved far larger than the losses due to the poor harvests of 1973 and 1974. Finally, attempts to shelter consumers from the effects of the increased corn exports, either by increased beef imports or increased grain price supports, would have had little success in compensating for the welfare loss actually suffered.

Ce papier fail ľanalvse de la réponse des secleurs de ľéconomie quant au bétail et à la volatile aux Flats‐Unis, leur reponse à la politique gouvernementale et àďaulres coups exterieurs. En particulier, ce papier se concentre sur la mésure des changements au bien‐étre des consommateurs. Un modèle économélrique qui est explicite représente ľapprovisionnement du boeuf brouiè, du boeuf non‐broutè, du pore el de la volatile. Lcar;action réciproque entre le marché de bélail et ie marché de grains est monlré par un modèle economelrique de ľoffre et de la demande pour mats. Un système des équations représente la demande des consommateurs. On utilise le modèle pour ohtenir une analyse parlielle des effeis en ce qui concerne le bien‐étre des consommateurs par suite ďune décision faite ďune politique agricole – celle de la vente de grandes quantités de grains àľUnion soviétique au troisième quartier de ľannée 1972. Laperte aux consommateurs qui est imputable aux exportations augmentées de grain n'apas alteinl son maximum jusqu'au deuxième quartier de 1975. On a eslimé que de 1973 à 1975 les consommateurs ont essuyé une réduction de la consommation de viande qu'ils ont evaluée à$4.5 milliard (en dollars des Etats‐Unis). En outre, les effeis des exponations de grain se sont révélés bien grands que les effets des moissons maigres de 1973 el 1974. Finalement, des efforts de protéger les consommateurs contre les effets des exportations augmentees de maìs, ou par des importations augmentees de boeufou par augmenter le soutien pour le prix du grain auraient eu peu de succès à remplacer les pertes en fait essuyées.
An Economic Evaluation of Formula Pricing for Fluid Milk
Authors: Mansell Robert L. , Wright Robert W. , Kerr William A.
Published: July 2010

For a number of reasons, the pricing of fluid milk in Canada is not subject to the rigors of the market. Given this, questions arise as to the appropriate form of regulated pricing. An increasingly common method is the use of formulas. A large number of possible formulas exist and the main types are outlined in this paper. In addition, each is evaluated in terms of a set of objectives and operational criteria, and a format for establishing a preferred pricing system is suggested.

Pour plusieurs raisons la fixation du prix du lait fluide au Canada n'est pas sujette aux rigueurs du marché. Étant donné cette situation, des questions se présentent quant à la methode fixer le prix du lait fluide. line méthode de plus en plus courante d'utiliser une formule. Un grand nombre deformulespossibles existe, et les differentes sortes sont exposées dans cet article. Cet article suggère la sorte de formule qui établira des prix qui satisfont l'intérél public comme les agences régulatrices le définissent. Ensuite, des formules canadiennes courantes sont comparées à une telle formule.
An Economic Evaluation of Crop Rotations in Southwestern Saskatchewan
Authors: Zentner R. P. , Campbell C. A. , Read D. W. L. , Anderson C. H.
Published: July 2010

This study reports on an economic analysis of twelve crop rotations considered feasible for southwestern Saskatchewan. The results suggest that producers in this region should consider selecting a more intensive cropping system than has been the tradition. The three‐year fallow‐wheat‐wheat rotation with recommended rates of nitrogen and phosphorus (N and P) fertilizers provided the highest expected net returns under most reasonable input cost and product price assumptions. Expected net returns for the traditional two‐year wheat rotation and for the continuous wheat rotation averaged about 24 percent lower. The application of recommended rates of N fertilizer increased expected net farm income for the three‐year and continuous wheat rotations by 6.6 and 10.5 percent, respectively. Use of P fertilizer in the three‐year wheat rotation increased expected net farm income by an average of 20.6 percent. Average production costs increased as the proportion of summerfallow in the rotation decreased. Break‐even stubble /fallow yield ratios that provided equivalent net returns from stubble and fallow cropping averaged 64 percent for the three‐year wheat rotation and 76 percent for the continuous wheat rotation. Annual income variability was greatest for the continuous crop rotations and lowest for the two‐year wheat rotation.

