STRATEGIC DRIVERS OF BEEF ENTERPRISE SUCCESS IN MARITIME CANADA: EVIDENCE FROM PRODUCERS, BENCHMARK DATA, AND INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT

Abstract

The current study examines producer perspectives and benchmarked data analysis of beef farm performance and evaluates the policy environment support for improving beef production in Maritime Canada. The research design employs a mixed-methods approach. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess producer perspectives on farm performance measures based on data collected from a producer survey (n = 204). A multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify performance indicators from the same producer survey data. A benchmarked data analysis was employed to identify key performance indicators of the farm. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify common themes among 31 documents selected from the initial 75 documents using Scott’s 4-step method. Factor analysis results indicate that producers view financial success as a vital component of overall success. However, they also acknowledge that financial success is not a measure of success if it is achieved at the expense of other dimensions. The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that reduced feed costs, such as by adapting alternative feed types like soybean hulls and diversifying income sources, are key factors in improving farm performance. Benchmark data analysis shows that beef farms with higher profit margins have a lower share of purchased feed and diversify their income sources, such as through cash crops. The content analysis aimed to determine whether policy documents reflect the success indicators identified through the producer survey and benchmark data analysis., A few policy documents reflected the efficient use of feed in beef farming, such as the Beef Rotational Grazing Initiative, which promotes rotational grazing and improves pasture productivity, with limited attention on income diversification. Therefore, I conclude that reduced feed costs and diversified income sources are two key factors contributing to the success of beef farm enterprises in Maritime Canada. The study highlights the importance of strategic resource utilization, including alternative feed options, in enhancing productivity and profitability. Practical recommendations include educating farmers on ration-balancing programs, complementing alternative feeds like soybean hulls when pasture quality is low, and fostering knowledge-sharing networks. The findings aim to support local governments and industry councils by promoting feed efficiency through ration-balancing and alternative feed use, and by supporting programs that encourage diversified farm income streams to improve long-term sustainability in the beef sector. This is achieved by developing evidence-based policies through triangulated data in the current study.