This proposal spans three years with combined efforts from three universities representing three states in the Eastern region (University of Georgia, Auburn University, and Clemson University). This proposal addresses USDA Strategic Plan priority areas by providing opportunities for American agriculture producers to be competitive in the marketplace, provide a safe, nutritious food product, and expand economic development in rural America. The addition of alfalfa in the Southern region meets USDA Science and Research Strategy Priority of cultivating a resilient ecosystem. Further, this proposal supports the development of improved alfalfa forage and seed production systems by aligning with priority areas 1, 2, and 3, specifically in that it will increase alfalfa forage production (30%), improve alfalfa forage systems to optimize economic returns to alfalfa producers and end-users (livestock producers)(30%), and support marketing as a livestock feed in the region represented (30%). An additional outcome of this work will be the ability to quantify and estimate carbon sequestration benefits when annual crop acreage is transitioned to alfalfa as perennial cover-crop option addressing priority 6 (10%). Specifically, the research and Extension approaches described 1) will quantify performance expectations of growing beef animals utilizing alfalfa as a primary feed source, 2) evaluate economic benefits using alfalfa in the region, and 3) expand education efforts of alfalfa integration in the South to intensify system resilience and sustainable forage production and expand knowledge base beyond field technicians to point of sale contacts in the region.
Funder: USDA NIFA
Amount: $750,024
PI: Jennifer Tucker, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences