Farm Management Survey – Livestock

Getting Started

Why do we conduct this survey?

The Farm Management Survey is conducted by Statistics Canada in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

The survey collects information from Canadian farm operators about production and farm management practices.

The data will be used to:

  • guide research and program and policy development
  • enable farmers to adopt improved practices for economic and environmental benefit.

Your information may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Although voluntary, your participation is important so that the information collected is as accurate and complete as possible.

Other important information

Authorization to collect this information

Data are collected under the authority of the Statistics Act, Revised Statutes of Canada, 1985, Chapter S-19.

Confidentiality

By law, Statistics Canada is prohibited from releasing any information it collects that could identify any person, business, or organization, unless consent has been given by the respondent, or as permitted by the Statistics Act. Statistics Canada will use the information from this survey for statistical purposes only.

Record linkages

To enhance the data from this survey and to reduce the reporting burden, Statistics Canada may combine the acquired data with information from other surveys or from administrative sources.

Data-sharing agreements

To reduce respondent burden, Statistics Canada has entered into data-sharing agreements with provincial and territorial statistical agencies and other government organizations, which have agreed to keep the data confidential and use them only for statistical purposes. Statistics Canada will only share data from this survey with those organizations that have demonstrated a requirement to use the data.

Section 11 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with provincial and territorial statistical agencies that meet certain conditions. These agencies must have the legislative authority to collect the same information, on a mandatory basis, and the legislation must provide substantially the same provisions for confidentiality and penalties for disclosure of confidential information as the Statistics Act. Because these agencies have the legal authority to compel businesses to provide the same information, consent is not requested and businesses may not object to the sharing of the data.

For this survey, there are Section 11 agreements with the provincial statistical agencies of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. The shared data will be limited to information pertaining to business establishments located within the jurisdiction of the respective province.

For this survey, there are Section 12 agreements with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, l'Institut de la Statistiques du Québec, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Section 12 of the Statistics Act provides for the sharing of information with federal, provincial or territorial government organizations.

Under Section 12, you may refuse to share your information with any of these organizations by writing a letter of objection to the Chief Statistician, specifying the organizations with which you do not want Statistics Canada to share your data and mailing it to the following address:

Chief Statistician of Canada
Statistics Canada
Attention of Kevin Roberts, Director, Environment, Energy and Transportation Statistics Division
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0T6

You may also contact us by email at statcan.environ-environ.statcan@statcan.gc.ca or by fax at (613) 951-0634.

Important features

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To save your information

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Please note that information that you have entered may be retained at the end of collection, even if it has not been saved or submitted.

Definitions and explanations

A help button is available for certain questions. Press this button for additional information or clarification.

Survey Purpose

The survey will collect information about the management practices used on Canadian farms.

Survey results will help Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada measure the use of these practices in the agriculture industry, and will support their development of effective agricultural programs.

The information you provide may also be used by Statistics Canada for other statistical and research purposes.

Dairy inventory

The first questions are about livestock kept on this operation.

Q1. How many of the following types of dairy cattle are currently on this operation?

Include:

  • all cattle on this operation, regardless of ownership, including those that were boarded, custom fed, or fed under contract
  • all cattle kept by this operation regardless of ownership that were pastured on a community pasture, grazing co-op, or public land for part of the year.

Exclude animals owned by this operation but kept on a farm, ranch or feedlot operated by someone else.

If there are no animals for a specific type, please indicate 0.

Number of dairy cattle

  1. Milking cows
  2. Dry cows
  3. Replacement heifers, one year and over
  4. Calves, under one year

Further questions will focus on the management practices for one specific type of dairy cattle.

Q2. Please select the cattle type to be used to answer the following questions.

  • Milking cows
  • Dry cows
  • Replacement heifers, one year and over
  • Calves, under one year

Beef inventory

The first questions are about livestock kept on this operation.

Q1. In 2017, how many of the following types of beef cattle are currently on this operation?

Include:

  • all the cattle on this operation, regardless of ownership, including those that were boarded, custom fed, or fed under contract
  • all cattle kept by this operation regardless of ownership that were pastured on a community pasture, grazing co-op, or public land for part of the year.

Exclude animals owned by this operation but kept on a farm, ranch or feedlot operated by someone else.

If there are no animals for a specific type, please indicate 0.

Number of beef cattle

  1. Finishing heifers and steers
  2. Backgrounding heifers and steers
  3. Cows
  4. Replacement heifers
  5. Bulls
  6. Calves, under one year

Additional questions will focus on the management practices for one specific type of beef cattle.

Q2. Please select the cattle type to be used to answer the following questions.

  • Finishing heifers and steers
  • Backgrounding heifers and steers
  • Cows
  • Replacement heifers
  • Bulls
  • Calves, under one year

Q3. In 2017, how many months were these [beef cattle] kept primarily in the following areas?

Number of months

  1. An outdoor confined area
    Include pens, corrals, drylots, exercise pads.
    An outdoor area where livestock movement is restricted and manure deposits are eventually removed offsite.
  2. An open field or pasture
    Native or tame pasture or cropland used for grazing or feeding.
  3. A building
    Any fixed structure with a roof and some walls that confines or provides protection for livestock in one location.

Q4. At what reproductive stage are the majority of the [beef cattle] currently on this operation?

Cows

  • Lactating
  • Dry or pregnant

Replacement heifers

  • Unbred
  • Pregnant

Bulls

  • Growing immature bulls
  • Mature breeding bulls

Poultry inventory

The first questions are about poultry kept on this operation.

Q1. During one production cycle, how many of the following types of birds were on this operation and how many buildings were used to house each type of bird in 2017?

Include all the poultry on this operation, regardless of ownership, including those that were boarded, custom fed, or fed under contract.

Exclude animals owned by this operation but kept on a farm, ranch or feedlot operated by someone else.

If there are no birds of a specific type, please indicate 0.

Number of birds Number of buildings to house birds

Chickens for Table Eggs

  1. Pullets less than 19 weeks
  2. Laying hens 19 weeks and over

Birds for meat

  1. Broilers, roasters, Cornish
  2. Turkeys

Birds for Breeding
Include hens and pullets.

  1. Egg layer breeders
  2. Broilers, roasters, Cornish breeders
  3. Turkey breeders

Other poultry

  1. Other poultry
    e.g., geese, ducks, roosters, ostriches, emus, pheasants, quail, pigeons
    Specify other poultry

Pig inventory

The first questions are about livestock kept on this operation.

Q1. During one production cycle, how many of the following types of pigs were on this operation in 2017?

Include all pigs on this operation, regardless of ownership, including those that were boarded, custom fed, or fed under contract.

Exclude pigs owned by this operation but kept on a farm, ranch or feedlot operated by someone else.

If this question does not apply, please indicate 0.

Number of pigs

  1. Weaner, nursery or starter pigs
    Under 45 lb. or less than 20 kg
  2. Grower and finishing pigs
    45 lb. or 20 kg and over
  3. Nursing pigs
  4. Sows and gilts for breeding
  5. Boars

Additional questions will focus on the management practices for one specific type of pig.

Q2. Please select the pig type to be used to answer the following questions.

  • Weaner, nursery or starter pigs
  • Grower and finishing pigs
  • Sows and gilts for breeding
  • Boars

Q3. Please indicate the growth stage of the majority of the [pigs] currently on this operation.

Weaner, nursery and starter pigs

  • Early nursery
  • Late nursery

Grower and finishing pigs

  • Grower
  • Finishing

Sows and gilts

  • Growing unbred gilts
  • Gestating sows
  • Bred gilts
  • Lactating sows

Boars

  • Growing immature boars
  • Mature breeding boars

Animal inventory

Q1. Are there any other livestock or poultry currently on this operation?

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. How many of the following are currently on this operation?

