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New publication helps Mass. farmers maintain sustainable grasslands
This 16 page booklet is a compilation of information from northeastern land grant universities and federal agencies that will help farmers evaluate and better manage their existing forage stands. It also offers information on mineral soil amendments, forage species selection, the benefits of conservation tillage, forage harvest management, and pastures and wildlife habitats. “American grasslands feed millions of dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, and horses and contribute billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy,” said Thomas Akin, NRCS State Agronomist for Massachusetts. “Well-managed grasslands provide biodiversity, improve environmental quality, and provide immeasurable aesthetic and recreational value for local communities. Soil erosion, sedimentation, polluted runoff, and phosphorus pollution are all virtually nonexistent in grass ecosystems.” “Grass-based agriculture is good for the farmer,” said Richard Starkey of the Franklin County Conservation District. “In New England, grass-based dairy and beef operations are providing farmers with a good net income per animal with relatively little capital investment.” To request a copy of Sustainable Grasslands, please e-mail Richard Starkey at dstarkey@crocker.com with your name, full mailing address and the quantity desired. The publication can also be downloaded from the NRCS website at www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov. Publication of Sustainable Grasslands was supported in part by the USDA Risk Management Agency through its Targeted States Crop Insurance Education Program. This document requires Adobe Acrobat Contacts:
Thomas Akin
Diane Baedeker Petit |
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(June
1, 2006) AMHERST, MASS. -- Sustainable Grasslands, a new
publication produced collaboratively by the Franklin County Conservation
District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will help
Massachusetts farmers protect and restore grasslands, which contribute to the
agricultural economy of New England and many other regions of the United States.
Download
Sustainable Grasslands in PDF format.
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