The grass is greener: Farmers' experiences with pastured poultry

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Hilimire
Keyword(s):  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Alternative Systems ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Farmer Decision Making ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractRearing poultry outdoors on pasture for egg and meat production is a growing industry in the USA. However, little has been written on farmers' experiences with this practice. This paper presents the results of in-depth interviews and surveys with 18 California pastured poultry producers (62% response rate). Although the sample size of growers is small in absolute numbers, it represents 62% of nearly all pastured poultry growers in California, a state known for the pioneering work of growers who specialize in alternative agricultural practices. Such alternative systems merit critical analysis in order to refine their implementation and contribution to sustainable food production. This research aims to provide such critical analysis of pastured poultry production, a highly innovative and emergent practice. Growers were queried concerning the values that brought them to participate in alternative animal production, the benefits and challenges of integrating pastured poultry into farming operations, the use of heritage and industrial breeds, and management practices. Results showed that the influence of Joel Salatin, farmer and author of Pastured Poultry Profits, tied with farmer desire to sustainably produce meat and/or eggs as the main drivers respondents gave for raising pastured poultry (39% each). Farmers reported the primary benefit of pastured poultry was soil fertility (61%), followed by marketing appeal (44%). The most commonly cited challenge to pastured poultry growers was predation of birds (44%) followed by cost of feed (22%). Pastured poultry were directly profitable to 50% of farmers, although 78% of respondents cited indirect profits through savings on items such as fertilizer and pest management. This paper places these results in the context of value-laden farmer decision-making.

Increasing the Productivity and Profitability of Paddy through Front Line Demonstrations in Irrigated Agro Ecosystem of Kaymore Platue and Satpura Hills

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
DHANANJAI SINGH ◽  
A.K. PATEL ◽  
S.K. SINGH ◽  
M.S. BAGHEL
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Cost Ratio ◽  
Scientific Practices ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
Benefit Cost Ratio ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Practices ◽  
Improved Technology

Krishi Vigyan Kendra laid down Front Line Demonstration in the year 2010-11 and 2011-12 introducing new, high yielding and scented variety “Pusa Sugandha-3” and applying scientific practices in their cultivation. The FLDs were carried out in village “Dainiha” of Sidhi district in supervision of KVK scientist. The productivity and economic returns of paddy in improved technologies were calculated and compared with the corresponding farmer's practices (local check). Improved practices recorded higher yield as compared to farmer's practices. The improved technology recorded higher yield of 30.83 q/ha and 32.65 q/ha in the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, respectively than 22.13 and 24.21 q/ha. The average yield increase was observed 37.15 per cent. In spite of increase in yield of paddy, technology gap, extension gap and technology index existed. The improved technology gave higher gross return (37020 and 39180 Rs./ha), net return (16820 and 18920 Rs./ha) with higher benefit cost ratio (1.83 and 1.93) as compared to farmer's practices. The variation in per cent increase in the yield was found due to the poor management practices, lack of knowledge and poor socio economic condition. Under sustainable agricultural practices, with this study it is concluded that the FLDs programmes were effective in changing attitude, skill and knowledge of improved package and practices of HYV of paddy adoption.

Managing Water Resources, Past and Present

2004 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Social Groups ◽  
Water Politics ◽  
European Water ◽  
The Usa ◽  
British Experience ◽  
Over Exploitation

A multi-disciplinary analysis of the evolution of water politics and policy by an international team of distinguished experts. Water management in the Middle Ages in Europe, its evolution in the USA, the elaboration of the European Water Framework Directive, the British experience of water management, the over-exploitation of African aquifers, and the evolution of the water situation in Southern Africa are all examined. This volume underlines the fact that only an integrative and interdisciplinary understanding can lead to genuinely improved water management practices that will not benefit some social groups at the expense of others.

scholarly journals Assessment of alternative land management practices using hydrological simulation and a decision support tool: Arborea agricultural region, Sardinia

2007 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1811-1823 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Cau ◽  
C. Paniconi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Water Movement ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Hydrological Simulation ◽  
Support Tool ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Quantifying the impact of land use on water supply and quality is a primary focus of environmental management. In this work we apply a semidistributed hydrological model (SWAT) to predict the impact of different land management practices on water and agricultural chemical yield over a long period of time for a study site situated in the Arborea region of central Sardinia, Italy. The physical processes associated with water movement, crop growth, and nutrient cycling are directly modeled by SWAT. The model simulations are used to identify indicators that reflect critical processes related to the integrity and sustainability of the ecosystem. Specifically we focus on stream quality and quantity indicators associated with anthropogenic and natural sources of pollution. A multicriteria decision support system is then used to develop the analysis matrix where water quality and quantity indicators for the rivers, lagoons, and soil are combined with socio-economic variables. The DSS is used to assess four options involving alternative watersheds designated for intensive agriculture and dairy farming and the use or not of treated wastewater for irrigation. Our analysis suggests that of the four options, the most widely acceptable consists in the transfer of intensive agricultural practices to the larger watershed, which is less vulnerable, in tandem with wastewater reuse, which rates highly due to water scarcity in this region of the Mediterranean. More generally, the work demonstrates how both qualitative and quantitative methods and information can assist decision making in complex settings.

scholarly journals Friend or Foe? Impacts of Dietary Xylans, Xylooligosaccharides, and Xylanases on Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Monogastric Animals

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 609
Author(s):  
Jonathan T. Baker ◽  
Marcos E. Duarte ◽  
Debora M. Holanda ◽  
Sung Woo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Crop Residues ◽  
Structural Difference ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Degree Of Polymerization ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Intestinal Health ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

This paper discusses the structural difference and role of xylan, procedures involved in the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS), and their implementation into animal feeds. Xylan is non-starch polysaccharides that share a β-(1-4)-linked xylopyranose backbone as a common feature. Due to the myriad of residues that can be substituted on the polymers within the xylan family, more anti-nutritional factors are associated with certain types of xylan than others. XOS are sugar oligomers extracted from xylan-containing lignocellulosic materials, such as crop residues, wood, and herbaceous biomass, that possess prebiotic effects. XOS can also be produced in the intestine of monogastric animals to some extent when exogenous enzymes, such as xylanase, are added to the feed. Xylanase supplementation is a common practice within both swine and poultry production to reduce intestinal viscosity and improve digestive utilization of nutrients. The efficacy of xylanase supplementation varies widely due a number of factors, one of which being the presence of xylanase inhibitors present in common feedstuffs. The use of prebiotics in animal feeding is gaining popularity as producers look to accelerate growth rate, enhance intestinal health, and improve other production parameters in an attempt to provide a safe and sustainable food product. Available research on the impact of xylan, XOS, as well as xylanase on the growth and health of swine and poultry, is also summarized. The response to xylanase supplementation in swine and poultry feeds is highly variable and whether the benefits are a result of nutrient release from NSP, reduction in digesta viscosity, production of short chain xylooligosaccharides or a combination of these is still in question. XOS supplementation seems to benefit both swine and poultry at various stages of production, as well as varying levels of XOS purity and degree of polymerization; however, further research is needed to elucidate the ideal dosage, purity, and degree of polymerization needed to confer benefits on intestinal health and performance in each respective species.

scholarly journals Integrated weed management practices and sustainable food production among farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-134
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Oyamedan Imoloame ◽  
Ibrahim Folorunsho Ayanda ◽  
Olayinka Jelili Yusuf
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Arable Crops ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
Self Sufficiency

