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Farm Settlement on the Canadian Prairies, 1898 to 1911

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  • Lewis, Frank D.

Abstract

This paper offers a new interpretation of Canadian Prairie settlement during the “wheat boom” period. Rather than use a Nerlovian model on which most recent work has been based, I develop a method of simulating the extension of the feasible region of cultivation: the area on which farming is profitable. The model is applied to a wheat-growing district of Saskatchewan that experienced rapid settlement from 1898 to 1911. Comparisons of the actual area of cultivation with the simulated feasible region indicate that settlers responded quickly to changes in the profitability of wheat farming. I also find that the extension of rail lines and the increase in mean wheat yields accounts for nearly all of the increase in the feasible region.

Suggested Citation

  • Lewis, Frank D., 1981. "Farm Settlement on the Canadian Prairies, 1898 to 1911," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 41(3), pages 517-535, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:41:y:1981:i:03:p:517-535_04
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    Cited by:

    1. Gillian C. Hamilton & Ian Keay & Frank D. Lewis, 2017. "Contributions to Canadian economic history: The last 30 years," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 50(5), pages 1632-1657, December.
    2. Kris Inwood & Ian Keay, 2013. "Trade policy and industrial development: iron and steel in a small open economy, 1870−1913," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 46(4), pages 1265-1294, November.
    3. R. M. McInnis, 1986. "Output and Productivity in Canadian Agriculture, 1870-71 to 1926-27," NBER Chapters, in: Long-Term Factors in American Economic Growth, pages 737-778, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Di Matteo, Livio, 2013. "Women, wealth and economic change: An assessment of the impact of women's property law in Wentworth County, Ontario, 1872–1927," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 285-307.

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