Include:

  • all animals on this operation, regardless of ownership, including those that are boarded, custom fed, or fed under contract
  • all animals kept by this operation regardless of ownership that were pastured on a community pasture, grazing coop, or public land for part of the year.

Exclude animals owned by this operation but kept on a farm, ranch or feedlot operated by someone else.

Number

  1. Dairy cattle
    Include all types and ages for breeding or milk production.
  2. Beef cattle
    Include all types and ages for breeding or meat production.
  3. Pigs
    Include all types and ages for breeding or meat production.
  4. Poultry
    Include all types and ages for breeding, meat, or egg production.
  5. All other animals
    Specify all other animals

Housing management (Dairy and Beef)

A building is any structure with a roof and some walls that confines or provides protection for livestock in one location.

Q1. In 2017, was there more than one building on this operation that was used to keep [dairy/beef] cattle?

  • Yes
  • No

For the following questions, consider only the building containing the largest number of [milking cows/beef cattle].

Q2. In 2017, how many of each of the following types of dairy cattle were housed in this building containing the largest number of milking cows?

Number of dairy cattle

  1. Milking cows
  2. Dry cows
  3. Replacement heifers, one year and over
  4. Calves, under one year

Q3. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to maintain the air quality in and around this building containing the largest number of milking cows?

Select all that apply.

  • Forced ventilation with fans
    Did this system have an air filter?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Natural ventilation
    e.g., windows, curtains, exhaust vents
    Was this system adjusted automatically?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Water misters or coolers
  • Electrostatic precipitators to reduce dust
  • Air exchangers
  • Large tree shelterbelts adjacent to the building
  • Other practices
    Specify other practices

For the following questions, consider only the building containing the largest number of [milking cows/beef cattle].

Q4. Which of the following housing designs best describes the system used in this building?

  • Tie stall
  • Free stall
  • Common bedding pack area
  • Other system
    Specify other system

Q5. In 2017, what type of milking system was used on this operation?

  • Milking parlour
  • Robotic system
  • Other system
    Specify other system

The following questions concern practices related to the area of this building where milking cows are kept.

Q6. In 2017, what type of material was primarily used for bedding for [milking cows/beef cattle] in this building?

  • Sawdust, shavings, bark mulch, other forest product
  • Straw or crop residue
  • Recycled or processed manure solids
  • Sand, gravel, or other mineral product
  • Synthetic mat or mattress
    e.g., rubber, foam, gel, water
  • Other material
    Specify other material
  • No material used

Q7. In 2017, approximately, how often was the bedding area refreshed with new bedding material?

  • At least once a day
  • At least once every two days
  • At least once every three days
  • At least once a week
  • At least once every 2 weeks
  • At least once a month
  • Other frequency
    Specify other frequency

Q8. What was the main base material below the bedding in this building?

  • Concrete
  • Clay layer
  • Sand or gravel layer
  • Other soil type
    Specify other soil type
  • Other material
    Specify other material

Q9. In 2017, what was the most common floor material for cattle alleys and walkways in this building?

  • Solid, smooth concrete
  • Slatted concrete over manure storage
  • Anti-slip concrete (grooved, stamped, etched, aggregate)
  • Rubber
  • Other floor material
    Specify other floor material

Q10. In 2017, what method was used to clean manure from alleys, walkways, and gutters in this building?

Exclude holding pens used prior to milking.

Select all that apply.

  • Tractor or skid steer
  • Automated scrapers (chain or cable)
  • Flushed with water
  • Other method
    Specify other method

Q11. In 2017, did the [dairy/beef] cattle in this building have access to an outdoor confined area?

Include pens, corrals, drylots and exercise pads.

An outdoor confined area is an area where livestock movement is restricted and manure deposits are eventually removed offsite.

  • Yes
  • No

Q12. During which seasons are the [dairy/beef] cattle from this building provided access to an outdoor area?

Select all that apply.

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter
    OR
  • All year

Q13. In 2017, was there more than one outdoor confined area on this operation for [dairy/beef] cattle?

Include pens, corrals, drylots and exercise pads.

An outdoor confined area is an area where livestock movement is restricted and manure deposits are eventually removed offsite.

  • Yes
  • No

For the following questions, consider only the outdoor confined area containing the largest number of [dairy/beef] cattle.

Q14. What was the main base material of this outdoor confined area?

  • Concrete
  • Clay layer
  • Sand or gravel layer
  • Other soil type
    Specify other soil type
  • Other material
    Specify other material

Q15. In 2017, which of the following activities occurred in this outdoor confined area?

Select all that apply.

  • Watering
  • Exercising
  • Feeding
  • Provided material for bedding
    e.g., sawdust, straw
  • Observed cattle for heat detection

Q16. In 2017, what type of material was used for bedding?

Select all that apply.

  • Sawdust, shavings, bark mulch, other forest product
  • Straw or crop residue
  • Recycled or processed manure solids
  • Sand, gravel or other mineral product
  • Other material
    Specify other material
    OR
  • No material was used

Q17. In 2017, approximately, how often was the bedding area refreshed with new bedding material?

  • At least once a day
  • At least once a week
  • At least once a month
  • Less frequently than once a month
    Specify frequency

Q18. In 2017, approximately how often was manure or soiled bedding removed from this outdoor confined area?

  • At least once a day
  • At least once a week
  • At least once a month
  • Less frequently than once a month
    Specify frequency
  • At least once a month
  • At least once every 3 months
  • At least once every 6 months
  • Less frequently than once every 6 months
    Specify frequency

Q19. In 2017, which of the following features were present in or next to this outdoor confined area?

Select all that apply.

  • Protection from wind
    e.g., windbreaks, trees shelterbelts, shelter structures
  • Roof
  • Diversion of upstream surface water around confined area
  • Containment of runoff water flowing out of the confined area

Housing management (Pig)

Q1. In 2017, was there more than one building on this operation that was used to keep pigs?

  • Yes
  • No

The next questions are about the building containing the largest number of [pigs].

Q2. In 2017, how many of the following pig types were in this building on a typical day of full production?

  1. Weaner, nursery or starter pigs
  2. Grower and finishing pigs
  3. Nursing pigs
  4. Sows and gilts for breeding
  5. Boars

Q3. In 2017, what was the average number of weaner, nursery or starter pigs kept per pen?

Average number

Q4. What was the average pen size for these pigs?

Please indicate the unit of measure used.

Average pen size Unit of measure

Q5. In 2017, what was the average number of grower and finishing pigs kept per pen?

Average number

Q6. What was the average pen size for these pigs?

Please indicate the unit of measure used.

Average pen size Unit of measure

Q7. In 2017, what was the average number of sows and gilts kept per pen when they were gestating?

Average number

Q8. What was the average pen size for these pigs?

Please indicate the unit of measure used.

Average pen size Unit of measure

Q9. In 2017, what was the average number of boars kept per pen when not in breeding service?

Average number

Q10. What was the average pen size for these pigs?

Please indicate the unit of measure used.

Average pen size Unit of measure

Q11. In 2017, what floor material was used in this building?

Select all that apply.

  • Concrete
    • Solid - smooth
    • Solid - anti-slip
      e.g., grooved, stamped, aggregate
    • Slatted
  • Rubber
    • Solid
    • Slatted
  • Other floor material
    Specify other floor material

Q12. What type of floor slat configuration was most commonly used?

  • Entire pen slatted
  • Part of pen slatted

Q13. In 2017, what material was primarily used for bedding?

  • Sawdust, shavings, bark mulch, other forest product
  • Straw or crop residue
  • Synthetic mat or mattress
    e.g., rubber, foam, gel, water
  • Other material
    Specify other material
  • No bedding material used

Q14. In 2017, approximately how often was fresh bedding material added to the bedding area?

  • At least once a day
  • At least once a week
  • At least once every two weeks
  • At least once a month
  • Less frequently than once a month
    Specify frequency

Q15. In 2017, what method was used to remove manure from pens?

