Grasscheck: Monitoring And Predicting Grass Production In Northern Ireland,
2023
Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, UK
Grasscheck: Monitoring And Predicting Grass Production In Northern Ireland, P. D. Barrett, A. S. Laidlaw
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Grass budgeting is a key management practice on dairy farms to balance grass supply on paddocks with grass demand by the grazing herd. Grass budgets must be pre-emptive to be effective. The uncertainty of grass production and the difficulty in quantifying both current and forecasted rates of growth hamper effective budgeting and paddock management. Grass growth rates are highly variable both in time and space. Therefore, they vary greatly between locations at any given time and also across the season at any given location. Figure 1 shows the pattern of growth rates recorded at the Agricultural Research Institute of Northern …
A Farmer Friendly Feed Budget Calculator For Grazing Management Decisions In Winter And Spring,
2023
Department of Agriculture Western Australia, Australia
A Farmer Friendly Feed Budget Calculator For Grazing Management Decisions In Winter And Spring, M. Curnow, M. W. Hyder
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The Western Australian (WA) environment is Mediterranean with annual legume/grass pastures and a 6 month growing season. In autumn where over grazing can impact pasture establishment and in spring, prior to senescence, when under grazing can mean significant losses of efficiency are crucial times for grazing management. Pasture utilisation is typically low (25-35%) due to conservative stocking regimes; key to increasing productivity is increasing pasture utilisation (Grimm, 1998). Increased level of productivity require farmer sophistication in the way they feed budget. To this end, satellite technology is being used to provide farmers in southern Australia with weekly estimates of pasture …
Feed Planning - Methods Used By “Expert” Farmers,
2023
Massey University, College of Sciences, New Zealand
Feed Planning - Methods Used By “Expert” Farmers, D. I. Gray, W. J. Parker, E. A. Kemp, P. D. Kemp, I. M. Brookes, D. J. Horne, Paul R. Kenyon, C. Matthew, S. T. Morris, J. I. Reid, I. Valentine
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Although formal feed planning has been heavily promoted in New Zealand, relatively few farmers have adopted this approach (Nuthall & Bishop-Hurley, 1999). Reasons for non-adoption have been identified, but little is known about how farmers manage their pastoral farms in the absence of formal feed planning. To this end, the feed management processes used by three successful (expert) farmers were investigated.
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 1. Concept Of Real-Time Monitoring System And Estimation Of Biomass Using Noaa/Ndvi,
2023
Gifu University, Japan
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 1. Concept Of Real-Time Monitoring System And Estimation Of Biomass Using Noaa/Ndvi, T. Akiyama, K. Kawamura, H. Yokota, Z. Z. Chen
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Steppe grassland in Inner Mongolia, China, is threatened by desertification mainly because of overgrazing by animals. Grassland production varies from year to year and from place to place and is much affected by climate conditions and grazing intensity. The questions addressed in these three papers are the development of a real-time monitoring system to conserve the ecosystem whilst at the same time achieving sustainable livestock farming. The development of satellite sensors with remarkable resolution made it possible to provide precise, timely and site specific information on grassland. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and enhancement of accuracy of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) …
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 2. Real-Time Monitoring Of Grass And Animal Interaction Using Satellite Data And Gps,
2023
Gifu University, Japan
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 2. Real-Time Monitoring Of Grass And Animal Interaction Using Satellite Data And Gps, K. Kawamura, T. Akiyama, H. Yokota, M. Inoue, Taisuke Yasuda, O. Watanabe, Y. Wang
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Overgrazing is one of the primary causes of desertification in Inner Mongolia grassland. A previous paper estimated herbage quantity and quality (Kawamura et al., 2005), and quantified the grazing intensity on grass biomass using Terra MODIS satellite, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and GIS (Kawamura et al., 2003). The aim of this study is real-time monitoring of both grass biomass and animal behaviour to evaluate the effect of grazing intensity (GI) on grass growth rate during the growing season using Terra MODIS satellite and GPS.
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 3. The Estimation Of Herbage Intake Of Sheep During Grazing The Natural Grassland,
2023
Nagoya University, Japan
Grassland Monitoring System For Sustainable Utilisation In Inner Mongolia, China. 3. The Estimation Of Herbage Intake Of Sheep During Grazing The Natural Grassland, H. Yokota, K. Kawamura, T. Akiyama, M. Inoue, M. Kondo, K. Kita, Y. Wang
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Grassland condition depends on a balance between growth rates of grasses and herbage intake by animals. In the previous two reports the general concept was described of the monitoring system using satellite data, GPS and GIS and real-time monitoring of grass biomass and quality and animal behaviour. This paper reports the estimation of herbage intake by sheep which had been raised by a farmer in the Inner Mongolia steppe under a typical grazing system with no supplement feeds except salt and also estimation of the growth rate of young sheep.
Using Geospatial Information Technologies To Identify Factors Affecting Grazing Distribution On Grasslands,
2023
University of Nebraska‐Lincoln
Using Geospatial Information Technologies To Identify Factors Affecting Grazing Distribution On Grasslands, W. H. Schacht, A. Guru, P. E. Reece, J. D. Volesky, D. C. Cotton
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The relationship between environmental and management factors and grazing livestock distribution is fundamental to understanding and improving grazing systems. With the advent of geospatial information technologies, global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS) have been used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of quantifying the distribution of livestock grazing in response to various independent variables (Bailey et al., 2001). The specific objective of this project was to develop a tool that enables managers and students to identify and study the effect of management and environmental factors on grazing livestock distribution.
Heterogeneous Nutrient Distribution Across Dairy Grazing Systems In Southeastern Australia,
2023
Ellinbank Research Institute, Australia
Heterogeneous Nutrient Distribution Across Dairy Grazing Systems In Southeastern Australia, C. J. P. Gourley, I. Awty, P. A. Durling, J. Collins, A. Melland, S. R. Aarons
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The Australian dairy industry is largely based on a grazed pasture system, although most cows also consume substantial amounts of imported feed (Fulkerson & Doyle 2001). This trend is expected to increase as the Australian dairy industry continues to intensify. Fertiliser inputs of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) are still viewed as necessary to maintain adequate pasture and milk production despite the fact that most dairy farms are in net positive balance for all of these nutrients (Reuter 2001). Nutrient losses from dairy farming regions and eutrophication of waterways has gained strong public and political attention …
Evaluation And Determination Of The Appropriate Method For Assessing Optimum Utilisation Rate Of Eurotia Ceratoides In Upland Grasslands Of Iran,
2023
Islamic Azad University, Iran
Evaluation And Determination Of The Appropriate Method For Assessing Optimum Utilisation Rate Of Eurotia Ceratoides In Upland Grasslands Of Iran, Fazel Amiri, M. R. Chaichi
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Determination of optimum utilisation rate for different range species is an important factor in assessing range grazing capacity. The vast rangelands in Iran with diverse vegetation types require an accurate, economic and quick method to determine the optimum utilisation rate for different range species. This experiment was conducted to determine the most appropriate method to determine the optimum utilisation rate for Eurotia ceratoides, which is one of the important grass species in upland grasslands in Iran.
The Use Of Digital Imagery For The Assessment Of Green Biomass In Native Pastures,
2023
Charles Sturt University, Australia
The Use Of Digital Imagery For The Assessment Of Green Biomass In Native Pastures, A. F. Southwell, G. Mckenzie, James M. Virgona, A. M. Ridley, P. Ederback
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A practice common to pasture research is the assessment of green leaf. In Australia, where the water use of plants is becoming an increasingly important issue due largely to its implications for dryland salinity, it is imperative that accurate and repeatable methods for characterising the amount of green leaf in pastures be used. The assessment of green leaf has been approached in many ways in the past with varying degrees of success and accuracy. The most accurate way is to physically harvest an area of pasture and separate the green component to make the relevant measurements. For many situations, this …
A Simple Theoretical Model For Calculating Agricultural Value Of Grasslands,
2023
University of Debrecen, Hungary
A Simple Theoretical Model For Calculating Agricultural Value Of Grasslands, G. Nagy
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In spite of the emerging new social demands for non-material grassland products and services (nature reservation, environmental protection, landscape and amenity), the productivity of grasslands is going to remain in the mainstream of overall grassland use in many regions and countries of the world. Strategic planning of future grassland use in a region needs reliable information on the agricultural value of grasslands. The purpose of our research programme was to find a model for calculating the agricultural value of grasslands, in order to assist the classification of grassland productivity for a given area.
The Role Of Proper Use Factor Model For The Prediction Of Available Forage In Rangeland In The South Of Iran,
2023
University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
The Role Of Proper Use Factor Model For The Prediction Of Available Forage In Rangeland In The South Of Iran, G. R. Badjian, I. Dahlan, M. Shahwahid H. O., A. A. Mehrabi
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In Iran, 80 to 90% of the livestock production is associated with rangeland but 48% of the rangeland has been classified as in poor condition (Farahpour, 2002). Available Forage (AF) is that portion of the forage production accessible for use by a specified kind or class of grazing animal. Estimates of AF by plant species, consumption by the animal, and the contribution of the forage to the animal's diet must be synchronised with each other in the same time frame (Valentine, 2001). The Proper Use Factor (PUF) is the degree of utilisation of current year's growth of the vegetation that, …
Assessment And Monitoring Of Grazing Lands In The Northeastern United States,
2023
USDA-ARS
Assessment And Monitoring Of Grazing Lands In The Northeastern United States, M. A. Sanderson, Sarah C. Goslee, J. B. Cropper, R. B. Bryant
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The Pasture Condition Score System (Cosgrove et al., 2001) was developed as a monitoring and management tool on grazing lands The system considers 10 indicators of soils, plants, and animals including percent desirable plants, plant cover, plant diversity, plant residue, plant vigor, percent legume, uniformity of use, livestock concentration areas, soil compaction, and soil erosion. The indicators are assigned a score according to detailed criteria and the scores are summed to give an overall score for a pasture, or relevant grazing unit. The score is then interpreted, indicating if some type of management change or treatment is necessary. We …
On-Farm Information: A Valuable Tool For The Sustainable Management Of Mountain Pastures In Protected Natural Areas,
2023
NEIKER, Spain
On-Farm Information: A Valuable Tool For The Sustainable Management Of Mountain Pastures In Protected Natural Areas, N. Mandaluniz, A. Bernués, A. Igarzabal, I. J. L. Riedel, R. Ruiz, A. Sanz, I. Casasús, L. M. Oregui
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Mountain pastures have traditionally been maintained by livestock. The analysis of data concerning farms' characteristics, productive-reproductive management and land use of commercial farms can constitute a real approach to study these systems and the changes that are occurring. This information is necessary to develop new utilisation guidelines, making compatible livestock production and conservation of natural resources. This paper describes a methodological framework to study the issues described above through some examples taken out from a wider research project (Mandaluniz et al., 2003).
