Source: ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to
SILVOPASTURE SYSTEMS FOR INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY, PROFITABILITY, AND SUSTAINABILITY ON SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FARMS IN THE SOUTHEAST USA
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0227302
Grant No.
2012-68006-30189
Project No.
ALAX-011-1111
Proposal No.
2011-02675
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
A1601
Project Start Date
Feb 1, 2012
Project End Date
Jan 31, 2017
Grant Year
2012
Project Director
BUKENYA, J.
Recipient Organization
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
4900 MERIDIAN STREET
NORMAL,AL 35762
Performing Department
Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Rural communities play a significant role in supplying safe food and raw materials which provide fiber, shelter, and energy to the nation. These communities, predominantly characterized by limited resource farmers and forest landowners on small and medium sized farms, face many challenges including competition from overseas markets and the need to achieve environmentally sustainable production practices while remaining profitable. In addition, urbanization continues to threaten the existence and sustainability of forestry and agricultural enterprises in rural communities. This sector continues to struggle to make a profit from conventional agriculture and traditional forestry practices, which now threatens their viability. There is a potential for properly designed, well managed, economically viable, and sustainable agroforestry systems to provide economically attractive timber/livestock/forage production packages for the struggling landowners which provide annual income from animals sales and sustainable browse systems, while they raise trees for timber. This project is an integrated research, extension, and outreach effort to develop and promote sustainable loblolly-pine meat goat silvopasture systems to benefit the above mentioned landowners. The project will bridge onto an existing research template on the property of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Rural Training and Research Center at Epes, Alabama by incorporating the acquired knowledge on forage establishment, forage enhancement, and animal management to spearhead the establishment of silvopasture enterprises for increasing productivity, profitability, and sustainability on landowners properties in the Black Belt soil region of Alabama. We will carry out research, extension, and outreach activities designed to equip these rural communities with science based knowledge and skills to enable them to establish and manage sustainable silvopasture enterprises on their properties. This project will be conducted within the Black Belt region of Alabama, on property of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Rural Research and Training Center in Epes, Alabama, using an existing 6 ha, 12-year-old loblolly pine plantation which has been mapped, thinned, pruned, and fenced to enable long-term replicated studies on silvopasture. The project will provide awareness of agroforestry's economic, social, and environmental benefits to farmers and forest landowners on small and medium-sized farms in the southeast U.S. Results from the proposed project will be used to develop scientific publications, extension bulletins, and presentations at national and international scientific conferences. These will be valuable contributions from the project. The close working relationship between Alabama A&M University, The Federation of Southern Cooperatives, USDA National Agroforestry Center, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will facilitate the transfer, sharing, and utilization of information and data generated from this project among farmers, and interested parties including government and private organizations working in rural development.
Animal Health Component
20%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
30%
Developmental
40%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1250110107015%
1250699107010%
1250699301010%
1251610107010%
1253820301015%
1256230301010%
2050110107010%
2051610107010%
3071610107010%
Goals / Objectives
The long-term goals of the integrated research and extension project are to develop sustainable silvopasture systems for increasing farm productivity and profitability on small- and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt soil and cultural region of the southeast USA, and at the same time, train farmers and stakeholders in the establishment and management of sustainable small-scale silvopasture enterprises. Specific objectives of the proposed project are: Research Objectives: (1) optimize forage, livestock, and tree mixtures for increasing productivity on silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region through soil fertility management and forage enhancement practices; (2) to investigate animal performance in goat-loblolly pine silvopasture systems with and without enhanced forage improvement in the Black Belt region; (3) investigate loblolly pine response to grazing and soil fertility management for enhanced forage production in goat-loblolly pine silvopasture systems in the Black Belt region; (4) conduct economic feasibility of sustainable silvopasture systems for limited resource farmers in the Black Belt region; and (5) assess and document short and long-term environmental impacts/benefits of silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region. Extension Objectives : (1) establish on-farm research and demonstration plots for integrated forage, livestock, and timber production on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region, and (2) train farmers and stakeholders in various aspects of sustainable silvopasture enterprise management such as forage establishment, tree thinning, fire management, animal health management, soil sampling, and agroforestry budgeting. Expected outputs from the project: This project, which will be carried out from January 2012 to December 2014 will provide an economically attractive timber/livestock/forage production method for landowners, especially limited resource and minority landowners in the southeast, who still need to retain a flow of annual income from agriculture while they are growing timber. The project will also provide awareness of agroforestry's economic, social, and environmental benefits to farmers and forest landowners on small and medium-sized farms in the southeast U.S.Results from the proposed project will be used to develop scientific publications, extension bulletins, and presentations at national and international scientific conferences. The close working relationship between Alabama A&M University, USDA National Agroforestry Center, The Federation of Southern Cooperatives, and Alabama Cooperative Extension Services will facilitate the transfer, sharing, and utilization of information and data generated from this project among farmers, and interested parties including government and private organizations working in rural development.
Project Methods
The project will be conducted within the Black Belt soil region of Alabama, on property of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives' Rural Research and Training Center in Epes, Alabama. We will study four treatments consisting of: 1. Existing vegetation without forage enhancement with no grazing; 2. Existing vegetation without forage enhancement with grazing at 8 goats/acre; 3. Existing vegetation without forage enhancement with grazing at 10 goats/acre; and 4. Existing vegetation with forage enhancement with grazing at 12 goats/acre. In addition, the demonstration plots to be established on farmers' properties will serve as multi-site replications as part of the extension component of the project. We will investigate the possibility of developing a year-round forage production system in the forage enhancement plots by introducing dwarf mimosa (Albizia julibrissin, L.) and shade tolerant sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata Dum). Tall fescue (a novel endophyte) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) forages will be introduced in the enhanced paddocks to provide winter grazing. Tree growth and survival measurements will be collected annually to determine treatment effect on key forest ecosystem attributes such as tree productivity, aesthetics, forest environment, wildlife habitat potential, and sustainability. The data will include bole diameter at breast height (dbh), basal area, total height (H), form class, crown length, volume(V), and tree mortality. The assessment of the economic feasibility of sustainable silvopasture systems for limited resource farmers in the Black Belt region will entail two interrelated activities: Activity 1: The first step will be the generation of enterprise budgets. Enterprise budgets provide a representation of estimates of specific inputs and outflows associated with the silvopasture system. These estimates will include profits in the form of cash receipts (revenues) and costs associated with production cycles pertinent to trees, animals and pasture production. The enterprise budgets will be translated into cash-flow plans. The cash-flow plan will provide the information necessary to assess and forecast the economic feasibility of the silvopasture system. The enterprise budgets will provide a framework for reporting and monitoring the profitability of each enterprise, and the cash-flow plan will provide the information necessary to assess and forecast the economic feasibility of the agroforestry practice over time. Activity 2: The primary data developed in Activity 1 will be used to develop management guidelines that will improve economic efficiency and profitability of the system. We will investigate the effect of grazing and forage enhancement treatments on soil pH, total C, total N, ammonium and nitrate N, and plant extractable P to assess the sustainability of the proposed silvopasture system. We will provide training and demonstration activities to 60 to 75 small holder and limited resource farmers and ranchers in the southeast USA on the following topics: forage establishment, thinning, fire management, animal health and nutrition, soil sampling, and agroforestry budgeting.

Progress 02/01/12 to 01/31/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The main target audience reached by our project during this reporting period comprises the primary beneficiaries of the project who are livestock and forest landowners on small and medium sized farms. The farms are mainly family owned and are characterized as limited resource farms predominantly owned by minorities in underserved communities who have an interest in diversifying their farming operations to by practicing silvopasture systems involving goat production on their properties. Our project has also, however, attracted the interest of other stakeholders involved in helping rural communities adopt alternative and profitable land-use systems to diversify farm productivity in the area. These stakeholders include personnel from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services, staff from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and others parties such as education institutions in and outside the project area. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project continued providing hands-on training opportunities for students in various aspects of the project. Students majoring in forestry at Alabama A&M University were trained on-site in tree measurements to assess tree growth response to animal grazing and forage management and forest inventory in the research study duringsummer camps held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives' Center for Rural Research and Demonstration at Epes, AL. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Cooperative Extension System New and Non-Traditional Programs Unit at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Tennessee State University (TSU) presented their annual Small Ruminant Production Conference: The Basics. At this conference, data were presented from the collaborative ongoing integrated research and extension activities between TSU and AAMU and aimed at helping land owners to enter or enhance sustainable meat goat production. This program has been held nearly every year over the last decade in Alabama or Tennessee to assist prospective, new and experienced producers alike. Various topics concerning nutrition, health, genetics, economics, and other aspects of small ruminant management were covered during the conference. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Conducted economic feasibility of sustainable silvopasture systems for limited resource farmers in the Black Belt region: The analysis was conducted in two sections; the first addressed the question of whether silvopasture production system is a profitable enterprise, and to compare the 4 goats per acre enterprise budget (Scenario 1) with the 8 goats per acre enterprise budget (Scenario 2) to determine which enterprise is more profitable. The second section focused on the cash flow analysis involving both trees and goat enterprises. Animal Enterprise Budgeting The analysis comprised of two scenarios. The first scenario (Scenario I) looked at 4 meat goats per acre on a pine sawlog tree plantation, browsing on existing pasture. The second scenario (Scenario II) looks at 8 meat goats per acre on a pine sawlog tree plantation, browsing on existing pasture. The first component of the meat goat enterprise budgets presented the animal production parameters, including the number of meat goats, beginning and ending weights, average weight gain, and death loss rates. The second component presents the total income generated from the animal enterprise. The third component of the meat goat enterprise budget presented the total operating cost parameters. They included items such as feed cost and health management program cost. The fourth component was the return to labor and management, which represented the difference between the total operating costs and the total income. The fifth and sixth components were related to break-even analysis (BEA). Break-even analysis allows producers to see the minimum price or yield level required to cover specified costs. The BEA was used to determine break-even yield. The BEP for the cost per pound for live weight was calculated by dividing the number of goats multiplied by the pounds per goat by the total operating. On the other hand, the BEP for the cost per pound for carcass weight was calculated by dividing the number of meat goats multiplied by the pounds per meat goat and also multiplied by the yield. Both scenarios used an interest charge of 8 percent on operating capital and it was assumed that only half of working capital was borrowed, so the 8 percent interest rate was applied to half of the working capital. The enterprise budget in Scenario I showed an average starting weight of 34 pounds and an average ending weight of 47 pounds. The estimated revenue for the enterprise (assuming a death loss of 13%, an average weight of 47 pounds and selling price at $1.75 per pound of live animal) was $286 per acre or $82.25 per meat goat. On the other hand, the enterprise budget in Scenario II showed an average beginning weight of 33 pounds and an average-ending weight of 42 pounds. The estimated revenue for the enterprise (assuming a death loss of 13%, an average weight of 42 pounds and selling price at $1.75 per pound of a live goat) was $512 per acre or $73.50 per meat goat. On the cost side, the total operating costs were estimated at $166 and $313 per acre or $41.63 and $39.18 per goat in Scenarios I and II, respectively. At these levels of revenue and cost, the silvopasture production enterprises generates sufficient return to labor and management ($120 and $198 per acre or $40.63 and $34.32 per goat for Scenario I and II, respectively) to justify the farmers' investment. For Scenario 1, the cost per pound for live weight breakeven price to cover operating cost was $1.02 per pound, which was calculated by dividing the number of goats (3); multiplied by the pounds per goat (47) by the total operating cost ($166). The cost per pound for carcass weight breakeven price to cover operating cost was $2.0.4 per pound which was calculated by dividing the number of goats (7); multiplied by the pounds per goat (47) by the total operating cost ($166)and then multiply by 50% (it was assumed that carcass weight of the goat is less than live weight. For Scenario 2, the cost per pound for live weight breakeven price to cover operating costs was $1.07 per pound, which was calculated by dividing the number of goats (7) multiplied by the pounds per goat (42) by the total operating cost ($313). The cost per pound for carcass weight breakeven price to cover operating costs was estimated to be $2.14 per pound. Tree Enterprise Budgeting The tree enterprise budget captured the revenue gained from the tree products of pulpwood, chip-n-saw, and sawtimber and the cost of the total operation including management, site preparation, planting, fencing, pruning, thinning, and annual costs. Harvesting cost and selling price of the tree products in the budget comes from the literature which discusses the economics of planting and harvesting process of pine plantations in the Southeast. The literature also discusses the mill values of the tree products, which are assumed to cover the money spent during the thinning process of the trees. In the analysis, the mill values used are $20/ton for pulpwood, $41/ton for chip-n-saw, and $46/ton for sawtimber. The number of tons assumed based on tree growth model were 11 tons for pulpwood, 18 tons for chip-n-saw and 112 tons for sawtimber. The operating cost included harvesting cost which was $14 per ton for pulpwood, $10 per ton for chip-n-saw, and $9 per ton for sawtimber. The projected revenue for the tree enterprise, assuming 3 tree products from harvesting, number of tons ranging from 11 to 112 per acre and a selling price ranging from $20 to $46, is $6,110 per acre. Based on estimated total operating cost of $4,467, which includes harvesting cost, the tree enterprise would generate sufficient returns of $1,643 per acre. Cash Flow Analysis The analysis was generated over a 30-year cycle to reconcile the cash flows on a 5-acres farm. The revenue information was derived from the animal and tree enterprise budgets (8 goats produced 42 pounds of meat sold at $1.75 per pound--generating $286 per acre; 4 goats produced 47 pounds of meat sold at $1.75 per pound--generating $512 per acre; and the tree enterprise generated $6,110 per acre). The total production cost for the 4 goats ($6815) and the tree enterprise ($830) on five acres was $7645; while the total production cost for the 8 goats ($6815) and the tree enterprise ($1565) on five acres was $8380. In the last year the benefit of $30,550 accrued as the value of the timber while the meat goats generated at a total of $1430 for 4 goats and $2560 for 8 goats on five acres. The cash flow plan used a nominal discount rate of 6% which was later converted to a real discount rate of 2.4 to adjust for the assumed 3.5% inflation for Scenario 1 and Scenario 2. The cash flows from 1 to 6 years were negative (since the goats were not introduced on the land until year 7) but turned positive starting in year 7 for both Scenarios. Scenario 2 presented a greater benefit of almost $400 than Scenario 1 starting in year 7 through year 29. To project the long term costs and benefits of the silvopasture production system, the Net Present Value (NPV) analysis was conducted using information from the cash flow plan. NPV is defined as the sum of the present values of the annual cash flows minus the initial investment. The annual cash flows are the net benefits (revenues minus costs) generated from the investment during the production cycle. These cash flows are discounted or adjusted by incorporating the uncertainty and time value of money. The basic decision rule based on NPV is that silvopasture production system should be implemented if NPV is greater than or equal to zero. The profitability of the silvopasture production systems for both scenarios based on NPV were -5069.94 for Scenario 1 and $1125.84 for Scenario 2; thus indicating the viability of the silvopasture production system in the Alabama Black Belt region under the specified assumptions in scenario 2.

