Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Profitability of beef production depends on providing a low-cost, reliable supply of forage consistent with supporting consumer confidence in agricultural practices. Few studies assess the long-term economic benefits and incremental carbon capture of individual production practices.
This research aims to quantify the role of perennial forages in relation to annual crop production when embedded in various complexities of crop rotations.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
The end result will be novel insight for agricultural producers and consumers into the economic benefits (costs, returns, and net present value) associated with forages, and a robust data set that can be used to develop policies for C valuation based on their potential to mitigate rising CO2.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Findings will be presented at a variety of industry events, including local, regional, and provincial venues. Local events such as field days involving the Breton plots will be held annually. Once results are finalized, they will be published in lay magazines as well as scientific journals. They will also be shared through podcasts and through local association channels.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.