Proceedings brand creation for a prescribed fire culture – utilizing key social media parameters. Lars Coleman*1, J. Kelly Hoffman1, Thomas McDaniel1, R. Patrick Bixler2, Urs P. Kreuter1, Morgan Russell3

Malian farmers often assume that their small ruminant herds meet most of their daily dry matter (DM) intake requirements while being herded in fields adjacent to the village. We used GPS collars to test this assumption by estimating daily activity patterns of small ruminant herds in two villages in Mali (Koutiala and Ouendebougou). In Koutiala we tracked two small ruminants that grazed with a herd of approximately 40 animals during a week in September 2015 (end of rainy season). In Ouendebougou, we tracked three small ruminants that grazed in a herd of approximately 60 animals during a week in June 2017 (end of dry season). GPS receivers logged locations at 1 min intervals. Total time of each daily herding itinerary (h) and distance traveled in a day (km) by each collared animal were calculated. Time spent resting, grazing, or traveling per day was calculated for each collared animal based on known movement velocities of common animal activities. A land cover map was developed for the area within a 3 km radius of the village of Ouendebougou to estimate time animals spent on rangeland vs. cropland. Small ruminants were herded during 8.8±0.23 (Mean ± SE) and 7.42±0.22 h.day-1 in Koutiala and Ouendebougou, respectively. Animals rarely traveled more than 3.5 km from the village at either site. In Koutiala, small ruminant herds traveled 7.9±0.14 km.day-1 and spent 1.4±0.33; 2.75±0.16; or 4.76±0.25 h.day-1 resting, grazing, or traveling, respectively. In Ouendebougou, small ruminants traveled 14.34±0.51 km.day-1 and spent 0.20±0.16; 0.57±0.10; or 6.65±0.16 h.day-1 resting, grazing, or traveling, respectively. Small ruminants in Ouendebougou spent close to two thirds of their time (5.16±0.23 h.day-1) on crop stubble. Based on our estimates, it appears that small ruminants only harvest a small fraction (10 to 25%) of their daily DM intake requirements while on their daily herding itineraries.

EMERGING THEMES IN LIVESTOCK-PREDATOR INTERACTIONS: A SOCIAL ANALYSIS OF PREDATORS IN WYOMING. Jessica L. Windh*¹, John D. Scasta¹, Barton Stam²; ¹University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, ²University of Wyoming, Thermopolis, WY

ABSTRACT

Livestock- predator interactions in the state of Wyoming, USA play an important role in the perceptions of predators from a producer standpoint. 274 responses were collected from a survey administered to Wyoming livestock producers regarding effects of predators on their operations. Two open-answer questions were included in the survey and evaluated qualitatively to determine trends in producer thoughts and concerns across the state. The first question asked how designations affected management of livestock losses to predators, while the second was an opening to receive any other concerns producers had. Producers mostly agreed that “trophy” designation of a predator makes management more difficult, however they appreciated the ability to receive compensation for kills. There was consensus that “predator” designation increased flexibility of predator management on ranches with these species. The four themes that emerged when responses were analyzed: 1. Grizzly Bears and Grey Wolves; 2. Hawks, Eagles, Buzzards, and Ravens; 3. Funding; and 4. State Control. All themes have a common underlying thread of state control being preferred to federal control of predators within the state of Wyoming.

ENVIRONMENTAL VIABILITY OF INCREASED FIELD USE FREQUENCY FOR IN-FIELD WINTER FEEDING

This project was initiated in the summer of 2015 to assess the viability of increased field use frequency for in-field winter feeding on two soil types.

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  Determine the effects of a two-in-three year bale grazing rotation and associated nutrient loading (including carbon capture) on soil, forage yield and forage quality of two Alberta pastures
  
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  Determine the effects of a two-in-three year bale grazing rotation on nutrient migration into a local shallow groundwater system
  
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  Monitor and compare soil moisture and temperature regimes of winter bale grazed sites and non-winter grazed sites
  
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  Assess potential for optical sensors (drone and quad-mounted sensors) to estimate forage biomass and carbon capture
  

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  Recommendations on bale grazing return rates to revise the existing AARD publication “Wintering Site Assessment and Design Tool” (AARD 2013).
  
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  Recommendations for incorporating a risk assessment on potential groundwater impacts from increased nutrient loading to update the same publication.
  
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  An bale grazing calculator that incorporates the economic components of bale grazing with the information being developed in AAFC Lacombe for other in-field winter feeding practices (swath, corn and stockpile grazing).
  
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  Factsheets and/or publications and field days that highlight the results of this project.
  
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  Tools that allows optical sensor equipment (NDVI) to measure field biomass and carbon capture.
  

