Effect of Input Level and Cropping Diversity on
Economic Returns from Cropping Systems in the Semiarid Canadian Prairies. (3987)
Authors:
D.D. Wall* - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, R.P. Zentner - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current, SK S.A. Brandt - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Scott, SK
C.A. Campbell - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, ON
Abstract:
Growers are questioning the merits of conventional high-input production
agriculture. This study compared costs and returns for 9 cropping systems (all 6 yr in length) in west-central Saskatchewan, representing 3 levels of input use (High -fertilizers and pesticides as required; Reduced -reduced rates of fertilizer,
pesticides, and tillage; and Organic -non-chemical pest control and legume green manure) and 3 levels of cropping diversity [monoculture cereals (LOW); diversified using annual grains (DAG); and diversified using annual grains and perennial
forages (DAP)]. Over the 1996-2003 period, their economic performance depended greatly on the price premiums received for organically grown grains. The DAG systems were most profitable under wet conditions despite higher costs of
production, while LOW systems were best under dry conditions. The DAP systems were generally not economically competitive. With respect to the input levels, use of High Input management was more profitable in wet years when the response to management inputs was greatest. The Reduced Input treatments, with their lower cash outlays, performed well in drought years. Use of Organic management was more profitable than either High or Reduced Input management when the 4-yr (1996-99) average organic price premiums were received. These findings bode well for organic growers who are fully certified; but, they also suggest that for new organic growers incomes may be lower during the 3-yr certification period.
Speaker Information: David Wall, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Swift Current,, Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre, Box 1030, Swift Current, SK S9H 3X2;
Phone: 306 778-7285; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Wednesday, November 3, 2004, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Presentation Start: 10:00 AM (Poster Board Number: 2138)
Keywords: cropping systems; economic returns; production costs; riskiness