Annual/Termination Reports:

[05/06/2002] [03/10/2003] [09/01/2005] [09/13/2006]

Report Information

Participants

MEMBERS (30) - LGUs (Research and Extension), USDA/ARS, USDA/NRCS, NGOs;
Barton Baker, West Virginia University;
Gary Bergmann, New Jersey Producer;
Sid Bosworth, University of Vermont;
Steve Boyles, Ohio State University;
Gary Burley, New York Producer;
Jim Cropper, USDA/NRCS, Grazing Lands Technology Institute, University Park, PA;
Steve Derrenbacher, Maryland Producer;
Sam Dixon, Vermont Producer;
Darrell Emmick, USDA/NRCS, East Region Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative;
Deneen Fifield, New Hampshire Producer;
Steve Herbert, University of Massachusetts;
Jeff Hyde, Penn State University;
Sally/Bill Ireland, Connecticut Producers;
Angus Johnson, New Hampshire Producer;
Gordon Jones, New Hampshire Producer;
Nate Leonard, New York Agri-business Supplier;
Larry Lohr, Pennsylvania Producer;
Neal Martin, USDA/ARS, Madison, WI;
Titus Martin, Pennsylvania Producer;
Mark Nearing, USDA/ARS, Coshocton, OH;
Jim Neel, USDA/ARS, Beaver, WV;
Matt Sanderson, USDA/ARS, University Park, PA;
Lawrason Sayre, Maryland Producer;
Larry Shearer, Massachusetts Producer;
Richard Swartzentruber, Delaware Producer;
Les Vough, University of Maryland;
Dick Warner, New York Producer;
Chuck Westwood, Delaware Producer;
Woody Zook, Pennsylvania Producer

COLLABORATORS (21) - LGUs (Research and Extension), USDA/ARS, USDA/NRCS, NGOs

ADMINISTRATORS (6) - LGUs (Research and Extension), USDA/ARS, USDA/CSREES

INVITED GUEST SPEAKERS (5) - USDA/ARS, USDA/CSREES, USDA/NRCS, USDA/RBS

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Consortium met on March 7 and 8, 2002 at Grantville, PA with 60 attendees. Six producers from Connecticut, Delaware, and New Hampshire attended for the first time.





The group heard presentations on various topics including a national

perspective on the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative from Rod

Baumberger; the role of animal fats in a healthy diet from Dr. David Baer,USDA-Ag. Res. Service; availability of value-added assistance programs from Gerald Ely; the nationally focused grazing research program of the USDA-ARS from Dr. Dwayne Buxton; the use of computer simulation models in evaluating alternative production systems from Dr. Al Rotz, USDA-ARS; and were briefed on a new research initiative on seasonal dairy grazing research at the USDA-ARS North Appalachian Experimental Watershed at Coshocton Ohio by Dr.Mark Nearing.





At the dinner Thursday evening, Chuck Krueger, Harry Pionke, and Larry Lohr were each presented with a plaque in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Consortium during its first five years.





Several items were highlighted by the reporters from each breakout group: Howard Skinner, USDA-ARS, reported for the public sector group:





1. Mark Bailey, USDA-Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, reported on grant funding opportunities, including the status of the Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems (IFAFS) program.





2. The Consortium was formally approved by the Northeast Research and

Extension Directors as an official committee (designated NEREC-1000). This designation mainly benefits the land grant university participants.





3. Dr. Jon Winsten of Winrock International presented a proposal he is

developing on evaluating the potential environmental benefits from the

expanded use of grazing systems. He welcomes collaborators to help secure funding.





4. A draft literature review on "Marketing the Value-Added Attributes of Pasture-Based Livestock Products" was distributed. It was prepared by Dr.Duncan Hilchey at Cornell as a follow-up to the meeting discussion last year.





Sam Dixon, Shelburne Farms VT, reported for the private sector: The group had a very successful discussion with help from Kim Leval of the

Center for Rural Affairs. Kim provided guidance and clarification on

private advocacy issues.





