Crop/Livestock Integration: Restoring a Traditional Paradigm in Contemporary Agricultural Research, Outreach and Practice

Project Overview

LS01-123
Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2001: $21,121.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $84,000.00
Region: Southern
State: Georgia
Principal Investigator:
Gary Hill
Email
University of Georgia, Animal & Dairy Science Dept

Commodities

  • Agronomic: sorghum (milo)

Practices

  • Crop Production: conservation tillage
  • Farm Business Management: whole farm planning
  • Production Systems: holistic management, integrated crop and livestock systems
  • Soil Management: green manures, organic matter
  • Sustainable Communities: sustainability measures

    Abstract:

    Ecological principals predict that community stability and resiliency are enhanced by agricultural diversity. Stability and resiliency of agricultural landscapes were impaired by enterprise
    concentration and size during the last three decades, spatially and temporally separating producers and consumers, diminishing cycles which lend stability to natural systems. In a workshop, crop/livestock production strategies with potential to enhance regional sustainability were addressed. Later, a Sod Based Cropping Systems Conference focused on challenges involving integration of perennial sod and cattle into traditional cropping systems. Conferences involved producers, and research and extension professionals from three states with goals of designing collaborative research proposal(s).

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.