This research project discusses and illustrates the dynamics of managing cowherds in common-pool forage resource systems characterized by poor forage quality and productivity. Common pool resource systems are defined as those systems where it is difficult or impossible from excluded potential beneficiaries from obtaining benefits from use or harvest of the common resource. Also referred to as common property systems, over-use and degradation of the resource is not uncommon (i.e., “tragedy of the commons”). In many common-pool resource systems, top-down policy changes are not effective remedies to curve overconsumption, and bottom-up policies often take too long, since users are incentivized to deplete the resource before changing behaviour. In this project, we develop a common-pool forage system model and apply it to small-holder herding in semi-arid Nigerian uplands. Semi-arid Nigerian uplands are faced with open-access grazing (i.e., limited property rights), which has led to overgrazing forage resources and degrading rangeland soil and water resources. The model illustrated how the activities of individual herdsmen runs contrary to the best interests of the society at large by depleting and degrading the available forage in the environment at a faster rate than it could naturally replenish. Furthermore, additional model applications suggest that understanding the relationship between the forage resource system and its interactions with Nigeria’s socio-economic components are needed. Following previous research, we propose that socio-psychological factors (e.g., cooperativeness) can explain the success of common-pool resource sustainability without top-level regulations. Additional testing of the model is facilitated with Nigerian data to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative herder (individual) and herding (collective) policies aimed at balancing resource sustainability with short-term economic needs. 

MANAGING COWHERD DYNAMICS IN ENVIRONMENTS OF LIMITED FORAGE PRODUCTIVITY AND LIVESTOCK MARKETING CHANNELS. Ty Tinsley*, Rhoda F. Aderinto, Rick Machen, Steven Chumbley, Benjamin L. Turner; Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX

ABSTRACT

Sustainable ranching operations have access to adequate forage reserves for grazing and means by which to market livestock profitably. These become even more relevant during times of inadequate rainfall, when marketing animals to balance forage supply and demand is required. Island beef production systems are challenged by climate (semi-arid leeward environments) and geographic location (limited market access). During times of drought and reduced forage (e.g., Hawaii 2015-2016), livestock marketing options become limited since herd liquidation   creates a backlog for island slaughter facilities Thus, producers either retain animals normally culled for longer periods (further stressing forage resources) or make shipments to the mainland which can be costly. To provide long-term management support to these systems, this project is employing a systems approach to address the following questions: 1) How does the lack of market cow liquidation potential reinforce ranch stress and forage resource flexibility? And 2) what adaptive management practices could improve ranch drought resilience (both forage recovery and NPV of herd marketing options)? Identifying profit leverage points and understanding their impact to the ranching operation as well as NI (Net Income) are secondary points of interest. To address these questions, a systems model encompassing forage and grazing ecology as well as economics was developed. The model is segmented into rangelands of very high productivity, high productivity, medium productivity and low productivity to better capture the islands forage supply. Island forage quality and density is driven by annual rainfall. In addition, areas of higher productivity experience a higher grazing frequency, which feedbacks to affect future productivity. The model will test scenarios regarding onset and recovery from drought as well as management responses to drought (e.g., feed purchases, land expansion, off-island herd shipments, grazing changes, etc.), enhancing financial and management information needed for sustainable island beef production systems. 

HETEROGENEITY IN FORAGE QUALITY, QUANTITY, AND VEGETATION STRUCTURE DETERMINES RANGELAND LIVESTOCK USE UNDER PATCH BURN-GRAZING. Jonathan W. Spiess*, Micayla R. Lakey, Devan A. McGranahan, Marisol T. Berti, Torre J. Hovick, Ryan Limb, Kevin Sedivec; North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

ABSTRACT

Heterogeneity has recently become a focus for land managers interested in optimizing grasslands for both livestock and wildlife. We sought to increase heterogeneity in northern mixed-grass rangelands by applying spatially-discrete patch burns, which create contrast in vegetation structure and forage quality among recently-burned and unburned areas. Low vegetation stature and high forage quality in recently-burned patches should attract grazing livestock and in turn maintain structural contrast and high forage quality throughout the season. We initiated patch burn-grazing by applying spatially-discrete prescribed fires to patches within larger grazed pastures at two experimental rangeland locations in North Dakota: 8 cattle pastures at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center (Streeter, ND) and 3 cattle and 3 sheep pastures at the Hettinger Research Extension Center (Hettinger, ND). To determine forage quality and productivity, we clipped vegetation at sampling points once per month during the grazing period. For each pasture, we nested sampling points within ecological sites within patches to determine if our imposed heterogeneity overcame inherent landscape heterogeneity. We determined forage quality of samples using near-infrared spectroscopy. To determine spatial patterns of livestock utilization, we counted fecal pats in the vicinity of forage sampling points at time of clipping. We measured the vegetation structure along transects within each patch using the VOR method. Here we present the pattern of biomass production, livestock use, forage quality, and vegetation structure within and among recently-burned and unburned patches in the summer of 2017. While the benefits of spatial heterogeneity to rangeland biodiversity are well-established, biomass production, vegetation structure, and forage quality address the viability of patch burn-grazing as a livestock production system in northern grasslands. 