Cette étude résume l'analyse économique de douze rotations de cultures jugées viables dans le Sud‐Ouest de la Saskatchewan. Les résultats suggérent que les producteurs de cette région ont avanlage à considérer un systéme de production plus intensif que de par le passé. Les meilleurs revenus nets anticipés pour la plupart des suppositions raisonables des coúts de production et des prix des den rées furent accomptis avec la rotation de trois ans jachére‐blé‐bléfertilisée selon les recommendations en S et P. Les revenues nets anticipés avec la rotation traditionnelle de blé de deux ans (jachére‐blé) et la rotation de blé continu furent en moyenne approximativement 24 pour‐cent plus bas que la meilleure rotation. L'emploi d'engrais azotés aux taux recommendés augmenta le revenu net anticipé de 6,6 pour‐cent pour la rotation de blé de trois ans et de 10.5 pour‐cent pour la rotation de blé continu. L'amendement du sol en phosphate augmenta le revenu net anticipé de 20.6 pour‐cent dans la rotation de blè de trois ans. Les coúrts deproduction augmentirènt à mesure que la proportion de Ierre en jachire duns la rotation diminuait. Les taux d'èquilibre des rendemenis chaume/jachire produisant des revenus nets equivalentr pour la culture sur le chaume el la jachire furenl en moyenne 64 pour‐cent pour la rotation de blè de trois ans et 76 pour‐cent pour la rotation de blè continu. La variabilite du revenu annuel fut la plus grande pour les rotations de culiures continues el la plus foible pour la rotation de blè de deux ans.
Including Imperfect Competition in Spatial Equilibrium Models
Authors: Nelson Carl H. , McCarl Bruce A.
Published: July 2010

Following Martin's paper on quadratic spatial equilibrium models this paper presents ways to incorporate imperfect competition in these models by altering the objective function of the quadratic program. This paper shows how the standard Cournot and Slackelberg equilibria may be modelled. The paper also describes the new theoretical models of consistent conjectural variations and how they may be translated into quadratic spatial equilibrium models. Situations that are likely to be modelled are discussed and appropriate models are presented. More complicated equilibria that cannot be modelled by simple adjustment of the quadratic objective function are also discussed.

Aprés la composition de Martin sur les modeles de L'équilibre quadratique et spatial, nous presentons des moyens d'incorprer la compétition imparfaite dans ces modeles en modifiant la fonction objective du programe quadratique. Nous montrons comment on peut modeler les équilibres Cournot et Stackelberg. Nous décrivons aussi les nouveaux modeles théoriques des variations consistentes et conjecturales, et comment ils peuvent éytre traduits en modeles de l'équilibre quadratique et spatial. Nous discutons les situations qui peuvent probablement étre modelées et nous presentons des modeles qui nous semblent appropriés. Nous discutons aussi des équilibres plus compliqués qui ne peuvent pas étre modelés par un simple ajustement de la fonction objective et quadratique.
Consumer Demand Analysis at Agriculture Canada — Past and Future
Authors: Hassan Zuhair A. , Johnson S. R.
Published: July 2010

This paper traces the development of consumer demand analysis at Agriculture Canada for the period 1972 to 1982 and identifies areas for future work. The objectives of this exercise are threefold: (I) to assess existing empirical results, emphasizing problems in specifying, estimating and evaluating alternative models; (2) to make the benefit of the Canadian experience available to applied researchers in Canada and other countries who are investigating the structure of consumer demand; and (3) to provide perspective for future analyses of consumer demand.

