Keith Lusby Head Department of Animal Science Poultry and Cattle Synergy
Cattle in Arkansas Cows, calves and grass
Cattle in Arkansas 1.9 million cattle 1 million cows 27,000 farms 37 cows per farm
Info, etc. Subtitle 7 months old – 550 lbs
Info, etc. Subtitle 12 months old – 750 lbs
Info, etc. Subtitle Where are the cows in Arkansas? Located with the poultry
Litter applied to 773,000 acres Poultry and Cattle Synergy 3,800 farms
Poultry and Cattle Synergy 350,000 cows graze litter-fertilized pasture
So Where is the Synergy? With Poultry = lot more cattle Litter = excellent soil amendment Replaces man-made fertilizer
So Where is the Synergy? With cattle, Litter = value Multiplies income from poultry
Poultry and Cattle Major source of secondary income Major source of retirement incomes
Poultry and Cattle Let people live on the farm Essential to Arkansas’ rural economy
50 + years experience Technology and soil have changed Poultry/cattle only one part Human population Construction Municipal effluents Urban fertilizer, chemicals Is it sustainable?
Keys to Sustainability When? Where? How much?
Keys to Sustainability Maximize value of litter Protect the environment Good relationships with neighbors
Going back to Grass?