Project Overview
Annual Reports
Commodities
- Agronomic: cotton, rye, grass (misc. perennial), hay
- Animals: bovine
Practices
- Animal Production: grazing management, grazing - rotational, winter forage, feed/forage
- Crop Production: crop rotation, cover crops, double cropping, conservation tillage
- Education and Training: demonstration, extension, farmer to farmer, focus group, on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, budgets/cost and returns, feasibility study, agricultural finance
- Production Systems: integrated crop and livestock systems
- Soil Management: organic matter
- Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, sustainability measures
Summary:
After harvesting the 2011 – 2012 crop, we planted cotton and measured yield compared to the contract. There was nearly 150 lbs. of lint difference. We again planted seven different plots with annuals and harvested each to evaluate the nutrient levels as well as measuring soil organic matter (SOM). This data was presented to a producer meeting on 3-17-14 with over 80 attendees. Candace Pollock of Southern SARE was asked to explain the process of applying for and receiving grants and the importance of on-farm trials.
Introduction
We noticed the need for high energy forage for both Dairy and Beef producers in southeast Georgia, noting there was no data to guide producers as to which varieties to grow.
Project objectives:
To take a 45 acre tract dividing into seven different plots, planting then harvesting and sampling both the forage as well as the soil organic matter.
Test results were very impressive as demonstrated by our University of Georgia specialists Dr. Dennis Hancock, Dr. Curt Lacy and Dr. Lawton Stewart.