Trends in crop production in the Canadian prairies

Abstract

Dryland agriculture in the Canadian prairies is continuously confronted by change. In response to growing competition in the global market place producers have sought alternative crop production methods in order to maintain their farming enterprises. Driving the change has been lower prices for cereal grains, declining input costs (e.g., glyphosate), changes in government policies and programs (e.g., grain transportation, farm safety net programs), new markets and value-added opportunities, improvements in machinery design and soil management practices, and growing concern about soil and environmental degradation. This study examines the trends in crop production in the Canadian prairies over the last two and a half decades (1976 to 1998). The focus is on both cropping choice and tillage practices for the major soil climatic zones in western Canada.