Cet article retrace le développement de l'analyse de la demande des consommateurs de 1972 à 1982 à Agriculture Canada el ètahlit les champs d'intérét du travail à venir. Le but de cette mise en perspective se divise en trois: (1) évaleur les résullats empiriques déjà obtenus en mettant l'accent sur la spécificiation, l'estimation et l'évaluation de modeles de remplacement, (2) rendre les avantages de expérience canadienne disponible aux specialistes de la recherche appliquée du Canada et de l'étranger qui étudient la structure de la demande de consommation et, (3) fournir des perspectives pour d'éventuelles analyses de la demande des consommateurs.
A Comparison of Extra Market Benefit Evaluation Techniques: Comment
Authors: Kooten G. C. Van
Published: July 2010

In the November 1983 issue of this Journal, Adamowicz and Phillips (hereafter ASP) compare several methods for evaluating the recreational benefits of fishing in Alberta. Unfortunately, their analysis exhibits a number of theoretical and methodological errors which reflect upon the usefulness of their empirical results. I point out four major problems.
An Analysis of Public Agricultural Research in the Canadian Prairie Provinces
Authors: Brooks H.G. , Furtan W.H.
Published: July 2010

Research expenditures in agriculture have come under close scrutiny in Canada. This paper describes the agricultural research system in Canada, develops an economic model to explain research expenditures and estimate the model for the Canadian prairies. Economic variables do explain research expenditures.

This study has developed a four‐equation model of agricultural research in Canada using some aspects of special interest theory, institutional theory and economic variables. The demand, supply and allocation equations were developed with special reference to the Canadian agricultural research sector and the more restrictive prairie agricultural research sector. The conceptual model developed is designed to explain the allocation of public expenditures on commodity specific applied research. The reduced‐form equation of the model was estimated for 6 commodity classes (2 crops, 4 livestock groups) to test the applicability of the model over the commodity groups.

The evaluation of the reduced‐form equation model and the implications that derive from it give an interesting view of the Canadian research sector. Some variables did perform as a priori expected with relative consistency and certain equations performed very well. These results lead to some implications for the Canadian agricultural research sector.

The general performance of the reduced‐form equation and its ability to explain the total variation of expenditures on commodity specific agricultural research gives limited support to the model developed. Nevertheless the results tend to indicate that agricultural research is responsive to economic and institutional variables.
Economics of Optimization of Fat Levels in Turkey Diets
Authors: Wilson Hoyt G. , Kagan Albert
Published: July 2010

Although a good deal of empirical research is available on the measurement of turkey body weight gain response to fat supplementation, none has attempted to study the economics of optimizing fat level in turkey diets. This study focuses on deriving the optimal fat level in turkey diets. The methodology used should also apply to any nonruminant species (swine and poultry).
The Theory of the Farm Household: An Application to Saskatchewan
Authors: Arthur Louise H. , van Kooten G.C.
Published: July 2010

A theoretical model is presented which integrates the consumption and production components of the rural household. A theoretically determined system of expenditure equations, derived factor demand equations and an off‐farm labor supply equation are estimated using primary data for Saskatchewan farm households. From the empirical results we conclude that if the wage rate can be observed or estimated, the farm household's behavior can be explained empirically in a manner consistent with received theory.

Summary and Conclusions

A theoretical model integrating the consumption and production sides of the farm household or enterprise is estimated empirically using primary data for Saskatchewan farm households. The farm household was assumed to maximize its utility function subject to farm production and cash flow constraints. The empirical results indicate that the theoretical model can be estimated successfully even when data are sparse. While the coefficients for the expenditure, derived demand, and off‐farm labor supply equations are consistent with coefficients from similar equations estimated separately by others, the theoretically more precise integrated approach specifies the simultaneous effect of the variables across equations.

From the empirical results and the theoretical considerations it is obvious that the wage rate is a key explanatory variable in the model. The wage rate links the three components of the model–final expenditures, the derived input demands and off‐farm labor hours. The wage rate is one determinant of the allocation of the operator's time (although other factors such as the nature of the operation and opportunities to work off‐farm dominated in this study), and both the wage rate and the allocation of the time determine the eventual income available to the rural household. In essence, then, the problem of explaining farm household behavior when the household's business enterprise function cannot be separated from its consumption activity is similar to that of traditional models based on the theory of the firm and models of consumer behavior. The only difference is that the wage rate is observable in the traditional models but needs to be estimated as a shadow price in models which seek to explain rural household behavior. As a result, research in this area must start with an explanation of the allocation of (at least) the operator's labor and a measure of the shadow wage rate. If the entire household's allocation of time between on‐farm and off‐farm labor and leisure is determined, it is possible to treat its consumption and production activities separately. Further research is required to extend the model to explain household labor supply to both the farm and off‐farm labor markets.
The Prospects for Export of Primal Beef Cuts to California*
Authors: Gillis K. G. , White C. D. , Ulmer S. M. , Kerr W. A. , Kwaczek A. S.
Published: July 2010

