1992 Annual Report for LNC92-051
Training for Forage Production and Intensive Grazing on Highly Erodible Land After CRP Contracts
Summary
Objective:
To educate landowners, business people and government agency personnel about the use of
intensive grazing systems and forage production or highly erodible marginal land.
Methods and Results:
The Southern Iowa Forage and Livestock Committee (SIFLC) developed the Adams County
CRP Research and Demonstration Project with the purpose to demonstrate an economically
feasible and environmentally safe alternative to row crop production on highly erodible marginal
land. This information was formatted into a brochure and distributed to landowners, business
people, and government agencies. The SIFLC sponsored very successful field days, attended by
over 300 people. Various aspects of the project were discussed by Iowa State University
Extension Specialists, SCS (NRCS) personnel, and local project coordinators. Groups from the
Extension Service, FmHA, SCS, County Cattlemen groups, and foreign agricultural study groups
have toured the project site.
The SIFLC had the opportunity to distribute information and the results of this project at 15
meetings, including the National Forage and Grassland Council national meeting, Farm Expo
2000, and the Iowa Cattlemen Association Convention. An annual report was generated and
distributed to elected officials, USDA agencies, landowners, and others by direct mail or handed
out at tours. Two, 2-day grazing seminars were attended by 84 producers who received
"hands-on" training in intensive grazing management. In addition, a 1-day training session was
given to 80 Soil Conservation Service employees.
Potential Contributions and Direct Impact:
The SIFLC was successful in achieving the objective of "educating the educators."
Approximately 6,300 people have been exposed to information concerning intensive grazing on
highly erodible land. Additionally, there has been a strong demand for SIFLC members to make
presentations or appear on panels, indicating the public's interest in this project.