SERA041: Beef Cattle Production Utilizing Forages in the Southeast to Integrate Research and Extension Programs across State Boundaries
Statement of Issues and Justification
Southeastern beef cattle production is critical to the beef cattle industry in the United States. The Southeastern states graze over 8 million cows, 45% of the United States total cow herd, that produce offspring supplying a major portion of the 22 million fed cattle finished in the United States annually. Approximately one-third of the nation's fed cattle originate from Southeastern farms utilizing forages as the base feed supply. There is a growing demand for forage-finished beef, and the Southeast is well suited to meet this demand for beef products. In addition, a large number of Southeastern cull cows are harvested annually from forage-based production systems being a source of beef for the nation. The environment in this region of the country is especially conducive to growing a variety of both cool- and warm-season forages in support of cow/calf, stocker, and forage-finished beef production systems, making this region ideal for grazing livestock. With the current volatility in concentrate-feed prices expected to continue into the future, forages offer options for adding value to calves locally with less expense, lower input volatility, and lower overall dependence on concentrate feedstuffs. However, greater understanding of managing Southeastern forage systems to extend grazing periods and reduce dependence on concentrate feedstuffs throughout the entire beef supply chain is necessary from both a research and outreach perspective. Extension Specialists from Southeastern states have successfully initiated and are currently conducting Extension programming across state boundaries to educate county agents/educators and producers on various aspects of beef cattle production utilizing forages. Professional relationships that support such endeavors across state boundaries must be fostered and encouraged among regional Extension Specialists in order to effectively and efficiently utilize resources. Research scientists from Agricultural Experiment Stations in the Southeastern states are currently engaged in multistate research activities that increasingly include a formal Extension programming component, often as a statutory requirement for funding (e.g., Agricultural and Food Research Initiative of USDA/NIFA, Southern SARE, etc.). In order to expand these relationships within and between Extension and Experiment Station systems, a mechanism must be in place to foster communication and planning between Extension Specialists and Experiment Station research scientists across the Region. An organizational structure generating interaction between Extension Specialists and research scientists across state boundaries can be a powerful tool in solving common problems for the region associated with grazing beef cattle. In the face of limited funding for Extension and Research programs addressing forage-based beef cattle production, combining forces among states in the region is a necessity in order to continue delivering science based production practices for our county agents/educators and ultimately their producers. We must also work to address priority issues affecting the industry. The Southeastern states can become a strong force in delivering quality programs, attracting competitive Research and Extension funding, and conducting high-priority research organized to do so. Our clientele groups, the Southeastern States Beef Cattle Associations, have already been proactive in organizing to solve common Southeastern beef cattle issues by forming the Southeastern Livestock Network (SLN) to address animal identification issues. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) is composed of Regional Representatives elected from each State Beef Council that meet annually to discuss issues facing the beef cattle industry within their region. Additionally, the Farm Bureau and Farm Federations within each state host producer group committees in beef (and other commodities) to address industry-related issues. Linking Extension Specialists, Experiment Station research scientists and county agents/educators to these industry groups will be extremely valuable as educational programming and research are initiated to address issues facing Southeast beef cattle production in grazing environments while also serving as an avenue to disseminate new information. At present, there is no formal mechanism in place to provide cohesive communication and planning for Extension and Research programs/projects among the Southeastern Land Grant Universities. Development of a Southern Extension/Research Activity (SERA) in Beef Cattle Production Utilizing Forages in the Southeast to Integrate Research and Extension Programs will provide a cohesive effort between Extension Specialists and Research Scientists within the region that can provide valuable linkages between institutions and to our clientele groups. Previously, a Southern Regional Information Exchange Group (SRIEG) existed for the Southern States in beef/forage production systems. This discussion group met annually at the Southern Association of Agricultural Scientist (SAAS) meetings. At the 2006 meeting held in February at Orlando, FL it was identified that the project was due to be renewed. There was no move to renew this project, and the group agreed to participate in a proposed SERA if it was approved. The immediate predecessor activity, SERA036, was formed in 2007 for a one-year period that ended on September 30, 2008. Southern Region Experiment Station scientists and Extension Specialists met at the annual meeting of the Southern Section, American Society of Animal Science in February 2009 (in conjunction with SAAS meeting) in Atlanta, GA, and formulated a timeline and strategy for proceeding with development of this proposal. In addition, the concept for a new SERA as described in this proposal was presented and approved overwhelmingly and enthusiastically by SAC-2, Animal Sciences (Southern Region Advisory Committee of Department Heads/Chairs) in January 2009.The opportunity to increase the use of forages for cow-calf, stockers and forage finishing of cattle throughout the Southern Region of the United States utilizing Research and Extension outreach and ultimately reducing input costs, increasing returns, or both. In some states, it is possible to produce forage year round while others depend on the use of conserved or stockpiled forages during a few months of the year. There is tremendous opportunity to research issues dealing with the management of forages for cow-calf production and the interaction between nutrition and reproduction. Additionally, there are more than 6 million feeder cattle that weigh less than 500 pounds that would be excellent candidates for growing on forages to add weight and value prior to marketing to feedlot or directly to consumers. This will result in a greater return to the expansive forage resource and add value to the 6 million head of feeder cattle while maintain pasturelands in the Southeast.
Last Modified:
30-Aug-2010
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