Optimizing Forage Quality and Production on Depleted Farmland to Extend the Grazing Season Increase Yields

Project Overview

FNE02-432
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $7,283.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2004
Region: Northeast
State: Maine
Project Leader:

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Agronomic: rapeseed, grass (misc. perennial), hay
  • Animals: bovine

Practices

  • Animal Production: manure management, pasture fertility, pasture renovation, grazing - rotational, winter forage, feed/forage

    Proposal summary:

    This three-year project will focus on addressing issues of poor forage quality and a short grazing season. Using no-till and broadcast seeding, rotational grazing, and variously timed applications of manure, the farmer will measure changes in forage composition, production of dry matter per acre, and nutrient analysis of both forage and soil, with the long-term goal of restoring fertility to depleted farmland. He will also host pasture walks and write articles for a statewide beef production newsletter.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.