Project Overview
FNE07-607
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2007: $4,663.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: Pennsylvania
Project Leader:
Commodities
- Additional Plants: native plants, trees, ornamentals
- Animals: sheep
Practices
- Animal Production: grazing - rotational
- Crop Production: cover crops, double cropping, organic fertilizers, application rate management
- Education and Training: demonstration, mentoring
- Natural Resources/Environment: habitat enhancement
- Production Systems: holistic management, integrated crop and livestock systems
- Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, partnerships
Proposal summary:
Weed competition in Christmas tree fields can cause a two-year delay in harvest, but mowing and weed whacking to control weeds significantly increases labor costs. This project will investigate using sheep in a rotational grazing system to manage grassy weed competition in Christmas tree fields. Assessments will be made of tree damage, weed control, economics, and the market weight of the lambs. Outreach will be through a farm tour, newsletter article, and a flyer for use at retail sales sites.
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.