  • None, manure fell through floor slats
  • Hand scraping or shoveling
  • Automated scrapers
    e.g., chain or cable
  • Flushed floor with water
  • Other method
    Specify other method

Q16. How often was manure removed from pens?

  • Every day
  • At least once a week
  • At least once every two weeks
  • At least once a month
  • Less frequently than once a month
    Specify frequency

Q17. Where did the manure from pens go?

  • Into a shallow channel or pit below the barn
  • Directly into a deep pit blow the barn
  • Directly into a manure storage unit outside of the barn

Q18. How often was manure from the subfloor channel or shallow pit removed?

  • Every day
  • At least once a week
  • At least once every two weeks
  • At least once a month
  • Less frequently than once a month
    Specify frequency

Q19. What method was used to remove manure from the subfloor pits or channels?

  • Automated channel scrapers
    e.g., chain or cable
  • Flushed channel with water
  • Open drain plug to allow channel to drain
  • Other method
    Specify other method

Q20. Were sub-floor fans or pit fans used to improve the air quality over manure?

  • Yes
  • No

Q21. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to maintain air quality in and around this building? Select all that apply.

  • Forced ventilation with fans
    Did this system have an air filter?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Natural ventilation
    e.g., windows, curtains, exhaust vents
    Was this system adjusted automatically?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Water misters or coolers
  • Electrostatic precipitators to reduce dust
  • Air exchangers
  • Large tree shelterbelts adjacent to the building
  • Other practices
    Specify other practices

Housing management (Poultry)

Q1. In 2017, what percentage of all egg laying hens were housed in each of the following?

  1. Conventional battery cages
  2. Enriched or furnished cages
  3. Free run
  4. Free range
  5. All other housing designs
    Specify all other housing designs

The questions that follow pertain to the housing of birds in cages.

Q2. For birds kept in conventional battery cages, what unit of measure will you use to report the amount of space per bird?

  • Square meters
  • Square feet
  • Square centimeters
  • Square inches

Q3. In 2017, what was the area per bird kept in conventional battery cages?

[unit of measure] per bird

Q4. In 2017, what was the average number of birds kept in a single conventional battery cage?

Average number of birds

Q5. In 2017, what was the area per bird kept in enriched or furnished cages?

[unit of measure] per bird

Q6. In 2017, what was the average number of birds kept in a single enriched or furnished cage?

Average number of birds

Q7. In 2017, which of the following methods were used to manage manure in the building containing the largest number of egg laying hens in cages?

  • Manure dropped from cages into a pit below the barn
  • Manure dropped from cages onto a conveyer belt which transported manure to storage outside the barn
  • Other method
    Specify other method

Q8. In 2017, were pit fans used to improve air quality over the manure?

  • Yes
  • No

Q9. In 2017, at what frequency was manure transported by the conveyor belt to storage?

  • At least once every two days
  • At least two times per week
  • At least once per week
  • At least once every two weeks
  • Less frequently than once every 2 weeks
    Specify other frequency

Q10. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to maintain the air quality in and around this building containing the largest number of egg laying hens in cages?

Select all that apply.

  • Forced ventilation with fans
    Did this system have an air filter?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Natural ventilation
    e.g., windows, curtains, exhaust vents
    Was this system adjusted automatically?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Water misters or coolers
  • Electrostatic precipitators to reduce dust
  • Air exchangers
  • Large tree shelterbelts adjacent to the building
  • Drying fans to reduce moisture content of manure on conveyor belts or pits below barn
  • Additives applied to manure on conveyor belt
    e.g., to reduce ammonia emissions
    Specify additives
  • Other practice
    Specify other practice

The following questions concern the housing for birds not in cages.

Q11. What unit of measure will you use to report the floor area of buildings where birds are housed?

  • Square meters
  • Square feet

The following questions will concern the type of bird selected below.

Q12. Please select which type of bird for meat should be used for the following questions.

  • Broilers, roasters, Cornish
  • Turkeys

Q13. In 2017, what was the floor area of the building used to house the largest number of [birds for meat]?

Exclude smaller enclosures used early in the birds development.

Floor area in [unit of measure]

Q14. In 2017, how many [birds for meat] are kept in this building during a typical production cycle?

Number of [birds for meat]

The following questions will concern the type of bird selected below.

Q15. Please select the type of breeding bird to be used for the following questions.

  • Egg layer breeders
  • Broilers, roasters, Cornish breeders
  • Turkey breeders
  • [other poultry]

Q16. In 2017, what was the floor area of the building used to house the largest number of [birds for breeding]?

Exclude smaller enclosures used early in the birds development.

Floor area in [unit of measure]

Q17. In 2017, how many [birds for breeding] are kept in this building during a typical production cycle?

Number of [birds for breeding]

The following questions will concern the type of bird selected below.

Q18. Please select the type of bird to be used for the following questions on housing management practices.

  • Broilers, roasters, Cornish
  • Turkeys
  • Egg layer breeders
  • Broilers, roasters, Cornish breeders
  • Turkey breeders
  • [other poultry]

Please answer the following questions for the building housing the largest number of [birds].

Q19. In 2017, what floor material was typically used in this building?

Select all that apply.

  • Concrete
    • Solid
    • Slatted
  • Wood
    • Solid
    • Slatted
  • Rubber
    • Solid
    • Slatted
  • Plastic or synthetic
    • Solid
    • Slatted
  • Clay layer
  • Other soil type
    Specify other soil type
  • Other material
    Specify other material

Q20. In 2017, what type of material was primarily used for bedding?

  • Sawdust
  • Shavings
  • Forest product
    Specify forest product
  • Straw
    Specify straw
  • Crop residue
    e.g., chaff, screenings
    Specify crop residue
  • Other material
    Specify other material
  • No bedding material was used

Q21. In 2017, what was the thickness of the [bedding] that was applied at the start of this production cycle?

  • Less than three inches
  • Three to less than five inches
  • Five or more inches

Q22. In 2017, approximately how often was the bedding and poultry litter completely removed from the barn?

  • After each production cycle
  • After two production cycles
  • After three production cycles
  • After more than three production cycles

Q23. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to refresh bedding between production cycles?

Select all that apply.

  • Mixed underlying litter with surface manure
  • Added new bedding on top of litter
    Specify new bedding
  • Other additives
    e.g., lime
    Specify other additives
  • Other practice
    Specify other practice
    OR
  • No practices were used to refresh the bedding

Q24. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to maintain the air quality in and around this building housing the largest number of [birds]?

Select all that apply.

  • Forced ventilation with fans
    Did this system have an air filter?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Natural ventilation
    e.g., windows, curtains, exhaust vents
    Was this system adjusted automatically?
    • Yes
    • No
  • Water misters or coolers
  • Electrostatic precipitators to reduce dust
  • Air exchangers
  • Large tree shelterbelts adjacent to the building
  • Additives applied to litter or air space in barn during production cycle
    e.g., to reduce ammonia emissions
    Specify additives
  • Other practices
    Specify other practices
    OR
  • None of the above

Calf management

The following questions are about cows and their calves.

Q1. In 2017, were the majority of the calves born on this operation pure breed, cross-breed or mixed-breed?

  • Pure breed
  • Cross breed
  • Mixed breed

Q2. What was the breed of these pure breed calves?

If more than one, select the breed of the majority of calves.

  • Angus
  • Hereford
  • Charolais
  • Limousin
  • Simmental
  • Gelbvieh
  • Blonde d'Aquitaine
  • Maine-Anjou
  • Shorthorn
  • Other
    Specify other breed

Q3. What breeds are contained in these [cross breed/mixed breed] calves?

Select all that apply.

  • Angus
  • Hereford
  • Charolais
  • Limousin
  • Simmental
  • Gelbvieh
  • Blonde d'Aquitaine
  • Maine-Anjou
  • Shorthorn
  • Other
    Specify other breed

Q4. Please indicate the unit of measure that will be used to declare animal weight.

