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Integrating Biophysical And Economic Models For Assessing Impacts Of Change On Grazingland Ecosystems, J De Souza Neto, J R. Conner, J W. Stuth, W T. Hamilton, J W. Richardson

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

PHYGROW, a hydrologic-based forage simulation model, was parameterized to represent a typical South Texas ranch engaged in the production of cattle and meat goats with an indigenous population of white-tailed deer. Forage production and associated stocking rates for two cattle: goat ratios were simulated for 20 years. Two, ten-year weather scenarios, one representing normal conditions (30% drought years) and one representing dryer weather conditions (50% drought years) were analyzed. Management decision rules were developed for the region to produce estimates of annual animal production and operating cost for the enterprises in each of the four scenarios. These performance and cost …