Grazing Management Training to Enhance the Sustainability of Pasture-Based Beef Production Systems

1999 Annual Report for ES98-040

Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 1998: $31,745.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2003
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $21,678.00
Region: Southern
State: North Carolina
Principal Investigator:
Jim Green
North Carolina State University, Crop Science Dept.

Grazing Management Training to Enhance the Sustainability of Pasture-Based Beef Production Systems

Summary

This training project focuses on helping farmers and Farm Agency Workers (within and outside of NC) develop a sustainable approach to pasture-based livestock management. We conducted three “in-depth” training programs with significant amount of “hands-on” field exercises to reinforce classroom discussions. We have developed several hours of lecture and field exercises with supporting visuals which can be used as resource material for follow-up educational programs. We fully expect this material to be used by many Agency workers and by Vocational Education teachers in the Southern Region.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The objective of this program is to provide training support to Farm Agency Advisors and livestock farmers who want to learn more about economical, environmental and socially sustainable farming systems.

Participating professionals will be trained specifically in pasture/livestock management so that they can offer educational programs and provide information and support to farmers who want to adopt sustainable and environmentally sound pasture-based livestock production systems.

Selected farmers and farm advisors will organize educational activities and regularly meet on farms to discuss sustainable livestock management practices and solve problems.

Accomplishments/Milestones

In 1999 we conducted three grazing schools (2-days each) for 27 farmers, 16 Agency workers and 21 veterinarians. We also conducted one 9-day pasture ecology school for 27 NRCS workers from around the USA, and this program provided us with an opportunity to video tape 31 hours of classroom discussions lead by 12 teachers. We also video taped more than 6 hours of field activities. All of the edited tapes will become part of the final resource package at the end of this project.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

We have scanned and photographed many plants and animals to be used in a resource CD-ROM which will serve as a companion to the teaching modules. We have developed powerpoint presentations, with appropiate visuals for more than 20 hours of lectures on pastureland ecology that will be included on the CD-ROM. these presentations will serve as valuable resource for workers who want to conduct educational meetings and for vocational education teachers who discuss grassland management in high school classes.