Project Overview
Commodities
- Agronomic: grass (misc. perennial), hay
- Animals: bovine
- Animal Products: dairy
Practices
- Animal Production: pasture fertility, grazing - rotational, watering systems, feed/forage
- Education and Training: demonstration, focus group
- Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, budgets/cost and returns, agricultural finance
- Production Systems: integrated crop and livestock systems
- Soil Management: soil quality/health
Proposal summary:
This is an application for a SEED grant using intensive grazing technology. We want to convert a continuous grazing system into an intensive grazing system and measure the impact on farm profitability. Many dairy and beef producers in North Central WV, Western Maryland and Southwestern PA have expressed an interest in using intensive grazing as the primary forage source during the grazing season, which typically extends from May through September. Although continuous grazing systems are common in our region, few producers are willing to invest the time and equipment necessary to manage an intensive grazing system unless they are sure of obtaining an economic return. The objectives of this project are to: improve grazing production, quality, distribution, reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, improve animal health and performance and improve nutrient management. In order to meet these objectives, a number of agricultural practices will be incorporated with guidance from West Virginia State Soil Conservation Agency, West Virginia University Extension Service, Monongahela Soil Conservation District and National Resources Conservation Service. The agricultural practices which will be incorporated on the farm include fencing for field division and rotational grazing, watering facilities, a stabilized walkway, forage analysis, soil testing and record keeping.