Project Number: 1902-11130-001-04
Project Type: Grant

Start Date: Sep 11, 2006
End Date: Sep 29, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to link livestock graziers and federal, state, land grant, and private research and extension groups into partnerships that will identify, develop, coordinate, and promote pasture research and extension leading to economically, socially, and environmentally sound and sustainable grazing-based livestock production systems for the Northeastern U.S.

Approach:
The Northeast Pasture Research and Extension Consortium will continue to link ARS and University researchers, Cooperative Extension and Natural Resources and Conservation Service educators, producers, and others involved in the grazing livestock industries of the northeastern U.S. The Consortium facilitates the exchange of information on pasture systems and grazing management through an annual meeting where Consortium members and cooperators discuss research needs and learn about recent research accomplishments. An email network and a web site are also used to communicate information to the Consortium throughout the year. This communication helps prioritize research and to transfer research results to producers, those advising and educating producers, and others involved in the forage-livestock industry. The consortium supports the development of grant proposals based on identified priorities, and encourages producer involvement through on-farm research and field demonstrations. This ongoing exchange of ideas and experiences builds trust between the user community and public-sector providers and assures relevance and accountability for programs supported by the investment of public and private funds in pasture research.