Publications


    Progress 02/01/15 to 01/31/16

    Outputs
    Target Audience:The main target audience reached by our project during this reporting period comprise the primary beneficiaries of the project who are livestock and forest landowners on small and medium sized farms in the Black Belt region of the south Alabama. The farms are mainly family owned and are characterized as limited resource farms predominantly owned by minorities in underserved communities who have an interest in diversifying their farming operations to by practicing silvopasture systems involving goat production on their properties. Our project has also, however, attracted the interest of other stakeholders involved in helping rural communities adopt alternative and profitable land-use systems to diversify farm productivity in the area. These stakeholders include personnel from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services, staff from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and others parties such as education institutions in and outside the project area. Changes/Problems:The formerProject Director(PD) resigned from Alabama A&M University and efforts to replace him weredelayed by theprocess ofobtaining approval for change of PD from both the University and the Agency.As a result project funds were not accessibleto project staff which led to delays, and in some instancescancelation, in executingproject activities. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project provides an opportunity for hands-on training students in various aspects of the project. Students majoring in forestry at Alabama A&M University were trained on-site in tree measurements to assess tree growth response to animal grazing and forage management and forest inventory in the research study during a one week summer camp held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives' Center for Rural Research and Demonstration at Epes AL How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Workshops and factsheets What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We inted to finalize the collection ofanimal growth and tree growth data from the experiment, and use the information to update the enterprise budgets.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? The 8th Small Ruminant Conference was held at Lakepoint Resort State Park in Eufaula, Ala. on July 24-25. The conference provided participants knowledge on the basics of meat goat and hair sheep production from experts. Topics discussed included: Strategies toManage Internal Parasites of Small Ruminants by Maria Leite-Browning Veterinarian, Extension Animal Scientist,ACES / AAMU; The impact of weaning lambs on productivity, and Physiology of Adapted Hair Sheep in the Tropics, presented by Dr. Robert Godfrey, Director & Professor - Animal Science Agricultural Experiment Station, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix. Meat Goat Breeds and Genetics, Presented By Dr. Richard Browning Jr, Professor Department of Agricultural Sciences, Tennessee State University; Grading Systems for Market, Mr. David Garcia, LivestockMarketingUSDA-AgriculturalMarketingService,Montgomery,AL Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Silvopasture Systems for Small Farmers,Associate Professor of Forestry, Ecology and Wildlife Program Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, AAMU; Pasture Establishment and Management, presented by Dr. David A. Mays, Adjunct Professor of Agronomy Environmental Soil and Water Sciences, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, AAMU and Dr. Maria Leite-Browning, ACES/AAMU. A total of 172 small-limited resources landowners from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi attended this conference. Forty -four participants attended an ACES program for the first time and the remaining 128 that attended at least one previous ACES Educational Outreach program. Demographics: 87- Men, 85- Women; 62- Blacks, 103- Whites, 02- Native-Americans, 04- Latinos, 01- Asian. A total of 164- Adults and 08-Youth attended the program. Producers were introduced the basics of meat goat and hair sheep prediction and learned the basic reproductive management practices that allow increased annual lambing production in the tropics and how these practices can be applicable to improve hair sheep production in the Southeastern region of the United States, They learned about purebred meat goats: Boer, Kiko, Myotonic, Savannah, and Spanish and how crossbreeding impacts US meat goat production. Attendees learned how to visual appraisal of small ruminants is an important management practice in seed stock and commercial enterprises and how an experienced grader evaluates sheep and goats for relative visual merit. The physiology of adapted hair sheep in a hot and humid tropical environment was discussed and how this data can be used in the Southern region of the US. Producers also learned the importance of an integrated agricultural management system and how it can benefit timber, sheep, and/or goat production systems. Several fact sheets and copies of the conference presentations and FAMACHA charts were available and handed to participants. The impact of the conference was evaluated by a survey that was applied at the end of the program. One hundred thirty-seven surveys (137) were recovered. Survey responses indicated that 95% of participants grated the conference as "Excellent" and 5% as a "Good" event. Type of Livestock: Thirty -three percent raise goats only; 6% raise hair sheep only; 2% raise cattle only; 47% raise goat and cattle; 4% raises hair sheep and goats, and 8% raise cattle and goats on a Silvopasture system. Herd Size: Thirty-one percent own 1 to 25 head; ten percent 26 to 50 head ; four percent 51-99 head; and eight percent 100 or more head. Reason for Small Ruminant Production: Sixty- two percent of producers raise hair sheep and goat mainly for slaughter; 12% for breeding stock; 22% for brush control and 4% for fun or hobby. As a result of previous small ruminant educational programs or materials presented by Alabama Cooperative Extension System: A. Twenty -five percent begun to raise goats and 75% were already a hair sheep or goat producer B. Increase in Production Efficiency: Thirty -seven percent did not respond; while 17% of participants indicated the herd production efficiency had no increase, fourteen percent reported an increase of 5%, ten percent reported an increase in 10%, nine percent an increase in 15%, nine percent an increase in 20%, and thirteen percent of producers reported an increase greater than 20% in herd production efficiency. C. Herd Health improvement based on declining animal illness and death: Thirty -seven percent did not respond to this question; while four percent indicated no improvement in herd health, sixteen percent reported an improvement in 5% of herd health, twelve percent an improvement in 10%, five percent an increase in 15%, ten percent an increase in 20% and sixteen percent an increase in herd health greater than 20%. D. Increased herd profitability: Forty-seven percent did not respond to this question. While seventeen percent of producers reported no herd profitability, fifteen per percent reported an increase in 5%, five percent reported an increase in 10%, nine percent an increase in 15%, six percent an increase in 20% and eleven percent of producers reported an increase in herd profitability greater than 20%. E. How has your genetic management been influenced? Twenty-six percent of producers indicated that breed selection was affected or changed, 34% started or modified performance recording; and Forty percent of producers modified within-herd selection and culling procedures.