VARIATION IN POLLINATOR RESOURCES ACROSS FORMER-CRP FIELDS MANGED WITH PATCH-BURN GRAZING USING CATTLE OR SHEEP. Jasmine A. Cutter*¹, Torre J. Hovick¹, Benjamin A. Geaumont², Devan A. McGranahan¹, Ryan Limb¹; ¹North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, ²North Dakota State University, Hettinger, ND

ABSTRACT

The interacting effects of fire and grazing influence structure, composition and functioning across grasslands globally. Management focused on restoring the interaction of fire and grazing through patch-burn grazing is well-studied throughout the central and southern plains of North America. However, few studies examine this management strategy in drier climates, like that of the northern Great Plains, and minimal research exists on how sheep interact with fire. Furthermore, the westward expansion of the Corn Belt has diminished the rangeland available for sheep and grassland-dependent wildlife, making the adoption of a management strategy that can maintain economic stability while promoting biodiversity especially important in this region. We examined how different domestic herbivores (moderately-stocked sheep or cattle) affect biodiversity by assessing butterflies and the floral resources they depend upon in a landscape managed with patch-burn grazing (3, 65-ha pastures per grazer). We sampled butterflies three times per season using line-transect distance sampling and counted all flowering stems within 1 m of transects. Our first field season was conducted during a severe drought (21 cm below average), and showed notable differences in available floral resources between pastures grazed by different herbivores. Within cattle pastures we observed 35 total forb species with an average of 1.45 flowering stems/m2 (se = 0.17), while in sheep pastures we only observed 12 species of forbs with an average of 0.22 flowering stems/m2 (se = 0.03). Butterfly species richness followed a similar trend with 17 species detected in cattle pastures and 14 observed in sheep pastures. Despite these contrasts, butterfly abundances were similar between grazing treatments. Continued monitoring of how different herbivores in a patch-burn grazing framework affect butterflies and floral resources will provide important insights into how range management can better support pollinators, especially in areas where sheep are the dominant livestock.

DEVELOPING THE NEXT RENEWABLE RESOURCES EXTENSION ACT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2018-2022. Amber Dalke*¹, Barbara Hutchinson¹, Sheila Merrigan¹, George Ruyle¹, John Tanaka², Mark Thorne³; ¹University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, ²University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, ³Univeristy of Hawaii, Kamuela, HI

ABSTRACT

USDA Renewable Resource Extension Act (RREA) appropriates approximately eight percent of the RREA budget to competitive National Focused Fund projects with the remainder being allocated to state Extension programs through a formula.  These projects aim to expand the reach of forestry and rangeland Extension programs through better coordination and delivery, use of innovative technologies, and development of easily replicable program models.  RREA uses a Strategic Plan to outline core values and includes descriptions of natural resource issues, measurements, and reporting targets. While the underlying premise of past plans remain relevant today, there are new understandings of persistent natural resource issues and increased attention on innovations in program delivery using methodologies and communication technologies that engage people more directly.  Thus, it is timely to undergo a process for incorporating these new program delivery methods into the next RREA five-year strategic plan. To understand changing trends in Extension activities and priorities, a national survey was created and distributed to Extension professionals focusing on forestry and rangelands on private and public lands.  Survey results from approximately 420 individuals determined the nine areas of interest in the new strategic plan including: landowner engagement, public awareness, intergenerational transfer, ecosystem services, invasive species, wildlife habitat and management, water and wetlands, wildfire, and rural economics.  The survey also revealed information about current and future trends in program evaluation, technology used within programs, and teaching approaches and methods.  These results will assist Extension professionals prioritize programs and raise awareness about innovation in technology, evaluation, and teaching approaches. The completed strategic plan will be available in digital and print format for ease of access.  

NATIVE POLLINATORS: AN ANALYSIS OF GRAZING TREATMENT EFFECTS ON RANGE POLLINATORS WITHIN EASTERN MONTANA

The state of Montana has approximately 38 million hectares of land. 24 million hectares of which are utilized as farm and ranchlands and 65.8% is utilized for pasture and rangelands. Much of this habitat is classified as lowland grassland/prairies and sage brush steppe ecosystems which overlaps with valuable habitat for native pollinators.  As such, with Montana housing potentially hundreds of Hymenopteran species and producing millions of dollars in livestock revenue annually, it is a critical study area for analyzing the effects of livestock grazing on pollinator communities across landscapes. In this study, we analyzed the diversity, abundance, and community structures of primary Hymenopteran pollinators within the 5 most common families of Montana within two study sites of Eastern Montana. With both sites being exposed to either rest rotation, or off easement grazing practices, colored pollinator pan traps, Daubenmire frame sampling, and sweep netting provided further insight into how grazing treatment affects pollinator and insect aggregate communities. We collected over 10,000 specimens from approximately 22 distinct genera and found that the sub-genera Dialictus is most common across our study sites followed by Agapostemon and Halictus, all within the Halictidae family. As data is currently being analyzed and one more field season yet to be conducted, these results are relevant to the understanding of bottom-up and cascade effects of grazing treatments across a landscape, that potentially serve to inform better management practices for the conservation of native pollinators. 