The private sector group reviewed the priority research and extension needs and highlighted the following items as critical needs:





1. More trained personnel to help farmers on-farm are needed. Especially assistance for advanced graziers.





2. More work needs to be done on supplementation strategies for grazing systems.





3. The DAFOSYM computer model should be more widely distributed and used. More extension and technical assistance personnel should be trained in its use.





4. The producers are very supportive of the new research initiative on

seasonal dairy grazing systems at the USDA-ARS facility in Coshocton, Ohio. They encouraged the USDA-ARS leadership to consult producers for guidance and input on the project.





5. More information and research should be made available on the potential human health benefits of products from milk and meat of grazing animals, e.g., "healthy fats"





6. The producers were very supportive of Jon Winsten‘s proposal.





7. The producers believed that the 1998 document on Priority Pasture

Research and Extension Needs is still very relevant.





At the business meeting on Friday March 8, Dr. Steve Washburn of North Carolina State University outlined a proposed outreach effort focused on advanced graziers that he will implement in 2002 with financial assistance from the Consortium. Steve will team with NRCS, extension, producers, and Larry Shearer (recently appointed as Northeast SARE Farmer-Educator) to develop a six-week program that will take place at various locations around the northeast. More details will be available soon from Steve.





The new Executive Committee for 2002-2003 is:Gary Burley, New York, Private Sector Co-chair; Al Rotz, Pennsylvania, Public Sector Co-chair; Ed Rayburn, West Virginia, Public Sector Co-chair (2003-2004); Dick Warner, New York, Private Sector Co-chair (2003-2004); Steve Derrenbacher, Maryland, Private Sector, Past Co-chair; Matt Sanderson, Pennsylvania, Public Sector, Past Co-chair; Nate Leonard, at-large member, Private Sector; Sidney Bosworth,at-large member, Public Sector co-chair elect

Accomplishments

<br /> <br>1.Presented testimony at the National Research Council&lsquo;s public hearing in Washington D.C., to determine the future directions for USDA&lsquo;s Research, Education, and Economics mission area. A copy of the Consortium&lsquo;s publication on northeast pasture research and education needs was submitted as documentation.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>2.Submitted written comments to USDA in response to the proposed <br /> <br>USDA/NRCS Rule Change on Conservation of Private Grazing Lands. The <br /> <br>Consortium recommended that the rule change state explicitly the need <br /> <br>for cooperation and collaboration among agencies and organizations <br /> <br>that provide grazing technologies to producers, e.g., NRCS, <br /> <br>land-grant universities, NGOs, and agri-business suppliers.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>3.Facilitated development and support of two grazing research and education proposals to the USDA Initiative for Future Agriculture and Food Systems grant program.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>4.Revised and updated the Grazing Guide website.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>5.In consultation with producer members, developed an updated list of pasture research and extension priorities in the northeast.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>The Consortium action plan for 2002 is a follows:<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>1. Up-date and continue to develop the NE grazing guide website. <br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>2. Continue to facilitate and support grant proposals that address priority pasture research and education needs for the NE Region.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>3. Assist and support the planned dairy grazing educational efforts of Dr. Steve Washburn and Massachusetts producer Larry Shearer.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>4. Serve as an advocate for legislation and appropriations that support the pasture priorities of livestock producers in the NE Region, i.e., USDA-ARS Dairy Grazing and Pastures proposal at Coshocton, OH.<br /> <br><br /> <br><br /> <br>The Consortium is considering an offer by the Vermont Grass Farmers&lsquo; <br /> <br>Association to meet jointly with that organization in late January or early February 2003. The final decision will be made by the Executive Committee following further discussion of possible arrangement details.

Publications

None

Impact Statements

1. Significantly improved interactions and communications among producers, private industry, nongovernmental organizations, and public research and extension agencies regarding pasture-based livestock production.