  • Pounds (lb.)
  • Kilograms (kg)

Q5. In 2017, what were the average weights for each of the following?

If more than one breed, report for the breed of the majority.

  1. Calf birth weight
  2. Weaning weight
  3. Mature cow weight

Q6. At what age are calves usually weaned?

If more than one breed, report for the breed of the majority.

Age weaned Weeks or months

Q7. In 2017, what was this operations' weaned success rate for

Weaned success rate is the number of weaned calves per number of heifers or cows exposed to breeding service.

  1. first calf heifers
  2. all other cows

Piglet management

Q1. In 2017, what were the average values for the following?

Number of piglets born alive per litter

Weaning weight Unit of measure

Piglet age at weaning (in days)

Number of weaned piglets per litter

Crop inventory

Q1. What unit of measure will be used to report land areas?

  • Acres
  • Hectares

Q2. In 2017, how many [unit of measure] of the following crop types were grown on this operation?

Include all land used by this operation, i.e., owned, rented, leased or crop-shared.

Exclude any land rented or crop-shared to others.

Note: Count any land areas that were used for multiple purposes only once.

Report 0 if no crops were grown in 2017.

  1. Forage crops grown for hay, silage or seed
    Include grass, clover, alfalfa mixtures, tame hay etc.
  2. Field crops used for grain, seed, or feed
    Include cereals, oilseeds, corn, pulses and other field crops.
  3. Vegetables, fruit, berries or nuts grown for sale
    Include potatoes and sugar beets.
  4. All other crop types
    Specify all other crop types

Q3. In 2017, did this operation use any other land for pasture?

Include any tame, seeded or natural land, or woodland used for pasture.

  • Yes
    • How many [unit of measure]?
  • No

Crop sales

Q1. Of the forage crops that were harvested in 2017, were any sold or will any be sold from this operation?

Include grass, clover, alfalfa mixtures and tame hay harvested for hay, silage or seed.

  • Yes
    Approximately what percentage was or will be sold?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No

Q2. Of the field crops that were harvested in 2017, were any sold or will any be sold from this operation?

Include cereals, oilseeds, corn, pulses and other field crops harvested for grain, seed or feed.

  • Yes
    Approximately what percentage was or will be sold?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No

Feeding practices (Dairy/Beef)

The following questions are about the feeding practices for [dairy/beef] cattle on this operation.

Q1. In 2017, was any of the forage feed consumed by [dairy/beef] cattle grown on this operation?

Include all hay, silage and green feed from forages and field crops.

Exclude pasture, grains, grain-based products and protein supplements.

  • Yes
    What percentage was grown on this operation?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No

Q2. In 2017, was grain-based feed provided to beef cattle on this operation?

  • Yes
  • No

Q3. In 2017, was any of the grain-based feed consumed by [dairy/beef] cattle grown on this operation?

Include all grains, grain-based products and protein supplements.

Exclude all pasture and forages.

  • Yes
    What percentage was grown on this operation?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No
    Which of the following best describes how this feed was purchased or provided?
    • It was purchased or provided as pre-mixed feed
    • It was purchased or provided as separate feed ingredients

Feeding practices (Poultry)

Q1. In 2017, was any of the feed consumed by poultry grown on this operation?

Exclude crops sold to a feed mill and then purchased as part of a total feed ration.

  • Yes
    What percentage was grown on this operation?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No

Q2. In 2017, which of the following crop types were grown on this operation and provided feed to poultry? Select all that apply.

  • Corn or sorghum
  • Cereals
    e.g., barley, oats, wheat, rye, triticale
  • Oilseeds
    e.g., soybean, canola, sunflower
  • Pulses
    e.g., peas, lentils, chickpeas
  • Other
    Specify other crop types

Management of birds

Q1. In 2017, how many different rations were typically used for one production cycle, from start to finish, for [birds for meat] on this operation?

Note: A different ration means a change in feed ingredient composition, not a change in the amount of the same ration fed to an animal.

Number of rations

Q2. In 2017, what was the average age at market for [birds for meat]?

Number of days

Q3. In 2017, what was the average live bird weight at market for [birds for meat]?

Weight Unit of Measure
e.g., 4.8 lb or 2.2 kg

Q4. In 2017, on average how long was the barn vacant between production cycles for [birds for meat]?

Number of days

Q5. In 2017, please indicate whether the following products were used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [birds for meat] on this operation.

  1. Antibiotics to prevent infection outbreaks
    Include coccidiostats.
  2. Antibiotics for treating infections
    Include coccidiostats.
  3. Vaccines administered or provided on farm
  4. Extra minerals and vitamins above pre-mix
    e.g., electrocytes, super booster
  5. Probiotics
    e.g., lactobacillus
  6. Bentonite or Yeast Cell Wall
  7. Acidifier added to water or feed
  8. Other products

Q6. Please specify the other products used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [birds for meat].

Other products

Q7. In 2017, what was the egg production per hen on this operation?

Eggs per laying hen, Unit of measure

Q8. In 2017, on average, at what age were pullets ready for egg production?

Age, Unit of measure

Q9. Considering the most recently completed cycle of laying hens, for how many weeks did these hens produce eggs?

Number of weeks

Q10. In 2017, please indicate whether the following products were used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of egg laying hens on this operation.

  1. Antibiotics to prevent infection outbreaks
    Include coccidiostats.
  2. Antibiotics for treating infections
    Include coccidiostats.
  3. Vaccines
  4. Extra minerals and vitamins above pre-mix
    e.g., electrocytes, super booster
  5. Probiotics
    e.g., lactobacillus
  6. Bentonite or Yeast Cell Wall
  7. Acidifier added to water or feed
  8. Other products

Q11. Please specify the other products used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of egg laying hens.

Other products

Q12. In 2017, for [birds for breeding] what was the average percentage of laid eggs that resulted in sold chicks?

Percentage

Q13. In 2017, for [birds for breeding] how many sold hatchlings were produced by this operation?

Number of hatchlings

Q14. In 2017, on average, at what age were pullets ready for egg production?

Age, Unit of measure

Q15. Considering the most recently completed cycle of [birds for breeding], for how many weeks did these hens produce hatchling eggs?

Number of weeks

Q16. In 2017, please indicate whether the following products were used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [birds for breeding]on this operation.

  1. Antibiotics to prevent infection outbreaks
    Include coccidiostats.
  2. Antibiotics for treating infections
    Include coccidiostats.
  3. Vaccines administered or provided on farm
  4. Extra minerals and vitamins above pre-mix
    e.g., electrocytes, super booster
  5. Probiotics
    e.g., lactobacillus
  6. Bentonite or Yeast Cell Wall
  7. Acidifier added to water or feed
  8. Other products

Q17. Please specify the other product used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [birds for breeding].

Other product

Feeding practices (Pig)

Q1. In 2017, was any of the feed consumed by pigs grown on this operation?

Exclude crops sold to a feed mill and then purchased as part of a total feed ration.

  • Yes
    What percentage was grown on this operation?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No
    Which of the following best describes how this feed was purchased or provided?
    • It was purchased or provided as a total pre-mixed feed
    • It was purchased or provided as separate feed ingredients

Q2. In 2017, which of the following crop types grown on this operation provided feed to pigs?

Select all that apply.

  • Corn or sorghum
  • Cereals
    e.g., barley, oats, wheat, rye, triticale
  • Oilseeds
    e.g., soybean, canola, sunflower
  • Pulses
    e.g., peas, lentils, chickpeas
  • Other
    Specify other crop types

Q3. In 2017, what percentage of feed provided to pigs on this operation used the following methods?

  1. Dry feeder
  2. Wet and dry feeder
  3. Liquid feeder
  4. All other methods
    Specify all other methods

Q4. In 2017, please indicate which of the following practices were used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [pigs] on this operation.