    Publications


      Progress 02/01/14 to 01/31/15

      Outputs
      Target Audience: The target audience reached by our project during this reporting period comprises the primary beneficiaries of the project and also, secondary beneficiaries who are outside the project operational area. The primary beneficiaries of this project are limited resource farmers who are largely crop, livestock and forest landowners on small and medium sized farms in the Black Belt region of the south Alabama. These farms are rural and family-owned and are characterized as limited resource farms. The owners of these farmers are predominantly African American minorities in underserved communities in rural counties in the Black Belt region of Alabama.In addition, our project'sresearch, training and demonstration efforts have also impacted other limited resource farmers from neighboring states of Mississippi and Georgia who are secondary beneficiaries of our projectactivities. Stakeholders such as the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services, The Federation of Southern Cooperatives, and others who are involved in serving rural communities in nearby counties in the state of Alabama have also benefited from the knowledge and information from our research, training and demonstration activities. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Student Training Student Training: Students majoring in forestry, biological and environmental sciencesat Alabama A&M University spent a full week at the research project site at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives’ Center for Rural Research and Demonstration at Epes AL for the annual summer camp in summer 2014. During the summer camp, the project provided hands-on field training to students in areas such as soil sampling, forage sampling, fertilizer and lime application, animal management, de-worming, tree measurements, and others. The summer camp activities are useful in equipping undergraduate and undergraduate students with hands-on skills needed to enable them to take up jobs and careers in sustainable agriculture, forestry management, farm management, and others. The majority of these students are under-represented minorities whose skills are needed in the areas of forestry and environmental management. In addition, graduate and undergraduate students were trained in various laboratory aspects of chemical analyses of soil, plant, and air samples in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Alabama A&M University. Farmer Training: Farmer Training: As highlighted earlier, the farmers hosting the on-farm demonstration projects and a Project Assistant working with the farmers were sponsored to attend a two day training workshop on goat production and management entitled “Sustainable Meat Goat Production: The Basics” at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, TN on May 29-30, 2014. The training was provided by goat breeders, animal health specialists, animal nutrition specialists, forage production agronomists, and marketing specialists from Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. In addition to equip the farmers with knowledge and skills needed to establish, manage, and to make profit from silvopasture systems integrating sustainable livestock, forage, and timber production on the same piece of land, the project team conducted a Field Day and Training Workshop at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives /LAF (FSC/LAF)’s Rural Research and Training Center at Epes in Sumter County Alabama, from September 5 – 6 2014. The event provided research-based training and technical recommendations for starting up, management, and economic benefits of silvopasture enterprises. Topics which were covered in the training and demonstration activities of the field day included: Forage Establishment and Management; Tree Establishment and Management; Meat Goat Breeds; Goat Herd Management and Animal Nutrition and Economics of Silvopasture Systems and Marketing. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results from this project have been disseminated to communities of interest via the following means: Sustainable Silvopasture Fact Sheet: The project team prepared and published a technical silvopasture document fact sheet entitled “Silvopasture agroforestry practices for sustainable forage, meat goat, and timber production”. This is a peer revied document which was published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Publication UNP-2056 by Leite-Browning M.L., Nyakatawa, E.Z. Bukenya, J.O. Mays, D. A., Naka, K. (2014). Field Day and Training Workshop Report: As a follow up to the Field Day and Training Workshop, the project team prepared and published a document summarizing the key outcomes and recommendations from the field day and training workshop. This document, entitled “Sustainable Silvopasture Systems for Small and Limited Resource Farmers in the Black-Belt Region of Alabama – Field Day and Training Workshop Report “ by Nyakatawa, E.Z., Leite-Browning M.L, Bukenya, J.O. Mays, D. A., Naka, K. 2014 was distributed to the farmers and stakeholders through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and USDA-NRCS. Online documents which have referenced our project activities include: http://alafarmnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=614:silvopasture-agroforestry&catid=8&Itemid=371 http://www.agi.alabama.gov/news/events/2014/09/05/default-calendar/sustainable-silvopasture-field-day-training-workshop http://growingalabama.com/news/2014/05/sustainable-meat-goat-production-workshop-set-may-29/ Silvopasture Agroforestry Farm & Field August 2014 What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The following activities are planned to accomplish the project objectives: Complete the economic analyses for on-farm demonstration data using farm input data from the demonstration sites. Complete tree measurements and timber stock inventory – this will help in assessing true harvest value of standing timber in the research plots to enable a more accurate economic analysis for profitability of the system. Dissemination of results- through conference presentations, student theses, and publications.

      Impacts
      What was accomplished under these goals? IMPACT STATEMENT: A team of scientists and researchers from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University’s College of Agricultural, Life, and Natural Sciences, The Alabama Cooperative Extension System, The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund (FCS/LAF), and the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services are conducting aUSDA NIFA funded integrated research and extension project to develop silvopasture systems for sustainable forage, livestock, and timber production for small and limited resource farmers in the Black Belt Region of Alabama. Science-based information from a replicated research plots at the FCS at Epes Alabama was used to initiate on-farm demonstrations on a representative group of four minority farmers in Sumter County Alabama. Each of the farmers were provided with a breeding herd consisting of 10 yearling Spanish does and one 100 % New Zealand Kiko buck for breeding meat goats. In addition, the project team also planted hybrid poplar trees on farmers’ properties. Hybrid poplar is a fast growing tree species which can grow up to 10ft per year, faster than many timber species. The project also provided the farmers with technical assistance in forage production, animal nutrition, animal health management, and silvopasture enterprise budgeting and marketing. To equip the farmers with knowledge and skills needed to establish, manage, and to make profit from silvopasture systems integrating sustainable livestock, forage, and timber production on the same piece of land, the project team conducted a Field Day and Training Workshop at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives /LAF (FSC/LAF)’s Rural Research and Training Center at Epes in Sumter County Alabama, from September 5 – 6 2014. The event provided research-based training and technical recommendations for starting up, management, and economic benefits of silvopasture enterprise. As a result of the field day and training workshop, Participants' interest as a result of field day: -43 producers indicated that they were interested in starting a silvopasture system for goat, forage, and timber production. (I) Research Objectives: A replicated experiment to generate science based knowledge and information on developing, management, and economic feasibility of sustainable silvopasture systems for small and limited resource farmers is being conducted on the property of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives’ Rural Research and Training Center at Epes, Alabama within the Black Belt region of Alabama. (1) To optimize forage, livestock, and tree mixtures for increasing productivity on silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region through soil fertility management and forage enhancement practices: Forage production in the enhanced forage treatment was optimized by clearing the understory brush thereby creating open space for forage planting. This was followed by soil incorporation of pelletilized dolomitic lime and application of inorganic fertilizer. White clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) were seeded in the enhanced forage plots.Our datashow that forage enhancement increased quantity and quality of forage, and with good rainfall, amount of forage can be in excess of animals consumption whereas with low rainfall and dry seasons, there may be a need to supplement grazing with feed and/or to reduce stocking rates. (2) To investigate animal performance in goat-loblolly pine silvopasture systems with and without enhanced forage improvement in the Black Belt region:Animal performance in the research study was assessed by taking animal weight gains before and during grazing. Animal fecal samples were collected throughout the summer season to assess animal feeding habits and species preferences. Insummary, animal weight gains depended on quantity and quality of forage produced, parasitic worms were a major challenge in the silvopasture system, and forage availability dictated stocking rates which can vary from 4 to 10 animals/acre. (3) To investigate loblolly pine response to grazing and soil fertility management for enhanced forage production in goat-loblolly pine silvopasture systems in the Black Belt region: Tree growth and survival measurements which included bole diameter at breast height tree height, and volume were collected in summer 2014. More time required to make conclusive results regarding effect of forage management and animal grazing on tree performance in the silvopasture system. Results so far indicate tree growthlargest in highest stocking rates and lowest in forage enhancement plots. (4) To conduct economic feasibility of sustainable silvopasture systems for limited resource farmers in the Black Belt region: Economic analysis data on research plots indicate that the silvopasture production system is a financially feasible investment for the limited resource farmers in the region. Net present value model and sensitivity analysis indicatean investment insilvopasture system would be profitable. (5) To assess and document short and long-term environmental impacts/benefits of silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region: Soil analyses is being used to assess the sustainability of the silvopasture system and the potential improvement of plant-available nutrients caused by goat-based vegetation management. Soil fertility improvementincreased N and P levels in surface soils and that grazing itself increased plant available N and P levels in surface soils