Pasture-Based Forage Systems

Pasture-Based Forage Systems to Sustain Illinois Livestock Producers

The objectives of this project are to compare and contrast the relative economic value of integrating a grazing animals system into a conventional short-term crop rotation system. There are several alternative technologies available that can increase animal performance, with reduced input costs of forage based systems and their impact on crop production systems. We propose to study extend year around grazing systems for different livestock species. Detailed records will be kept so that economic analyses of the systems can be conducted.

• Livestock will graze crop residues and deferred pastures when possible in the fall and winter to reduce input costs for harvested and supplemental feedstuffs.
• Evaluate the systems during several years to account for year to year variation.
• Relative economic value of each of the grazing and cropping systems will be determined by calculating revenue and costs associated with each system. Only costs that vary due to differences in the systems will be considered. These costs may include fertilizers, chemicals, forage seedings, supplemental feeding, fencing and water costs, and any other practices associated with the different management practices associated with integrating grazing animal into cropping systems.

Farmers need alternatives to cropping systems rotations to ensure that agricultural and local communities can remain viable and sustainable into the 21st century. This proposed study will provide valuable information about the production and economic system and how they impact farm income profitability and sustainability along with enhanced environmental and social acceptance. Lessons learned from this project of integrating grazing animal systems into cropping systems can serve as a model for farmers wishing to adopt alternative, sustainable agricultural practices in Illinois.

This project can have a major impact to help the livestock industry grow in Illinois and to help young producers to either get started in farming or to give up their off farm job and be employed full time in the farming operation. They can utilize their family labor full time in the family farm operation.

It has the potential to impact the state’s economy through profitability of livestock based forage system and the environment through improved management of rotational crops and forage based cropping rotation systems.