  1. Antibiotics to prevent infection outbreaks
    Include coccidiostats.
  2. Antibiotics for treating infections
    Include coccidiostats.
  3. Amino acids
  4. Extra minerals above pre-mix
    e.g., zinc, copper
  5. Probiotics or prebiotics
  6. Acidifier added to water or feed
  7. Other practice

Q5. Please specify the other practices used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [pigs].

Other practices

Q6. In 2017, what was the average live weight of weaner, nursery or starter pigs when they were moved to a grower or finishing barn?

Average live weight, Unit of measure

Q7. In 2017, how many different rations were used for one production cycle, from start to finish, for grower and finishing pigs on this operation?

Note: A different ration means a change in feed ingredient composition, not a change in the amount of the same ration fed to an animal.

Rations

Q8. In 2017, what was the average live weight at market of finisher pigs?

Average live weight, Unit of measure

Feed rations (Dairy)

The following questions concern the feed ration currently fed to [dairy cattle] on this operation.

Q1. What percentage of the ration currently fed to [dairy cattle] comes from the following sources, regardless of where it was grown?

Report percentages based on actual weight.

Forages

  1. Corn silage
  2. Other field crop silage, greenfeed or hay
    e.g., cereals, oilseeds, pulses
  3. Grasses
    e.g., timothy, fescues, wheat grasses, rye gasses, orchard grass, brome grass
  4. Legumes
    e.g., alfalfa, clover, sainfoin, trefoil, vetches
  5. Straw
  6. All other sources of forages
    Specify all other sources of forages

Grain-based feed

  1. Corn grain
  2. Cereal grain
    e.g., barley, wheat, oats, triticale
  3. Protein or amino acid supplements
  4. All other sources of grain-based feed
    Specify all other sources of grain-based feed

Q2. What quantity of grain-based feed is currently fed per [dairy cattle] each day?

Quantity, Unit of measure

Q3. In 2017, what was the average daily milk production per cow?

Average production, Unit of measure

Q4. In 2017, please indicate whether the following products were used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [dairy cattle].

  1. Buffers
    e.g., sodium bicarbonate, Mag-Ox
  2. Rumen modifiers
    e.g., yeast or yeast culture, probiotics, prebiotics
  3. Rumensin
  4. Supplemental B-vitamins
  5. Mycotoxin binders
    e.g., bentonite, Yeast Cell Wall, glucomannan products, enzymes
  6. Rumen stable or protected fat
    e.g., palm fat
  7. Other products

Q5. Please specify the other products used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [dairy cattle].

Other products

Feed rations (Beef)

The following questions concern the feed ration currently fed to [beef cattle] on this operation.

Q1. Are any [beef cattle] currently being fed hay, silage, or green feed?

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. What percentage of the ration currently fed to [beef cattle] comes from the following sources, regardless of where it was grown?

Report percentages based on actual weight.

Forages

  1. Corn silage
  2. Other field crop silage, greenfeed or hay
    e.g., cereals, oilseeds, pulses
  3. Grasses
    e.g., timothy, fescues, wheat grasses, rye gasses, orchard grass
  4. Legumes
    e.g., alfalfa, clover, sainfoin, trefoil, vetches
  5. Other sources of forages
    Specify other source of forages

Grain-based feed

  1. Corn grain
  2. Cereal grain
    e.g., barley, wheat, oats, triticale
  3. Protein or amino acid supplements
  4. Other source of grain-based feed
    Specify other source of grain-based feed

Q3. What quantity of grain-based feed is currently fed per [beef cattle] each day?

Quantity, Unit of measure

Q4. In 2017, were the following products used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [beef cattle].

  1. Antibiotics to prevent infection outbreaks
  2. Antibiotics for treating infections
  3. Ionophores
  4. Ear implants
  5. Ractopamine or Zilpaterol
  6. Rumen modifiers
    e.g., yeast or yeast culture, probiotics, prebiotics
  7. Bentonite, Yeast Cell Wall, glucomannan products, or enzymes
  8. Other product

Q5. Specify the other products used to maintain or improve the health or productivity of [beef cattle].

Other products

Q6. Indicate the unit of measure that will be used to declare animal live weight.

  • Pounds (lbs)
  • Kilograms (kg)

Q7. In 2017, what was the average live weight of backgrounding heifers and steers when they were ready for finishing?

  1. Backgrounding heifers
  2. Backgrounding steers

Q8. In 2017, what was the average live weight of finishing heifers and steers when they were shipped to market?

  1. Finishing heifers
  2. Finishing steers

Feed rations (Pig)

Please complete the following question for the feed ration currently being fed to [pigs] on this operation.

Q1. What percentage of the ration fed to [pigs] consists of the following?

  1. Corn or sorghum
  2. Cereals
    e.g., barley, oats, wheat, rye, triticale
  3. Oilseeds
    e.g., soybean, canola, sunflower
  4. Pulses
    e.g., peas, lentils, chickpeas
  5. Animal proteins
    e.g., whey, skim milk powder
  6. All other sources
    Specify all other sources

Grazing management (Dairy)

Include all land used by this operation, i.e., owned, rented, leased or crop-shared.

Exclude any land rented or crop-shared to others.

Q1. Between April and October 2017, did dairy cattle graze on this operation?

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. What was the total area of land grazed by dairy cattle during this time?

Area of land grazed in [unit of measure]

Q3. What type of dairy cattle grazed on this operation during this time?

Select all that apply.

  • Milking cows
  • Dry cows
  • Replacement heifers, one year and over
  • Calves, under one year

Q4. Between April and October 2017, how many weeks were the following grazing management practices used for [milking cows/replacement heifers]?

If not applicable, please answer 0.

Milking cows

  1. Grazing on pasture, with supplemental feed provided
    e.g., hay, grain
  2. Grazing on pasture with no supplemental feed

Replacement heifers

  1. Grazing on pasture, with supplemental feed provided
    e.g., hay, grain
  2. Grazing on pasture with no supplemental feed

Winter feeding management

Include all land used by this operation, i.e., owned, rented, leased or crop-shared.

Exclude any land rented or crop-shared to others.

Q1. Since November 2017, did any beef cattle graze or feed in an open field or pasture on this operation?

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. Since November 2017, which of the following types of beef cattle on this operation grazed or were fed in an open field or pasture most often?

  • Finishing heifers or steers
  • Backgrounding heifers or steers
  • Cows with or without calves
  • Replacement heifers

Q3. Since November 2017, how many weeks have the following management practices been used for [beef cattle]?

  1. Grazing in an open field or pasture without supplemental feed brought on site
  2. Grazing in an open field or pasture with supplemental feed brought on site
  3. In an open field or pasture relying mostly on feed brought on site

Q4. Which of the following types of vegetation were grazed by [beef cattle] during this time?

Select all that apply.

  • Residues or aftermath growth from harvested field crops
    Include stubble, straw, chaff, volunteer crop and weed growth.
  • Swathed, cut or windrowed crops
    e.g., swath grazing
  • Standing corn
  • Other standing dormant vegetation
    e.g., stockpiled forages, cover crops
  • Other type of vegetation
    Specify other type of vegetation

Q5. Since November 2017, what type of feed was fed to [beef cattle] in an open field or pasture?

Select all that apply.

  • Whole bales of hay or straw
    e.g., bale grazing
  • Unrolled bales of hay or straw
  • Processed hay, silage or straw fed on the ground in a windrow or pile
  • Processed hay, silage or straw fed in a trough
  • Grain or other supplements
    Specify grain or other supplements

Q6. Which of the following statements best describes the placement of feed during this time?

  • Feed was provided in the same location for the entire winter feeding season
  • Feed was provided several times in the same location and then moved to a different location
  • Feed was provided only once in the same location, with subsequent feedings always in a new location
  • Other placement
    Specify other placement

Q7. From year to year, is feed placed in the same locations for winter feeding?

