Research Objective

• To assess the level of technical efficiency of a sample of Western Canadian canola producers.
• To see whether the adoption of environmental stewardship practices has any effect on efficiency levels.

Project Description

Adoption of best management practices (BMPs) have been encouraged as a means of reducing the impact of agricultural production on environmental quality. The effect of using BMPs on farm production though was uncertain. One-way BMP adoption was thought to perhaps affect the farm was through changes (positive or negative) in the efficiency of production, which could impact financial performance. Different types of BMPs can include environmental farm plans, soil testing, reduced or zero tillage systems, application of precision farming techniques and various nutrient management practices. Therefore, this project aimed to understand the relationship between BMP adoption and production efficiency levels to see if these practices would be viable for canola producers. The results of this study can be of use to policy makers in identifying areas of focus for extension and/or support aimed at increasing canola production and competitiveness. The key result found was that BMPs can improve canola production while simultaneously advancing environmental stewardship. The study identified factors that contributed to improved canola efficiency on the Canadian Prairies.