1998 Annual Report for FNC98-210
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1998: $4,997.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2000
Region: North Central
State: Minnesota
Project Coordinator:
Keep the Cows in the Corn, Even during the Winter Stoms
Summary
Grazing crop residue can provide both economic and envrironmental benefits for cow-calf operations in the North Central region.
Objective: To graze beef cattle in the cornfields throughout the winter in western Minnesota.
The coordinator's long-range plan involves trees for shelter belts and windbreaks. Short-range plans include using 10- by 20-foot snow control panels set to form 90-degree wedges into prevailing winds. The panels are placed around watering sites and in grazing areas.
Results: Early winter results look promising, with cattle doing well, even with wind chills of -50 degrees. The project was extended six months to complete the winter grazing season and compile data.