  • Yes
    How often is feed placed in the same location?
    • Every year
    • Every two years
    • Every three to five years
    • Less frequently than every five years
  • No

Q8. Which of the following methods were used to provide winter shelter to beef cattle while in an open field or pasture?

Select all that apply.

  • Natural tree bluffs and wooded areas in field
  • Planted shelterbelts in field
  • Constructed stationary windbreaks or shelters in field
  • Portable windbreaks or shelters, moved to different locations in field
  • Cattle walked to farmyard for shelter
    e.g., farmstead shelterbelt, stationary windbreak, barn
  • Other method
    Specify other method

Grazing management (Beef)

Include all land used by this operation, i.e., owned, rented, leased or crop-shared.

Exclude any land rented or crop-shared to others.

Q1. In 2017, which of the following practices were used on pasture land to achieve optimal grazing pressure or livestock distribution?

Select all that apply.

  • Mobile electric fencing
  • Strategic placement of salt, minerals, water sources
  • Shade or shelter
  • Moved beef cattle to different areas within a large field
  • Other practice
    Specify other practice
    OR
  • No practices were used

Q2. In 2017, which of the following practices were used on pasture land?

Select all that apply.

  • Irrigated
  • Applied fertilizer
  • Applied manure
  • Removed trees, controlled weeds or brush
  • Also used land for hay or silage
  • Reseeded for pasture use
  • Broke up pasture to convert to crop production
  • Other practice
    Specify other practice
    OR
  • No practices were used

Q3. Between April and October 2017, which of the following types of beef cattle on this operation grazed most often?

  • Finishing heifers or steers
  • Backgrounding heifers or steers
  • Cows with or without calves
  • Replacement heifers

Q4. Between April and October 2017, how many weeks were the following grazing management practices used for [beef cattle]?

  1. Grazing on pasture, with supplemental feed provided
    e.g., hay, grain
  2. Grazing on pasture with no supplemental feed provided

The following questions concern a specific paddock; an enclosed area of pasture land, that was used for grazing primarily [beef cattle] between April and October 2017.

Q5. What was the total area of this paddock?

[unit of measure]

Q6. Between April and October 2017, on average, what was the number of [beef cattle] in this paddock when it was being grazed?

Exclude calves for cow/calf pairs.

Average number of animals

Q7. What was the average length of time [beef cattle] grazed this paddock before being moved to another [paddock, or were given access to an ungrazed area within this paddock using mobile electric fencing]?

  • Less than three days
  • Three days to less than a week
  • One week to less than two weeks
  • Two weeks to less than a month
  • One month to less than two months
  • Two months or more
  • Beef cattle kept in the same paddock and had access to the whole paddock for the entire grazing season

Q8. Between April and October 2017, how many times was this paddock used for grazing?

Note: To be counted as a separate grazing period, there must be a length of time in between where the paddock is not being grazed.

  • One time
  • Two times
  • Three times
  • Four times
  • Five or more times

Q9. What is the most common species composition in this paddock?

  • Mostly native grasses
  • Mostly tame grasses
  • Mixture of tame grasses and legumes
  • Cereal or cover crops
    e.g., barley, oats, rye
  • Other composition
    Specify other composition

Q10. Does this paddock contain any of the following?

Select all that apply.

  • Trees or shrubs
  • Wetlands
  • Palatable weeds
  • Unpalatable weeds

Livestock access to surface water

The following questions concern all grazing land and open field feeding areas on this operation.

Q1. In 2017, were any pastures, grazing paddocks, or open field feeding areas adjacent to surface water?

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. In 2017, what type of access did livestock have to surface water, in these areas?

  • Unlimited access
  • Limited access
  • No access

Q3. In 2017, which of the following were used to restrict access to surface water?

Select all that apply.

  • Fencing along shoreline
  • Remote or offsite water system to a trough
  • Access ramps for direct watering
  • Stream crossings
  • Limited or controlled grazing in riparian areas or adjacent to surface water
  • Feeding or bedding sites located away from water bodies
  • Other
    Specify other restrictions

Manure management

Q1. In 2017, was manure stored on this operation?

Include manure stored in a pit, pile, tank, lagoon or other structure.

Exclude manure left in barns, pens, corrals or bedding areas.

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. In 2017, was most of this manure stored as

  • liquid manure
    Include semi-solid.
  • solid manure
  • equal amounts of solid and liquid manure

Q3. In 2017, was any of the manure produced by [birds/animals] removed from this operation?

Include manure sold or given away to another operation.

Exclude any manure applied to the land or moved to another location on the operation.

  • Yes
    What percentage of this manure was removed?
    • Less than 25%
    • 25% to less than 50%
    • 50% to less than 75%
    • 75% to less than 100%
    • 100%
  • No

Liquid manure storage and treatment

Q1. In 2017, was there more than one structure used to store liquid manure on this operation?

Consider multi-cell structures, where one cell overflows into another cell, as one structure.

  • Yes
  • No

The following questions concern the structure that held the largest amount of liquid manure on the operation in 2017.

Q2. In 2017, which of the following best describes the structure that held the largest amount of liquid manure on this operation?

  • Multi-cell below ground lagoon, pit, or tank, where one cell overflows to another
    How many cells make up this system?
  • Earthen lagoon or pit
  • Other below-ground tank or pit (outside of building)
  • Above-ground tank (outside of building)
  • Partial below ground tank or pit (outside of building)
  • Pit or tank below slats or floor in building
  • Other structure
    Specify other structure

Q3. In 2017, approximately what percentage of the total amount of liquid manure stored on this operation, was stored in this storage structure?

Include what is stored in all cells of this system.

  • Less than 50%
  • 50% to 75%
  • 76% to 95%
  • More than 95%

Q4. How many months of manure production can this storage structure hold?

Include what is stored in all cells of this system.

  • Less than three months
  • Three to less than five months
  • Five months to a year
  • More than a year

Q5. What is the total capacity of this storage structure?

Include what is stored in all cells of this system.

Total capacity, Unit of measure

Q6. What is the depth (at the deepest part) of this storage structure?

If cells have different depths provide the average value.

Depth, Unit of measure

Q7. How would you like to report the surface measurement of this storage structure?

Provide the surface measurement for one cell. If the cells have different surface sizes, provide the average value.

  • Surface area
    Surface area of storage structure
    Surface area, Unit of measure
  • Diameter (round structure)
    Diameter of storage structure
    Diameter length, Unit of measure
  • Length X Width (square or rectangular structure)
    Length X Width of storage structure
    Length, Width, Unit of measure

Q8. In 2017, what was the covering system for this storage structure?

A cover is typically a tarp or other type of material that lies on the surface of stored manure.

Exclude naturally forming crust.

  • No Cover
  • Concrete
  • Structure with roof
  • Straw
  • Floating cover in contact with surface of manure
    e.g., geomembrane, tarp
  • Other covering system
    Specify other covering system

Q9. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to manage or treat all liquid manure stored on this operation?

Select all that apply.

  • Agitated prior to land application
  • Aerated to increase oxygen and facilitate decomposition
  • Mechanically separated coarse solids
    Exclude natural separation from multi-cell lagoons.
  • Mixed with additives to prevent solid settling, reduce odour, modify composition, etc.
  • Anaerobic biodigester or methane capture from a sealed cover
  • Other
    Specify other practice
    OR
  • No practices used

Solid manure storage and treatment

Q1. In 2017, which of the following methods were used to store solid manure on this operation?

Select all that apply.

  • Storage piles in farmyard
  • Storage piles in field or at edge of field
  • Pits below barns
  • Other method
    Specify other method

Q2. In 2017, which of the following was used to store most of the solid manure?