The west coast of the United States has been suggested as a large potential market for Alberta beef products. The paper presents a formal investigation of this market for primal beef cuts. Three aspects are covered; the compatability of Canadian and United States grading and cutting specifications, the profitability of such exports using historical data, and the availability of market information to Canadian producers. The results suggest that the Alberta industry could increase profits considerably by entering the United States market but that the process will require considerable flexibility and a commitment to improved market information.
Evaluating Fluid Milk Advertising in Ontario: The Importance of Functional Form
Authors: Venkateswaran Meenakshi , Kinnucan Henry W.
Published: July 2010

Generic advertising and promotion of milk and milk products have assumed increasing importance in Canada over the past two decades. The present research evaluates the Ontario generic fluid milk advertising campaign and determines the functional form that best describes the response of sales to advertising. The research also investigates whether appropriate amounts are being spent on fluid milk advertising.

Empirical results indicate the generic fluid milk advertising program has significantly increased milk consumption. Using the empirically preferred inverse functional form, we estimate Ontario fluid milk sales to have increased by 40 million litres during the last quarter of 1984 as a result of increased advertising. The associated increase in farm income is estimated at $16 million, or $24 per additional media dollar invested. Results indicate that the computed optimal spending levels are sensitive to functional form selection, and the empirically preferred inverse form suggests fluid milk advertising expenditures can profitably be increased to 1.7 times the current rate.

La publicité et la promotion génériques du lait et des produits laitiers a gagné de plus en plus d'importance au Canada au cours des deux dernières décennies. On a tenté d'évaluer la campagne de publicité générique sur le lait de consommation lancée en Ontario et de trouver la fonction qui décrit le mieux la réaction des ventes à la publicité. On a également vérifié si le budget consacréà la publicitéétait suffisant.

Les résultats empiriques indiquent que le programme de publicité générique a augmenté sensiblement la consommation de lait. Selon la méthode empirique de la fonction inverse prérérée, les ventes de lait frais en Ontario ont augmenté de 40 millions de litres au cours du dernier trimestre de 1984 à la suite d'une publicité plus intense. Les recettes agricoles ont donc progressé d'environ 16 $millions, soit de 24 S par dollar investi. Ces résultats montrent que le budget optimal dépend du type de publicité retenu et la fonction inverse préférée suggère qu'il serait rentable d'accroêtre le budget publicitaire actuel du lait de consommation de 1,7 fois.
Traceability in the Canadian Red Meat Sector: Do Consumers Care?
Authors: Hobbs Jill E. , Bailey DeeVon , Dickinson David L. , Haghiri Morteza
Published: July 2010

Increased traceability of food and food ingredients through the agri‐food chain has featured in recent industry initiatives in the Canadian livestock sector and is an important facet of the new Canadian Agricultural Policy Framework (APF). While traceability is usually implicitly associated with ensuring food safety and delivering quality assurances, there has been very little economic analysis of the functions of traceability systems and the value that consumers place on traceability assurances. This paper examines the economic incentives for implementing traceability systems in the meat and livestock sector. Experimental auctions are used to assess the willingness to pay of Canadian consumers for a traceability assurance, a food safety assurance, and an on‐farm production method assurance for beef and pork products. Results from these laboratory market experiments provide insights into the relative value for Canadian consumers of traceability and quality assurances. Traceability, in the absence of quality verification, is of limited value to individual consumers. Bundling traceability with quality assurances has the potential to deliver more value.