through animal waste supply. These results indicate that grazing can improve soil fertility through nutrient recycling which in the long-term, can make goat-loblolly silvopasture production systems both environmentally sustainable. (II) Extension Objectives (1) To establish on-farm research and demonstration plots for integrated forage, livestock, and timber production on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region:Work on on-farm demonstrations which were where established on four minority farmers, a representative group of landowners in Sumter County in the Black Belt region of Alabama was continued. Science-based information from a replicated research plots at the FCS at Epes Alabama was applied on the on-farm demonstration sites to develop integrated livestock, forage, and timber production systems for small and limited resource farms using the representative group of four minority farmers in Sumter County Alabama as examples. Each of the farmers were provided with a breeding herd consisting of 10 yearling Spanish does and one 100 % New Zealand Kiko buck for breeding meat goats. In addition, the project team also planted hybrid poplar trees which are fast growing trees which can grow up to 10ft per year. The project also provided the farmers with technical assistance on soil testing, forage production, animal nutrition, animal health management, and silvopasture enterprise budgeting and marketing. (2) To train farmers and stakeholders in various aspects of sustainable silvopasture enterprise management such as forage establishment, tree thinning, fire management, animal health management, soil sampling, and agroforestry budgeting. The project team conducted a Field Day and Training Workshop at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives /LAF (FSC/LAF)’s Rural Research and Training Center at Epes in Sumter County Alabama, from September 5 – 6 2014. The event provided research-based training and technical recommendations for starting up, management, and economic benefits of silvopasture enterprise. In addition, the farmers hosting the on-farm demonstration projectsattended a two day training workshop on goat production and management .

      Publications

      • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Leite-Browning M.L., Nyakatawa, E.Z. Bukenya, J.O. Mays, D. A., Naka, K. 2014. Silvopasture agroforestry practices for sustainable forage, meat goat, and timber production. Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Publication UNP-2056.
      • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Nyakatawa, E.Z., Leite-Browning M.L, Bukenya, J.O. Mays, D. A., Naka, K. 2014. Sustainable Silvopasture Systems for Small and Limited Resource Farmers in the Black-Belt Region of Alabama  Field Day and Training Workshop Report.
      • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2016 Citation: Naka, K., Nyakatawa, E.Z. and Mays, D. A. Growth of silvopasture managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation in the Black Belt Region of Alabama. (In Preparation).


      Progress 02/01/13 to 01/31/14

      Outputs
      Target Audience: The main target audience reached by our project during this reporting period comprise the primary beneficiaries of the project who are livestock and forest landowners on small and medium sized farms in the Black Belt region of the south Alabama. The farms are mainly family owned and are characterized as limited resource farms predominantly owned by minorities in underserved communities who have an interest in diversifying their farming operations to by practicing silvopasture systems involving goat production on their properties. Our project has also, however, attracted the interest of other stakeholders involved in helping rural communities adopt alternative and profitable land-use systems to diversify farm productivity in the area. These stakeholders include personnel from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Services, staff from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, the Alabama Forestry Commission, and others parties such as education institutions in and outsidethe project area. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The project provides an opportunity for hands-on training students in various aspects of the project. Students majoring in forestry at Alabama A&M University were trained on-site in tree measurements to assess tree growth response to animal grazing and forage management and forest inventory in the research study during a one week summer camp held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives’ Center for Rural Research and Demonstration at Epes AL during summer 2013. The summer camp activities are useful in equipping undergraduate and undergraduate students with hands-on skills needed to enable them to take up jobs and careers in forestry management. The majority of these students are under-represented minorities whose skills are needed in the areas of forestry and environmental management. In addition, as stated earlier, farmers participating in the hosting of the demonstration projects have received training on handling and caring for meat goats, feeding, health upkeep, medication administration, and others on two occasions in summer and fall of 2013. In addition, experienced goat farmers from outside the project area, one from the state of Texas and another one from within the state of Alabama have provided hands-on tips and ideas for the upkeep of the goats on the demonstration sites to these farmers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