BALE GRAZING AS A PASTURE REJUENATION OPTION. Darren R. Bruhjell*; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaumont, AB

Bale grazing continues to be an important component of many extending grazing systems. Whether conducted along or within a system that includes stockpiled grazing, swath grazing, corn grazing etc., many producers use bale grazing as a method to lower their winter feeding costs. Other benefits of bale grazing include improved animal welfare, increased pasture production and a reduction in greenhouse gases.  From 2011 to 2015, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada conducted a study that focused on the impact that bale grazing has on soil and forage resources. This Poster will focus on forage resources.

With the exception of a site that was subjected to overgrazing in years three and four, forage productivity and quality increased on all sites where bale grazing occurred in all years. Forage production at the Vermilion site was more than two times greater on the areas directly influenced by the bales in the first two growing seasons following bale grazing when compared to areas between the bales. When excluded from grazing this trend continued in years two (2.13x) and three (1.82x). When heavily grazed however there was no discernible difference in years three (0.88x) and four (1.05x). The effect on forage production at the Caroline site although less pronounced was still 20 to 40 percent greater on bale affected areas during all years (1.4, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.2 times respectively). In Vermilion, Crude Protein (CP) levels were consistently higher (30 to 40 percent) in areas influenced by the bales when compared to areas between bales.  The effect of the bales on CP at the Caroline sites was less significant than the Vermilion site in the second growing season being only 20 percent greater in years one and two following bale grazing and ten percent greater in years three and four.

UAVS FOR AGRICULTURAL FIELD ASSESSMENT. Darren R. Bruhjell*; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Beaumont, AB

A UAV is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, commonly known as a drone. It is also referred to as a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an aircraft without a human pilot aboard.

UAVs are used in agriculture primarily for aerial photography. However, the type of payload (camera or sensor) can vary depending on the specific application. Sensor types include Visual, Multispectral, Thermal, Lidar, and Hyperspectral (see right for descriptions).

Sensor descriptions and typical agricultural applications include:

Potential Considerations include:

IDENTIFYING AND CHARACTERIZING OF SALT-TOLERANT ALFALFA (MEDICAGO SATIVA SUBSP. FALCATA) GERMPLASM. Katelin Frerichs*, Lan Xu, Arvid Boe; South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

Soil salinity limits plant growth and crop production. More than 20% of cultivated land worldwide is affected by salinity, particularly in arid/semiarid regions. The situation is becoming more severe due to shifts in precipitation and evaporation pattern and improper irritation. There is an urgent need to develop salt-tolerance economically valuable plants to minimize the loss and sustain agriculture production. Alfalfa is one of the most extensively cultivated forage crops. Some yellow-flowered alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. falcata) have exhibited morphological and physiological drought tolerance. Since soil salinity associated with physiological drought, it is reasonable to expect these drought tolerant falcata populations could be used for selecting potential parent materials for breeding salt-tolerant cultivars. The objectives of this study are to identify potential parent materials from the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) Collection and naturalized populations for breeding salt-tolerant alfalfa cultivars by characterizing variations their germination rate, seedling survival, growth, and biomass. Uniform seeds from eleven alfalfa populations were selected, stratified, and inoculated with rhizobium before seeding in plastic trays (54-cm by 27-cm by 6-cm) filled with pre-mixed salt-affected soil. Populations were consisted of five of falcata PIs, four predominately falcata (three of them are experimental populations developed from SDSU one cultivar, and one from commercial), and one conventional-hay type (Persist II) as control.  Trays were maintained in a greenhouse with 24±3°C and 16 hours light/8 hours dark photoperiod cycle. Soil was maintained at its field capacity through daily misting. Twenty-five seeds of each population were seeded in 5 row per tray with 6 trays (n=6 replications). Seedlings were thinned, maintaining ten seedlings per tray after germination. Germination rate, survival, biomass, and soil salinity were measured at the end of 8 weeks. Data were analyzed to evaluate salt-tolerance variations among germplasms.  The results will provide useful information for reclamation of saline-soil.

ADDING AQUEOUS SUGAR SOLUTION TO TOPSOIL TO TEST FUNGICIDE SEED TREATMENTS AGAINST NATIVE PATHOGENS
. Benjamin Hoose*, William Richardson, Rhett M. Anderson, Bradley Geary, Matthew Madsen; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT