Approximately six million beef calves are produced annually in the western U.S. alone, and ranchers must maintain profitable operations while addressing the growing number of consumers seeking environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable food. In response to these concerns, we propose the development of smart foodscapes as a transformative paradigm for western U.S. beef production.
Our hypothesis is that a diversity of deep-rooted perennial legumes and forbs with high nutrient content and the presence of functional biochemicals can be grown and stockpiled in “islands” across the landscape to be used as low-cost supplementation for beef cattle to enhance productivity and biodiversity while reducing environmental impacts.
Thus, our long-term goal is to improve the sustainability of beef production through the establishment of islands of multifunctional diversity in rangelands. We will screen a wide selection of plants for synergisms that will be tested for their impacts on beef cattle performance, health,
nutrient losses to the soil and atmosphere, habitat for pollinators, wildlife, and economic viability (research objectives). Research will be integrated with grazing schools, assessments of adoption, and producer engagement (extension objectives). We will integrate garden-based learning and smart foodscapes into Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics (STEAM) teaching and learning (education objectives), and all objectives into a comprehensive outreach program.
This transdisciplinary project will contribute to create more sustainable beef production systems while engaging and educating current and future land stewards.
We’re excited to share some fantastic updates in this season’s newsletter! You’ll find a bunch of new project photos, two fresh career videos featuring our very own Dr. Jennifer MacAdam, and some valuable resource sheets we’d love for you to share with yo... Watch the Zoom recording from the last day of our meeting. It's a three-hour session where we brainstorm, integrate, and provide feedback on: -What we learned -Our plans for the year -Improving integration of research, extension, and education effort Check out the photos from our annual meeting this year. View the research sites, meeting attendees and speakers.
September 2024 Newsletter
2024 Annual Meeting Zoom Brainstorming
2024 Annual Meeting May 21-23
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