      Impacts
      What was accomplished under these goals? The impact of this on-going project so far has been the successful establishment of science-based and economically attractive livestock/forage/timber production projects on farmers’ properties in Sumter County in the Black Belt region of Alabama. These achievements have led to a noticeable increase in farmers seeking information regarding sustainable livestock/forage/timber silvopasture systems in the area. It is anticipated that this interest by farmers will lead to increased adoption of sustainable silvopasture practices thereby fulfing the projects’ ultimate goal of providing landowners with options for supplementing their annual income using the same pieces of land they have been farming for decades. Following the introduction of hybrid poplar and the New Zealand Kiko goats in the livestock/forage/timber production demonstration systems on the farmers’ properties, there is a noticeable interest mixed with curiosity on the anticipated final outcome of the project among the farmers who are eager to explore the benefits of this type of silvopasture system. With a growth rate close to 10 times faster than most timber species, hybrid poplar has an immense potential to further increase the benefits of the sustainable silvopasture systems under development by proving timber for construction, pulp, and bio-energy in as little as 5 to 12 years. The Kiko breed of goat brings attributes such as drought hardiness, resistance to parasites, higher forage intake and growth rates and hence higher carcass yields. The farmers participating in the project are gaining practical knowledge on the designing, implementation, and management of sustainable silvopasture systems on their properties. As these farmers spread the word about their activities we anticipate an increased in awareness of agroforestry’s economic, social, and environmental benefits. (I) Research Objectives: To address the research objectives of this project, an experiment is being conducted on an 6 ha, 12-year-old loblolly pine plantation on the property of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives’ Rural Research and Training Center at Epes, Alabama within the Black Belt soil region of Alabama. (1) To optimize forage, livestock, and tree mixtures for increasing productivity on silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region through soil fertility management and forage enhancement practices: Forage production in the enhanced forage treatment was optimized by clearing the understory brush thereby creating open space for forage planting. This was followed by soil incorporation of pelletilized dolomitic lime and application of inorganic fertilizer. White clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) were seeded in the enhanced forage plots. Data for above ground forage biomass production was collected at regular intervals during the growing season in spring and summer 2013. Preliminary field observations indicated that forage intake and grazing pressure by the Kiko goats was much higher than expected hence there was a higher need for feed supplements especially in the high stocking rates. (2) To investigate animal performance in goat-loblolly pine silvopasture systems with and without enhanced forage improvement in the Black Belt region: Animal performance in the research study was assessed by taking animal weight gains before and during grazing. Animal fecal samples were collected throughout the summer season to assess animal feeding habits and species preferences. In addition, blood samples were collected from the animals to assess physiological performance such as blood urea nitrogen. Data analysis is in progress. (3) To investigate loblolly pine response to grazing and soil fertility management for enhanced forage production in goat-loblolly pine silvopasture systems in the Black Belt region: Tree growth and survival measurements which included bole diameter at breast height tree height, and volume were collected in summer 2013. Statistical analyses and data summarization are in progress. (4) To conduct economic feasibility of sustainable silvopasture systems for limited resource farmers in the Black Belt region: Ongoing activities are focused on keeping records of costs associated with the production cycles of pertinent to establishment of the silvopasture enterprises which include costs of forage establishment, forage improvement, tree management, animal management, and others. These The data will be used in the generation of enterprise budgets. The enterprise budgets will be translated into cash-flow plans which will provide the information necessary to assess and forecast the economic feasibility of the silvopasture system. (5) To assess and document short and long-term environmental impacts/benefits of silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region: Soil samples were randomly taken from individual paddocks in spring before and after grazing in the fall. The samples are being analyzed for properties such as pH, total carbon, total nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, and plant extractable phosphorus to assess the sustainability of the proposed silvopasture system and the potential improvement of plant-available nutrients caused by goat-based vegetation management. Goat grazing also has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling through manure which may in the long-term reduce need for chemical fertilizers for improving forage production in the system. (II) Extension Objectives (1) To establish on-farm research and demonstration plots for integrated forage, livestock, and timber production on small and medium-sized farms in the Black Belt region: A representative group of four landowners in Sumter County in the Black Belt region of Alabama were selected to host on-farm silvopasture research and demonstration projects on their properties. These “representative” sites were chosen during several trips involving project PIs from Alabama A&M University, the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, scientists from the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, personnel from USDA-NRCS, and farmers’ representatives from the project area. The four farmers were gender balanced to include two male and two female project representatives. Following paddock establishment, hybrid poplar trees were planted on participating farmers properties in spring 2013. Hybrid poplar is a fast growing tree (up to 10 times faster than most timber trees) which can grow up to 10ft per year. In the summer of 2013, each participant received 10 yearling Spanish does to establish the goat herd. In fall 2013, each of the farmers were provided with one 100 % New Zealand Kiko buck to establish the breeding herd. With the breeding season which began in early October 2013, expectations are that the kidding season will occur in spring 2014. (2) To train farmers and stakeholders in various aspects of sustainable silvopasture enterprise management such as forage establishment, tree thinning, fire management, animal health management, soil sampling, and agroforestry budgeting. Farmers participating in the hosting of the demonstration projects have received training on handling and caring for meat goats, feeding, health upkeep, medication administration, and others on two occasions in summer and fall of 2013. In addition, experienced goat farmers from outside the project area, one from the state of Texas and another one from within the state of Alabama have provided hands-on tips and ideas for the upkeep of the goats on the demonstration sites to these farmers. We are excited these on-farm demonstration sites are motivating other farmers to develop an interest in silvopasture.