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

MEMBERS: (32) - LGUs (Research and Extension), USDA/ARS, USDA/NRCS, NGOs;


Barrows, Tim;
Bergmann, Gary;
Bishopp, Troy;
Bosworth, Sid;
Clement, Bruce;
Cropper, Jim;
Derrenbacher, Steve/Ruth Ann;
Dixon, Sam;
Donatelli, Tony;
Flack, Sarah;
Herbert, Stephen;
Ireland, Bill/Sally;
Johnson, Angus;
Johnson, Sue Ellen;
Kersbergen, Rick;
Leonard, Nate;
Malot, Jana;
Martin, Neal;
Morrison, Steve;
Moyer, Glenn/Evelyn;
Petrucci, Bryan;
Rayburn, Ed;
Rotz, Al;
Shearer, Larry;
Shivera, Diane;
Swartzentruber, Rick/Christine;
Tunick, Mike;
Warner, Dick;



COLLABORATORS: (24) LGUs (Research and Extension), USDA/ARS, USDA/NRCS, NGOs;


ADMINISTRATORS: (4) LGU's (Research and Extension), USDA/ARS;


INVITED GUEST SPEAKERS: (3)

Brief Summary of Minutes

The Consortium met on January 23 and 24, 2003 in Montpelier, VT. This was the largest of the seven annual meetings held to date. This year, 62 persons attended - 23 producers from 12 states (Connecticut, Deleware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia); 16 persons from land-grant universities; 12 from the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service; 7 from the USDA/Agricultural Research Service; 2 from agri-business; and 2 from non-government organizations.



The group heard presentations on a number of topics, which included:(1) Outreach to grazing dairy farmers: progress and percieved needs - Steve Washburn, North Carolina State University,(2)Pasture research and education needs for New England - Tim Barrows, Vermont Grass Farmers‘ Association,(3)The new farm bill and how it can benefit grassland farmers - Robert Paquin, Senator Leahy‘s office and Bill Tucker, American Forage and Grassland Council,(4)Panel discussion: Opportunities for collaborative educational programs for graziers in the Northeast Region, Jana Malot representing USDA/NRCS, Sid Bosworth representing land-grant universities, Bryan Petrucci representing non-government organizations, and Larry Shearer representing producers,(5)Private sector feedback and ideas - Steve Derrenbacher,(6)Applied research and education funding opportunities - David Holm, Northeast Region SARE Program,(7) Developing markets for grass fed animal products - Ridgway Shinn III, New England Livestock Alliance,(8) Forage initiatives and plans in USDA/ARS - Ray Bryant, Neal Martin, Ev Byington, (9) Update on Northeast Grazing Guide Website, development and funding needs - Rick Kersbergen and Jim Cropper.

Accomplishments

The following action items had been set for the past year:(1) Update and continue development of the NE Grazing Guide website, (2) Continue to facilitate and support grant proposals that address priority pasture research and education needs for the NE region, (3) Assist and support the planned dairy grazing educational efforts of Dr. Steve Washburn and Massachusetts producer Larry Shearer, (4) Serve as an advocate for legislation and appropriations that support the pasture priorities of livestock producers of the NE region, (5) Obtain financial support to continue the work of the NE Pasture Research and Extension Consortium.<br /> <br><br /> <br>Accomplishments under each of these action items were as follows:(1) The web site was maintained and updated throughout the year by Rick Kersbergen. Rick and Jim Cropper distributed a report on several updates and improvements to the website. Jim developed and lead a website committee (Jim Cropper, NRCS; Rick Kersbergen, Univ. of Maine; Larry Muller, Penn State; Steve Boyles, Ohio State; John Berry, Penn State Coop. Ext.; Larry Lohr, dairy producer; Ed Rayburn, West Virginia Univ.) in 2002, and the committee met by teleconference to outline needs to improve and expand the website. Jim asked for input on the disclaimer that was added to the website (see the Links page www.umaine.edu/grazingguide/) and asked for input on the wording by February 28, 2003. Plans for the website include adding a glossary of terms and expanding the grass and legume identification sections. (2)The private sector wrote a letter to Mark Bailey of the USDA-IFAFS program encouraging more support for grazing research and education efforts in the next IFAFS Research Funding Announcement. Unfortunately, the IFAFS program in its current form was closed. A grant proposal developed by Jon Winsten on Estimating the Environmental Benefits of Expanded Dairy Grazing was supported by the private sector members. The proposal was not funded, but Jon plans to revise the proposal and resubmit. (3) The Consortium provided financial support to Steve Washburn of North Carolina State Univesity to develop a dairy grazing outreach effort. Steve held or participated in several pasture walks and large grazing meetings during May to September of 2002. Steve made six trips to the northeast, averaging one week per trip, to conduct this educational effort. Several producers also contributed to this effort by providing accommodations for Steve.(4) Twenty-five producers from eleven states promised to send letters to their legislators in support of new funding for an experimental grazing farm and research facility to be located at Coshocton, Ohio research facility of the USDA/Agricultural Research Service. Efforts are still underway to move this project forward. (5) A Specific Cooperative Agreement was established between the USDA/ARS and Penn State University to continue funding of the Pasture Consortium. Financial support of $10,000 was provided by the North Atlantic Area Office of the USDA/ARS to continue base support of the Consortium for two more years.<br /> <br><br /> <br> Action items for the coming year were discussed. The following items were agreed upon as high priority issues: (1) Continued advocacy for the USDA/ARS National Dairy Forage Research Initiative, which includes resources for the Coshocton research location and University Park, among other locations in the U. S. A committee of five to six private sector members will work with Bill Tucker, legislative laison for the American Forage and Grassland Council, on this effort. (2) Explore opportunities to recruit an international grazing expert to serve as a resource person to northeast graziers. Nate Leonard of New York indicated that there may be an opportunity through the New Zealand Trade Development Group for this effort. (3) Secure long-term funding for the Consortium. (4) Secure long-term funding for the website. There currently are no funds to support its maintenance and improvement. (5)Continue support and advocacy for private and public grant proposals that align with the priorities of the Consortium. <br /> <br><br /> <br> The location of our next annual meeting was discussed. Several potential sites were mentioned including Grantville, Pennnsylvania (again in conjunction with the Pennsylvania grazing conference); Frederick, Maryland; State College, Pennsylvania (just before the annual Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture conference in early February); Shepherd College in West Virginia; or a site near Washington, D.C. The Executive Committee will consider the options and decide on the location and time. <br /> <br><br /> <br> Several grazing related meetings were announced: (1) A meeting on nutrition for grazing cattle will be held March 31 at Grantville,PA. Contact Larry Muller at Penn State for more information. (2) The Pennsylvania Forage and Grazing Conference will be held in Grantville, PA on March 5 and 6. Contact Marvin Hall at Penn State for more information. (3) The American Forage and Grassland Council annual meetings will be held April 24-26 at Lafayette, Louisiana. See www.afgc.org. (4) The National GLCI grazing lands conference will be held December 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Publications

None

Impact Statements

1. Significantly improved interactions and communications among producers, private industry, nongovernmental organizations, and public research and extension agencies regarding pasture-based livestock production.

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

1. Private-sector Consortium members requested Congress to restore $500,000 in the FY2005 federal budget for "sustainable forage livestock systems research and research on nutrient management to protect water quality carried out at the ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Station, University Park, PA," that originated as a Congressional add-on in FY2001. This stakeholder advocacy effort was successful and nearly $500,000 was restored by the Congress, effective October 1, 2004.<br /> <br /> 2. Developed a competitive grant proposal to USDA-National Research Initiative for funding to determine the effects of pasture-based livestock products on human nutrition and health (DSouza and Rayburn, West Virginia University; Karsten and Archibald, Penn State; Baer, USDA-ARS-Beltsville; and others).<br /> <br /> 3. Developed a grant proposal to USDA-CSREES for funding to maintain and enhance Consortium website -- $2000 awarded to the University of Maine in FY2004.<br /> <br /> 4. Continued support and advocacy for private and public grant proposals that align with the six Consortium stakeholder pasture priority needs.<br /> <br /> 5. Secured information on Johnes disease management requested by producers and made it available on the Consortium website.<br /> <br /> 6. Approved a new private-sector Stakeholder Action Committee. The Committee will be responsible for organizing and making stakeholder contacts with Congressional members and staff concerning legislative and appropriation requests approved as Consortium action items.<br /> <br /> 7. Approved 15 action agenda items for CY2005. These are listed in the Consortium annual meeting minutes.<br /> <br /> 8. Placed the proceedings of the 2005 annual meeting including power point slides and handouts on the Consortium website for post-meeting access.

