Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
The viability of organic dairy operations in the United States (US) relies on forage production. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess producer and farm information regarding current forage production practices and producer knowledge gaps and (2) identify forage research and educational needs of organic dairy producers across the US. A survey was distributed to 643 organic dairy producers across the US, with 165 respondents (26% response rate). A focus group consisting of extension professionals, university researchers and staff, consultants, dairy industry representatives and organic dairy producers was also consulted for forage research needs. Results showed that approximately half (51%) of surveyed producers were somewhat satisfied with their forage production systems and sometimes experienced negative weather-related impacts on forage yield and quality. A majority (64%) of producers felt their knowledge to meet farm goals was adequate but they reported a lack of resources to implement this knowledge especially for balancing high-forage diets and selecting soil amendments. This study revealed that 54% of producers rely on peer experiences as information resources to make decisions on forage programs. Producer knowledge gaps included pasture renovation with reduced or no-tillage, forage mixtures that match their needs, and forage management practices aiming for high-quality forage. Based on the survey and focus group findings, forage research and educational activities should foster climate change resilience regarding forage diversity adapted to local and regional climatic conditions, improve forage quality, enhance economic returns from soil fertility amendments and pasture renovation, and introduce new forages and forage mixtures that suit economical, agronomical, and environmental needs.
Department
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems
Publication Date
3-7-2024
Journal Title
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Hatungimana E, Darby HM, Soder KJ, et al. Assessing forage research and education needs of organic dairy farms in the United States. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2024;39:e9. doi:10.1017/S1742170523000455
Rights
© The Author(s), 2024.
Comments
This is an open access article published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems in 2024, available online: https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1742170523000455