  • Storage piles in farmyard
  • Storage piles in field or at edge of field
  • Pits below barns
  • [Other method]

Q3. In 2017, did any of the [storage types] have a

A cover is typically a tarp or other type of material that lies on the surface of stored manure.

  1. concrete or impermeable pad
  2. runoff containment
  3. roof
  4. cover

Q4. In 2017, which of the following practices were used to manage or treat any of the solid manure stored on this operation?

Select all that apply.

  • Occasionally turned or mixed to encourage partial decomposition
  • Actively composted
    i.e., ensured proper temperature, moisture, and carbon-nitrogen ratio
  • Mixed with additives to modify odour, pH, nutrients etc.
  • Added to an anaerobic digestion system
  • Other practice
    Specify other practice
    OR
  • No practices used

Q5. On average, how long is solid manure stored before it is applied to land or removed from the operation?

  • Less than six months
  • Six months to under a year
  • One to two years
  • More than two years

Manure land application

Q1. Between October 2016 and September 2017, was manure applied on cropland?

  • Yes
  • No

Q2. What type of manure was applied to this cropland?

  1. Mostly liquid manure
  2. Mostly solid manure
  3. Equal amounts of liquid and solid manure

Q3. Between October 2016 and September 2017, was [solid/liquid manure] applied to land used for forage crops?
e.g., grass, alfalfa, clover

  1. Yes
    How many [unit of measure] received [solid/liquid manure]?
    Area
  2. No

Q4. Between October 2016 and September 2017, was [solid/liquid manure] applied to land used for field crops?

  • Yes
    How many [unit of measure] received [solid/liquid manure]?
    Area
  • No

Liquid manure land application (Field crops)

Q1. How often is liquid manure tested for nutrient content?

  • Every year
  • Every two to three years
  • Every four to five years
  • Every six years or more
  • Do not test liquid manure

Q2. Between October 2016 and September 2017, which field crop received liquid manure to the largest area of land?

  1. Barley
  2. Buckwheat
  3. Canary seed
  4. Canola (rapeseed)
  5. Chick peas
    Include garbanzo beans
  6. Corn for grain
  7. Corn for silage
  8. Dry field peas
    Exclude fresh green peas.
  9. Dry white beans (navy and pea beans)
  10. Flaxseed
  11. Lentils
  12. Mustard seed
  13. Oats
  14. Fall rye (seeded in late summer or fall 2017)
  15. Spring rye
  16. Soybeans
  17. Sunflowers (standard and dwarf varieties)
  18. Triticale
  19. Spring wheat
  20. Durum wheat
  21. Winter wheat (seeded in late summer or fall 2017)
  22. Other dry beans
    e.g., pinto, kidney, cranberry beans, lima, great northern
  23. [Other field crop]

Q3. In 2017, what were the most common field crops grown on land that received liquid manure between October 2016 and September 2017?

Select up to three crops.

  1. Barley
  2. Buckwheat
  3. Canary seed
  4. Canola (rapeseed)
  5. Chick peas
    Include garbanzo beans
  6. Corn for grain
  7. Corn for silage
  8. Dry field peas
    Exclude fresh green peas.
  9. Dry white beans (navy and pea beans)
  10. Flaxseed
  11. Lentils
  12. Mustard seed
  13. Oats
  14. Fall rye (seeded in late summer or fall 2017)
  15. Spring rye
  16. Soybeans
  17. Sunflowers (standard and dwarf varieties)
  18. Triticale
  19. Spring wheat
  20. Durum wheat
  21. Winter wheat (seeded in late summer or fall 2017)
  22. Other dry beans
    e.g., pinto, kidney, cranberry beans, lima, great northern
  23. Other type of field crops
    e.g., ginseng, caraway seed, hemp, tobacco, spelt, coriander and other spices
    Specify other type of field crops

Q4. Thinking of all liquid manure spread on field crops between October 2016 and September 2017, what percentage of that manure was applied during each of the following time periods?

  1. October to December 2016
  2. January to March 2017
  3. April to June 2017
  4. July to September 2017

Q5. During the last five years, approximately how often was liquid manure applied to land used to grow field crops?

If frequency varied for different fields or crop types, select all that apply.

  1. At least once a year
  2. Once every two years
  3. Once every three years
  4. Less than once every three years
  5. Some cropland never received liquid manure

Q6. Which of the following methods were used to apply liquid manure to land used to grow field crops?

Report the most common practice for all field cropland where liquid manure was applied.

Select all that apply.

  1. Direct injection into the soil
  2. Narrow bands on soil surface, below crop canopy
    e.g., trailing hose, sleighfoot, sidedress
  3. Broadcast on surface and not worked into the soil
  4. Broadcast on surface and worked into the soil
    In general, when was this liquid manure worked into the soil?
    • Within four hours of application
    • Day of application, but more than four hours after application
    • One to two days after application
    • Three to five days after application
    • More than five days after application

Liquid manure land application (Forage crops)

Q1. How often is liquid manure tested for nutrient content?

  • Every year
  • Every two to three years
  • Every four to five years
  • Every six years or more
  • Do not test liquid manure

Q2. Between October 2016 and September 2017, what area of land where forage crops were grown or seeded received liquid manure?

[Unit of measure]

Q3. Thinking of all liquid manure spread on forage land between October 2016 and September 2017, what percentage of that manure was applied during each of the following time periods?

  1. October to December 2016
  2. January to March 2017
  3. April to June 2017
  4. July to September 2017

Q4. During the last five years, approximately how often was liquid manure applied to land used to grow forage crops?

If this varies for different fields or forage types, select all that apply.

  1. At least once a year
  2. Once every two years
  3. Once every three years
  4. Less than once every three years
  5. Some forage land never received liquid manure

Q5. Between October 2016 and September 2017, which of the following received more liquid manure?

  • Established forage stands
  • Land prior to seeding a new forage stand

Q6. Which of the following methods were used to apply liquid manure to [established forage stands/land prior to seeding forage crops]?

Select all that apply.

  1. Direct injection into the soil
  2. Narrow bands on soil surface, below crop canopy
    e.g., trailing hose, sleighfoot, sidedress
  3. Broadcast on surface and not worked into the soil
  4. Broadcast on surface and worked into the soil
    In general, when was this liquid manure worked into the soil?
    • Within four hours of application
    • Day of application, but more than four hours after application
    • One to two days after application
    • Three to five days after application
    • More than five days after application

Solid manure land application (Field crops)

Q1. How often is solid manure tested for nutrient content?

  • Every year
  • Every two to three years
  • Every four to five years
  • Every six years or more
  • Do not test solid manure

Q2. In 2017, what were the most common field crops grown on land that received solid manure between October 2016 and September 2017?

Select up to three crops.

  1. Barley
  2. Buckwheat
  3. Canary seed
  4. Canola (rapeseed)
  5. Chick peas
    Include garbanzo beans
  6. Corn for grain
  7. Corn for silage
  8. Dry field peas
    Exclude fresh green peas.
  9. Dry white beans (navy and pea beans)
  10. Flaxseed
  11. Lentils
  12. Mustard seed
  13. Oats
  14. Fall rye (seeded in late summer or fall 2017)
  15. Spring rye
  16. Soybeans
  17. Sunflowers (standard and dwarf varieties)
  18. Triticale
  19. Spring wheat
  20. Durum wheat
  21. Winter wheat (seeded in late summer or fall 2017)
  22. Other dry beans
    e.g., pinto, kidney, cranberry beans, lima, great northern
  23. Other field crops
    e.g., ginseng, caraway seed, hemp, tobacco, spelt, coriander and other spices
    Specify of field crop

Q3. Thinking of all solid manure spread on field crops between October 2016 and September 2017, what percent of that manure was applied during the following time periods?

  1. October to December 2016
  2. January to March 2017
  3. April to June 2017
  4. July to September 2017

Q4. Which of the following methods were used to apply solid manure to land used to grow field crops?

