Derek G. Brewin

The effects of spring versus summer calving on beef cattle economic performance in western Canada

Khakbazan, M., Durunna, O. N., Sirski, T. K., Brewin, D. G., Huang, J., Berry, N., Iwaasa, A. D., Scott, S. L., Robins, C. D., Block, H. C. and Lardner, H. A. 2015. The effects of spring versus summer calving on beef cattle economic performance in western Canada. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 475-486. The choice of calving date influences the net revenue of a calving operation as it affects the number of days that calves spend in each feeding phase and when they are subsequently marketed. These two factors determine the costs, revenue, and risk (variance) of each calving system for the calving phase of a beef system. The majority of cow-calf producers in western Canada have adopted early calving (EC) in spring due to management factors. However, late calving (LC) in the summer is an alternative beef calving system associated with higher returns due to lower system costs and higher beef prices. It may offer a better match between cow nutritional requirements and pasture availability. The objective of this study was to compare the revenues and risks for a traditional EC system and an alternative LC system at three sites in western Canada. Biological and economic data from three field experimental sites in western Canada (Brandon Research Centre in Manitoba, Western Beef Development Centre in Lanigan, Saskatchewan and Semi-Arid Prairie Agriculture Research Centre in Swift Current, Saskatchewan) were used to determine the costs and benefits of the alternative beef calving system. The results showed that even though the EC has higher cost than the LC, the EC is slightly better than LC in terms of higher net revenue potential, but it comes at a greater risk due to higher revenue variances. The EC system is usually more preferable for risk-neutral producers, whereas the LC system is more preferable for risk-averse producers.

The value of a novel biotechnology: Lessons from Canada’s canola crop and implications for China

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of changing biotechnology and intellectual property rights (IPRs), institutions, and policies for Canadian crop development related to oilseed rape or “canola” as a case study. Implications for China as it considers regulatory and institutional change related to private sector incentives to invest in biotechnology are also discussed. Design/methodology/approach - The authors assess the effects of introducing biotechnology and IPRs in the Canadian oilseed sector over time. Data on the rate of return on agricultural research in general are presented and then the focus moves to the impacts for farmers in Canada. New data are gathered to estimate recent gains in the benefit of biotechnology advancements for farmers. Furthermore, the evolution of agricultural research in China is briefly presented, and a discussion follows that considers Canadian evidence and the possible applicability of the impacts to China. Findings - The results support earlier studies identifying gains from agricultural research and show that private sector investments in Canada are now much higher than public sector investments and thus institutional innovations have been a powerful trigger to improve productivity. The gains from biotechnology for farmers are now over CND 1 billion per year in Canada. Research limitations/implications - The research gains measured are for Canada so should be applied to China’s situation only as a potential for gains. Practical implications - While more work is needed to identify reasonable institutional incentives to generate private investment in China’s biotechnology industry, the potential impact in the Canadian canola sector highlights the importance of continuing the investment in biotechnology, and the need for appropriate policies and regulations to spur private investment. Social implications - Biotechnology greatly improved the welfare of farmers in Canada. Much of the gain the authors find was in improved yields and lower herbicide costs that improved farmer profits. Privatization of breeding was a key step in this transformation. Originality/value - The paper contributes an updated review of Canadian intellectual property institutions related to biotechnology, and an updated measure of gains at the farm level. It also begins the analysis of the applicability of these institutional changes for China.

A review of farm level responses to nutrient regulations in Manitoba, Canada

Abstract Since 1998, the Province of Manitoba in Canada has regulated livestock manure management by linking manure application to crop removal rates. Initial concerns over the risk of excessive nitrate leaching led to regulation based on nitrate-nitrogen build up in soils. This regulation failed to identify problems related to other nutrients, especially phosphorus and its impact on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in Lake Winnipeg. New regulations have been enacted to limit phosphorus accumulations in soil. Livestock producers, including hog farmers, were particularly concerned with these new regulations as most crops need less phosphorus than was being supplied in livestock manure when application was based on nitrogen needs. The actual response to the regulation has been much different than the forecasts. The implementation of a new enzyme, phytase, has reduced the level of phosphorus in hog manure (and lowered feed costs!). The increase in nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer prices has also increased the demand for hog manure as a valuable input in most farming regions of Manitoba. As we show, most regions of the province could feasibly accept more manure. This article considers the impact of innovative responses to environmental regulation, at the firm level, including the adoption of phytase and of integrating forage and crop farming systems with hog production facilities. Regional impacts as assessed by previous researchers are then adjusted by these effects.