Research › Economic Modeling

Economic Modeling

Expertise

Complex systems and problems require thorough and detailed analysis.  The George Morris Centre specializes in capturing the complexities of agri-food systems in economic models capable of answering complex questions, such as:

  • Optimal marketing decisions for growing livestock
  • Impact and economic performance of alternative approaches to meet sustainability targets
  • Economic effect of alternative production systems

Models

The George Morris Centre has developed range of models that assist in applied research for clients. We can tailor these models or develop new models specific to client/research project needs.

Hog Production-Variability Model 

This tool, developed jointly with the Prairie Swine Centre, allows for the analysis of costs and returns in hog production considering the variability in pig weights and growth within a production cycle.  It is ideally suited to studying the effects of a pig disease and disease intervention, the effects of new technology in hog production costs and returns, and the costs and returns from alternative management strategies in pig sorting and closeout.

Pork Environmental Indicators Model 

This model tracks costs and returns in hog production along with the major indicators employed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).  It can be used to empirically investigate questions such as the least-cost means of reducing a specified output of a given IPCC indicator from a hog farm, or the least-cost adjustment of a mandated reduction of an IPCC indicator.

Cattle Production Cost and Returns Model 

This tool tracks the least-cost of cattle production at the cow-calf, backgrounder, and feedlot levels of the market.  It is unique in its consideration of seasonality in costs and returns, and its ability to select feeds on a least-cost basis.  It is also flexible in analyzing scenarios, such as accelerated feeding, retained ownership strategies, or other scenarios.

Custom Models

The Centre has many other economic models for use in dairy, poultry, and horticultural segments that can be used in client projects.  Please contact us for more information.  

 

Past Clients:

  • Prairie Swine Centre (a collaboration)
  • Ontario Cattlemen’s Association
  • Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Please Contact:

Al Mussell, Senior Research Associate
Telephone: 519-822-3929 ext 209
Email: al@georgemorris.org