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Title: PASTURE-RAISED BEEF FOR APPALACHIA: A MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION

Author
item Clapham, William
item FONTENOT, J - VIRGINIA TECH
item BRYAN, W - WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Forage and Grassland Council Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2003
Publication Date: 4/27/2003
Citation: CLAPHAM, W.M., FONTENOT, J.P., BRYAN, W.B. PASTURE-RAISED BEEF FOR APPALACHIA: A MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION. AMERICAN FORAGE AND GRASSLAND COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. 2003. ABSTRACT P. 40.

Interpretive Summary: Many small-scale livestock producers have a difficult time making a profit on the commodity market due to lower margins. Niche markets such as for pasture-raised beef offer smaller producers opportunities for greater profits. A collaboration among USDA-ARS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and West Virginia University is developing forage systems for meeting the nutritional needs of cattle from cow/calf to finishing. To meet the nutrtional needs of cattle requires developing strategies to provide protein and energy without purchased supplements particularly during seasonal extremes. Responsibilities for each stage of beef production is divided among the institutions so that resources are shared and redundancy is minimized. Anticipated products include branded low-fat beef products that and forage systems that extend the grazing season.

Technical Abstract: Appalachian farmers rely primarily on livestock enterprises. Small farm and herd sizes limit the ability of farmers to make a profit in the commodity market. However, there is opportunity in niche markets. This project develops an economically feasible production stream for producing pasture-based beef. The scope of the project extends from soil/plant/animal relationships through cow/calf, stocker and finisher, to a product acceptable to consumers. This is a collaboration among USDA-ARS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and University, and West Virginia University. Responsibilities for different stages of the production stream are assigned to individual units: Virginia Tech-cow/calf through backgrounding; West Virginia University-winter stocker phase and heifer development; and USDA-ARS-grass finishing. Resources among the three institutions are shared, including the livestock, through the entire production cycle.