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Submitted to: Joint Abstracts of the American Dairy Science and Society of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 4/23/2008 Publication Date: 7/1/2008 Citation: Soder, K.J. 2008. Northeast Opportunities and Challenges for Forage-based Beef and Dairy Production [abstract]. Joint Abstracts of the American Dairy Science and Society of Animal Science. Journal of Dairy Science. 91(1):309. Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required. Technical Abstract: Forage-based livestock systems generate nearly two-thirds of current agricultural income in the northeastern U.S. Much of the agricultural land in this region is best suited for forage production due to soil, site, and climatic limitations for other agricultural practices. Many opportunities exist to promote forage-based dairy and beef systems. There is potential to utilize some currently abandoned land for grazing enterprises which may present a low-cost option to lease or buy this land. Research has shown that grazing systems require less grain and fuel inputs than those relying heavily on cropping and confinement feeding systems. The Northeast is situated amongst several high- population areas that are becoming more in tune with food origin and are willing to pay more for actual or perceived benefits from locally produced food. Specialty and direct markets exist in the Northeast, from organic production to community-supported agriculture (CSA) and farmers markets where locally-produced products are marketed directly to the consumer. Some of these specialty markets are growing at a rate of 20-40% per year. While opportunities are plentiful, there are also formidable challenges to Northeast agriculture. Even though parcels of abandoned land are available for grazing, this land is often in very small parcels and surrounded by urban development. Urban pressure challenges animal agriculture, including inflated land prices, animal welfare/rights issues, and non-farm public concerns with inputs, nutrient management, and odors associated with farming practices. Lack of custom processing facilities is causing a bottleneck in the direct market trade, particularly for beef operations. Current consumer economic trends may be a concern if disposable income decreases, as the ability or desire to purchase ‘value-added’ products may decrease. Sustainability of agriculture in the Northeast depends on keeping forage-based livestock systems competitive and profitable while protecting the environment. Final thoughts will include potential future directions for research and management improvements. |