Publications

There are no publications to report under this multistate activity.

Impact Statements

1. Significantly improved interactions and communications among producers (dairy, beef, sheep, goat, and horse), agribusiness suppliers, non-governmental organizations, and public research, extension, and technical transfer agencies (land-grant universities, USDA-ARS, USDA-NRCS) regarding pasture-based animal production systems (traditional and organic).
2. Private-sector stakeholder actions resulted in nearly $500,000 more federal funding for research on pasture-based dairy and livestock systems in the Northeast Region.

Back to top

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

1. Private-sector Consortium members requested Congress to restore $500,000 in the FY2006 federal budget for "sustainable forage livestock systems research and research on nutrient management to protect water quality carried out at the ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Station, University Park, PA," that originated as a Congressional add-on in FY2001. This stakeholder advocacy effort was successful and nearly $500,000 was restored by the Congress, effective October 1, 2005.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 2. Private-sector Consortium members requested Congress to restore nearly $1.9 million in the FY2006 federal budget to continue the pasture-based beef systems project at the USDA-ARS Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center, Beaver, WV, in cooperation with West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Georgia. This stakeholder advocacy effort was successful and nearly $1.9 million was restored by the Congress, effective October 1, 2005.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 3. Private-sector Consortium members requested Congress to provide $1.5 million in the FY2006 federal budget to establish a new dairy grazing research facility at the USDA-ARS North Appalachian Experimental Watershed, Coshocton, OH, in cooperation with The Ohio State University. This stakeholder advocacy effort was partially successful and $100,000 was provided by the Congress, effective October 1, 2005.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 4. Supported a successful competitive grant proposal titled, "Sustaining Small- and Medium-Sized Farms, Rural Communities, and Natural Resources in the Northeast: The Role of Rotational Grazing" submitted to the USDA-National Research Initiative-Small Farms and Rural Agricultural Communities Program. This project will address several of the six Consortium stakeholder priorities.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 5. Received funding from USDA-CSREES to maintain and enhance Consortium website -- $2000 awarded to the University of Maine in FY2005.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 6. Facilitated new collaborations and partnerships among Consortium members, e.g., Rutgers University Equine Science Center (research, teaching, and extension), NRCS-NJ (technology transfer), and equine industry leaders (personal experience) conducting joint field days and educational events for equine users in New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic Region.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 7. Continued support and advocacy for private and public grant proposals that align with the six Consortium stakeholder pasture priority needs, e.g., supported a competitive grant proposal titled, "Development of Spectroscopic Techniques for Rapid and Objective Classification of Milk by Fat Type" submitted to the USDA-National Research Initiative, but not funded.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 8. Informed Consortium participants of public hearing opportunities on grazing and conservation policies, e.g., Farm Bill, organic standards, grass-fed definition.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 9. Approved 15 action agenda items for CY2006. These are listed in the Consortium annual meeting minutes.<p><br /> <br /> <br /> 10. Placed the proceedings of the 2006 annual meeting including power point slides and handouts on the Consortium website for post-meeting access.<br /> <br />

Publications

There are no publications to report.

Impact Statements

1. Significantly improved interactions and communications among producers (dairy, beef, sheep, goat, and horse), agribusiness suppliers, non-governmental organizations, and public research, extension, and technical transfer agencies (land-grant universities, USDA-ARS, USDA-CSREES, USDA-NRCS) regarding pasture-based animal production systems (traditional and organic).
2. Private-sector stakeholder actions resulted in nearly $2.4 million of restored federal funding and $100,000 of new federal funding for research on pasture-based dairy and livestock systems. A portion of these funds are provided to collaborating land-grant universities in the Northeast Region and nearby states through Specific Cooperative Agreements from USDA-ARS.

Back to top