Select all that apply.

  1. Broadcast on surface and not worked into the soil
  2. Broadcast on surface and worked into the soil
    In general, when was this solid manure worked into the soil?
    • Within four hours of application
    • Day of application, but more than four hours after application
    • One to two days after application
    • Three to five days after application
    • More than five days after application

Q5. During the last five years, approximately how often was solid manure applied to land used to grow field crops?

If frequency varied for different fields or crop types, select all that apply.

  1. At least once a year
  2. Once every two years
  3. Once every three years
  4. Less than once every three years
  5. Some field crops never receive solid manure

Solid manure land application (Forage crops)

Q1. How often is solid manure tested for nutrient content?

  • Every year
  • Every two to three years
  • Every four to five years
  • Every six years or more
  • Do not test solid manure

Q2. Between October 2016 and September 2017, what area of land where forage crops were grown or seeded received solid manure?

  • [Unit of Measure]

Q3. Thinking of all solid manure spread on forage land between October 2016 and September 2017, what percentage of that manure was applied during each of the following time periods?

  1. October to December 2016
  2. January to March 2017
  3. April to June 2017
  4. July to September 2017

Q4. During the last five years, approximately how often was solid manure applied to land used to grow forage crops?

If this varies for different fields or forage types, select all that apply.

  1. At least once a year
  2. Once every two years
  3. Once every three years
  4. Less than once every three years
  5. Some forage land never receives solid manure

Q5. Between October 2016 and September 2017, was solid manure applied to land prior to seeding forage crops?

  • Yes
  • No

Q6. In general, when was this solid manure worked into the soil?

  • Within four hours of application
  • Day of application, but more than four hours after application
  • One to two days after application
  • Three to five days after application
  • More than five days after application

Management style and innovation

Q1. In the last five years, 2013 to 2017, were any of the following used to manage staff requirements?

Select all that apply.

  • Adopted improved technology with lower staff requirements
  • Existing staff worked overtime
  • Temporary Foreign Workers program
  • Employee training and certification programs
  • Restructured farm operation to reduce or eliminate certain types of farm functions
    e.g., grew less feed and purchased more
  • Other
    Specify other method
    OR
  • Not applicable

Q2. In 2017, were custom operators used to perform farm work on this operation related to [livestock/crop] production?

  • Yes
  • No

Q3. In 2017, which of the following tasks were performed by a custom operator?

Select all that apply.

  • Cleanout of manure from barn or corral
  • Manure application or transport off farm
  • Fertilizer application
  • Crop or forage seeding
  • Crop spraying
  • Crop or forage harvesting
  • Crop or forage transport
  • Custom feeding or grazing animals on another operation
  • Processing feed grown on this operation for [birds/animals] on this operation
  • Carcass disposal
  • Catching and moving poultry (off farm or to another barn)
  • Application of bedding or litter
  • Washing or disinfection of barn or pens
  • Custom feeding of [birds/animals] on another operation
  • Tillage
  • Seeding or planting
  • Manure or compost application
  • Pesticide application
  • Manure application
  • Fertilizer application
  • Spraying
  • Harvesting
  • Transport
  • Other
    Specify other tasks

Q4. In 2017, which of the following activities used computer technology to enhance or improve this operation's [livestock/crop] production?

Select all that apply.

  • Recording [animal health] and production data
  • Other data collection
    e.g., [livestock] video surveillance, field data collection using GPS or drones, barn air quality, feed or water consumption
    Specify other data collection
  • Controlling farm equipment
    e.g., [robotics, GPS controlled field operations, barn ventilation or lighting, feed delivery]
    Specify farm equipment
  • Recording [field/forage/vegetable, fruit, berry and nut] crop production data
  • Use of specialized software for improved data analysis and information processing
    Specify software
  • Other functions to enhance [livestock/crop] production
    Specify other functions
    OR
  • No computer based technology was used

The following questions concern innovation on this operation.

Innovation is the adoption of new or significantly improved products, processes or business practices on this operation. Innovations must be new to this operation but need not be new to the industry.

Q5. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, did this operation produce any new or significantly improved crop products?
e.g., new crop varieties, cultivars, hybrids, enhanced product characteristics

  • Yes
  • No

Q6. Was this a [field/forage/vegetable, fruit, berry and nut] crop product?

  • Yes
  • No

Q7. Briefly describe the most important new or significantly improved [field/forage/vegetable, fruit, berry and nut] crop product that has been produced over the last three years.

  • Product

Q8. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, did this operation produce any new or significantly improved livestock or poultry products?
e.g., type or breed raised, improved quality traits or grade, enhanced product characteristics

  • Yes
  • No

Q9. Was this a [poultry/livestock] product?

  • Yes
  • No

Q10. Briefly describe the most important new or significantly improved [poultry/livestock] product that has been produced over the last three years.

  • Description of product

Q11. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, did this operation implement any new or significantly improved production practices?

Include:

  • feed management, animal housing, manure storage and treatment, livestock handling, grazing, biosecurity, other animal health and productivity practices
  • seeding or planting, rotations, fertilizer or manure application, pest management, irrigation, harvesting, crop storage, using GPS technology, other soil, land, or crop improvement practices
  • water management, organic farming, halal and other production practices.
  • Yes
  • No

Q12. Was this production practice related to [livestock/crop] production?

  • Yes
  • No

Q13. Briefly describe the most important new or significantly improved [livestock/crop] production practice that has been implemented over the last three years.

  • Description of product

Q14. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, did this operation implement any new or significantly improved approaches to marketing?
e.g., types of contracts, futures or options, direct marketing

  • Yes
  • No

Q15. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, did this operation implement any new or significantly improved business management practices?
e.g., approaches to labour requirements, business ownership / partnerships, acquiring inputs, new processing activities, financial processes, management improvements

  • Yes
  • No

Q16. Briefly describe the most important new or significantly improved business management practice, that has been implemented over the last three years.

  • Description of the practice

Q17. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, how important were the following activities when deciding to try something new on this operation?

  1. Obtaining advice and information from fellow farmers based on their experiences
  2. Attending demonstration farms and field days to observe the innovation implemented
  3. Attending workshops, seminars, meetings, conferences
  4. Obtaining information from input companies
    e.g., seed and feed dealers
  5. Seeking information from independent consultants
  6. Seeking information from regional specialist / extension officers
  7. Reading detailed technical and financial information
  8. Relying on own experiences
  9. Participating in producer associations

Q18. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017, how important were the following factors when deciding to try something new on this operation?

  1. Cost reduction or increase in production
  2. Increase in value of product
    e.g., superior quality, attributes or novel products
  3. Environmental benefits
  4. Benefits for work / family balance
  5. Level of financial risk of the innovation compared to current practice
  6. Access to financial resources to implement the innovation
    e.g., loans, venture capital, other financing
  7. Availability of information to assess the value of the innovation for your farm
  8. Available time
  9. Technical expertise to implement the innovation
  10. Labour requirement
  11. Worker safety

Q19. When it comes to the introduction of new or significantly improved products, processes, or practices does this operation tend to

  • be among the first to try something new
  • wait until at least a few others have tried it first
  • wait until it has been well tested
  • be among the last to try something new

Q20. In the last three years, 2015 to 2017,were any new or significantly improved products, production processes, or business management practices related to [livestock/crop] production considered but not implemented?

  • Yes
  • No

Q21. Briefly describe the most important new or significantly improved product, production process, or business management practice that was considered but not implemented.

  • Description

Environmental farm plan

Q1. Does this operation have a formal, written environmental farm plan?

  • Yes, plan is developed
  • Yes, plan is in development and being reviewed
  • No

Q2. When was this environmental farm plan developed or last updated?

  • Less than two years ago
  • Two to less than five years ago
  • Five to less than 10 years ago
  • Ten or more years ago
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