Using Landsat Imagery To Analyse Land Cover Change In The Njoro Watershed, Kenya,
2023
University of Wyoming
Using Landsat Imagery To Analyse Land Cover Change In The Njoro Watershed, Kenya, T. J. Baldyga, S. N. Miller, K. L. Driese, C. Maina-Gichaba
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In developing nations where resources are scarce and increased population pressures create stress on available resources, methods are needed to examine effects of human migration and resultant changes in land cover. Widespread availability and low cost of remotely sensed imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are making such methods a reality to develop quantitative resource mapping and land cover change detection in developing nations (Sheng et al., 1997). However, difficulties arise in tropical regions when trying to analyse traditional vegetation bands (Bands 3 and 4), or indices such as NDVI because saturated pixels limit spectral distinction.
Forage Suitability Group Report: A Tool For Grassland Management,
2023
USDA-NRCS
Forage Suitability Group Report: A Tool For Grassland Management, James B. Cropper, G. L. Peacock
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Forage suitability groups (FSG's) are USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) interpretative reports used to develop conservation plans for forage-producing farms and ranches and provide grassland resource information to producers. These electronic reports use soil properties and climatic data to develop forage selection, management recommendations, seasonal distribution of growth, and yield potentials for groups of soil map unit components that have like agronomic characteristics. The information contained in a FSG report can help the user develop proper livestock-forage balances, grazing management plans, pasture and haycrop renovation options, and land treatment measures.
Pasture Condition Scoring,
2023
USDA-NRCS
Pasture Condition Scoring, James B. Cropper
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A pasture condition score sheet has been developed for use in the United States. It has rating criteria for key indicators that are used to ascertain if some areas of pasture management could be improved. It can also help evaluate what is causing less than desirable pasture conditions. Pasture condition scoring involves the visual and tactual evaluation of ten indicators that rate a pasture's overall condition. The ten indicators are: percent desirable plants, plant cover, plant diversity, plant residue, plant vigor, percent legume, uniformity of use, livestock concentration areas, soil compaction, and erosion (sheet and rill, gully, streambank and shoreline, …
Disappearance Of Residual Dry Matter On Annual Grassland In The Absence Of Grazing,
2023
University of California Cooperative Extension
Disappearance Of Residual Dry Matter On Annual Grassland In The Absence Of Grazing, W. E. Frost, J. W. Bartolome, K. R. Churches
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Residual dry matter (RDM) is a standard used by grassland managers for assessing the level of grazing use on annual grasslands and associated savannas and woodlands. Residual dry matter is the old plant material left standing or on the ground at the beginning of a new growing season. It indicates the combined effects of the previous season's forage production and its consumption by grazing animals of all types. The standard assumes that the amount of RDM remaining in the fall, subject to site conditions and variations in weather, will influence subsequent species composition and forage production, in addition to providing …
The Impact Of Concentrate Price On The Utilization Of Grazed And Conserved Grass,
2023
Teagasc, Ireland
The Impact Of Concentrate Price On The Utilization Of Grazed And Conserved Grass, P. Crosson, P. O'Kiely, F. P. O'Mara, M. J. Drennan, M. Wallace
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
A linear programming model was designed and constructed to facilitate the identification of optimal beef production systems under varying technical and policy scenarios. The model operates at a systems level and most activities that could occur in Irish spring-calving, suckler beef production systems are included. In this paper, the components of the model are described together with a simple application of the model involving changing concentrate prices.
An Interactive, Web-Based Module To Teach The Principles Of Silage Fermentation,
2023
The Pennsylvania State University
An Interactive, Web-Based Module To Teach The Principles Of Silage Fermentation, M. H. Hall
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The forage-livestock industry represents a major agricultural enterprise throughout the world. In the United States, forages comprise 40-60% of the dairy cow's diet with many producers feeding 50-100% of this forage as silage (Kempisty, 1997). Harvesting forages as silage continues to increase as the size of farms increase and the mechanisation of silage harvesting allows timely harvest of a greater area. There are many factors that affect the quality of silage and producers need to better understand these factors to optimise their silage making process. Our objective was to develop a web-based learning module to help users better understand the …
