Researchers: Danny LeRoy, Kurt Klein, University of Lethbridge
Research Summary
The proposed project involves the collection, organization, synthesis and tabulation of information related to production costs on cow-calf and feedlot enterprises in Southern Alberta. Data will be collected through standardized panel interviews with cow-calf and feedlot enterprises. Secondary data will be obtained from a variety of sources including Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The collected information will be organized according to the criteria specified by the International Farm Comparison Network (IFCN is headquartered in Braunschweig, Germany) for use in an ongoing related research endeavor that compares costs of production across several countries.
Significance of Research
Patterns of production and consumption shift as trade barriers across international boundaries are erected or removed. This has important implications for not only for livestock production and marketing activities but for other primary and manufacturing sectors as well. Producers in different regions have advantages and disadvantages which may make them more effective in satisfying the wants of final consumers. To compare the enterprises in various regions a consistent set of evaluative criteria is needed. Standardized criteria enable producers, agribusinesses and agricultural policy makers to understand the implications of shifts in supply to regions having a comparative advantage in production.
Summary of Research Results: Yet to come.