      Publications


        Progress 02/01/12 to 01/31/13

        Outputs
        OUTPUTS: Project activities and events which were undertaken during the report year focused on identifying a representative sample of landowners to host on-farm silvopasture demonstration project plots on their properties. These on-farm demonstration plots are being designed to complement an ongoing research and demonstration project based at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives' Rural Research and Training facility at Epes in Sumter County Alabama. Following award announcement in February 2012, a pre-project planning meeting to discuss and re-align the project timeline to the funding period was held at the campus of Alabama A&M University first week of March, 2012. At this meeting, the project PIs planned and agreed on a site visit to project site at Epes Alabama to meet with Federation of Southern Cooperatives (FSC) staff and introduce new phase of project and to assess project infrastructure and other requirements. As a result of this meeting, a project planning meeting for project PIs and collaborators from FSC, and the Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRSC) County Extension staff based at Livingston Alabama was held during the third week of March 2012. The major output from this meeting was the selection criteria for the proposed silvopasture demonstration sites which included among others the following: Representative landowners to be located in the project service area in the Black Belt region of Alabama; landowners having at least an acre of forest land which can be put into a silvopasture production systems with goats and forage production; landowners be willing to use their property as a training/demonstration site for other landowners in the surrounding areas during field days and associated training activities planned in the project; and also landowners be able to qualify for USDA/NRCS Equip programs in order for the project to take advantages of any synergies already existing in the communities. It was also agreed on the meeting to hire a project assistant with interest and knowledge in project related activities to serve as link between farmers and project team. After executing the recommendations from the planning meeting, the following outcomes were achieved: A project assistant was hired to work on the project; site visits to meet with farmers, to inspect potential properties suitable for the project, and to interview the potential farmers to host the silvopasture demonstration projects were done. Out of a list of 15 potential farmers, a sample of five farmers were selected in December, 2012 to host the demonstration projects. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Dr. Nyakatawa (Research Scientist/Professor - Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University) is leading the project administratively and technically. His main responsibilities as Project Director include: overall coordination of research and extension activities; establishing and executing collaborative activities with the Federation of Southern Cooperatives, USDA-FS and communicating with NIFA. Dr. Nyakatawa will arrange for the evaluation of the project and following up on the recommendations arising from the project evaluation meetings. He is also involved in supervising project personnel and in coordinating graduate and undergraduate student training. Dr. Nyakatawa is also responsible for reporting to the funding agency and to make presentations at the annual project directors meetings. As principal investigator, Dr. Nyakatawa is responsible for the technical aspects of the research and extension activities. As project scientist, Dr. Nyakatawa is directly responsible for project activities addressing research objectives to optimize forage, livestock, and tree mixtures for increasing productivity on silvopasture systems on small and medium-sized farms. In addition, Dr. Nyakatawa is directly involved in the dissemination of research results through publications and presentations at professional meetings and training activities and extension activities of the proposed project. Dr. James Bukenya (Co-PI; Professor-Agribusiness Management Specialist - Department of Agribusiness, Alabama A&M University). Dr. Bukenya will serve as a resource person on agribusiness and economics aspects of the project during outreach training and extension activities. Dr. David D. Mays (Co-PI) is actively involved in forage establishment and management aspects of the project. He actively participates in forage sampling, analysis and data interpretation. Dr. Kozma Naka, Co-PI (Associate Professor of Forest Operations, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Alabama A&M University). Dr. Naka brings expertise in improvement of natural pastures and ranges to the project. He participates in establishing the silvopasture demonstrates projects on farmers' properties, collecting data on trees to monitor growth, vigor and mortality. Collaborators: Dr. Nar Ngurung (Animal Specialist, Tuskegee University). Dr. Ngurung is leading project activities related to animal nutrition and animal health in the research project at Epes Alabama. Partner Organizations: Dr. Maria Leite-Browning (D.V.M, Extension Animal Scientist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System). Dr. Leite-Browning is leading the animal component of extension and outreach. She will organize the training modules, schedules, and resource persons for each training activity. As extension scientist, Dr. Leite-Browning provides a direct linkage between research and extension activities thereby ensuring that these major components of the proposed project are truly integrated. She is also liaising with extension personnel in the state which will be crucial to mobilize a diverse training component for farmers, forest landowners, and livestock producers in the state. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences are the small and limited resource farmers largely located in the Black belt region of the south Alabama where there is also a strong interest in silvopasture systems involving small ruminants. The majoring of the farmers are rural and underserved minorities who are currently looking for alternative and profitable land-use systems to diversify and sustain rural farm productivity. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No major changes have been made to the project protocols. Project activities are progressing well thus far.

        Impacts
        Nothing to report as yet. Project implementation still in progress

        Publications

        • No publications reported this period