Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Incorporating grassland agriculture into row crop production systems

Project ID: 2002-39

Abstract

This project explored ways to make grassland agriculture a more appealing option for Iowa producers who have marginal soils on their farms.

Key Question: Are producers who row crop marginal soils willing to change their cropping practices to include pasture and/or forage, given the limited average production of row crops and the negative environmental effects?

Findings: Many producers say yes, if assured that the change will be profitable. Those who are interested in the change often need both financial and technical

Lead investigator: Marvin Mensching, NRCS, et al

Year of grant completion: 2005

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Initiative.

Topics: Animal management and forage, Farming systems, Integrated crop-livestock systems and diversity