Abstract A survey was conducted in the Kwara State of Nigeria to study the integrated weed management (IWM) practices by farmers. This was in view of the poor weed management practices adopted by farmers, which is a major factor responsible for low yields of many arable crops in Kwara State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 480 respondents, and a structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from them. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Factor analysis was also carried out to examine the perception of farmers’ benefits of IWM. Results showed that the majority of farmers (29.4%) were youths, married (89.1%), and involved in medium-scale farming (47.2%). Furthermore, 50.8% of the farmers had primary or secondary education. Although farmers use different weed control methods, more than half of them (54.7%) use herbicides. Most farmers (92.6%) are engaged in the use of IWM, However, 73.5% of them use a combination of herbicides and hoe weeding. Although not properly practiced, farmers perceived IWM as having socio-environmental (29.229%) and techno-efficacious (23.495%) benefits over either hoe weeding or herbicides used alone. The findings suggest a need to train farmers on all aspects of IWM to achieve self-sufficiency in food production in Kwara State.

Ecoagriculture for a Sustainable Food Future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Chalmer
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Constant Input ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
European Farming

Global food security is dependent on ecologically viable production systems, but current agricultural practices are often at odds with environmental sustainability. Resolving this disparity is a huge task, but there is much that can be learned from traditional food production systems that persisted for thousands of years. Ecoagriculture for a Sustainable Food Future describes the ecological history of food production systems in Australia, showing how Aboriginal food systems collapsed when European farming methods were imposed on bushlands. The industrialised agricultural systems that are now prevalent across the world require constant input of finite resources, and continue to cause destructive environmental change. This book explores the damage that has arisen from farming systems unsuited to their environment, and presents compelling evidence that producing food is an ecological process that needs to be rethought in order to ensure resilient food production into the future. Cultural sensitivity Readers are warned that there may be words, descriptions and terms used in this book that are culturally sensitive, and which might not normally be used in certain public or community contexts. While this information may not reflect current understanding, it is provided by the author in a historical context.

scholarly journals Understanding Traditional Meat Processing Knowledge among the Borana Pastoralist of Northern Kenya

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buke Dabasso ◽  
Hassan Roba ◽  
Anselimo Makokha ◽  
Arnold Onyango ◽  
Julius Maina
Keyword(s):  
Meat Products ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Meat Processing ◽  
Northern Kenya ◽  
Future Consumption ◽  
Meat Preservation ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Shelf Stable ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Depth Interviews

Indigenous knowledge on food preparation is an activity practised in almost all agricultural production system. Amongst the Borana pastoralist of Northern Kenya, milk and meat production are the cornerstone of livelihood, and more often abundance occurs without possibility of immediate consumption, triggering the need to preserve surplus for future consumption. The objective of this paper is to document and understand traditional meat preparation knowledge amongst Borana pastoralist’s women of Northern Kenya.The method of collecting information included in-depth interviews and participant observations to document meat preparation skills and knowledge of Borana people as appertains to traditional food ways. It was observed that methods of traditional meat processing and preparation included different forms of drying, use of heat and storage in fat. Fourteen traditional meat products and seven preservation techniques were documented. Drying and deep frying were the major form of meat preservation. Women skillfully put a lot of effort in all stages of meat preparation to produce an end product that is not only shelf stable but traditional products that are appreciated and nutritious. It was observed that only four of the products are currently in use, an indication of steady decline in meat handling knowledge and preparation. 

‘Spiritual Risk’: A Parental Perception of Risk for Children in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Community

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1198-1215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yochay Nadan ◽  
Netanel Gemara ◽  
Rivka Keesing ◽  
Esther Bamberger ◽  
Dorit Roer-Strier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Protection ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Religious Communities ◽  
Orthodox Jewish ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Parental Perception ◽  
Spiritual Beliefs ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Parental Maltreatment ◽  
Depth Interviews

AbstractThis article addresses child protection in close-knit religious communities. Specifically, it presents the findings of a qualitative research project that examined Ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents’ perceptions and ascribed meanings of child risk and protection based on fifty in-depth interviews with parents from Israel and the USA. Here, we hone in on one key theme that emerged from our analysis of the interviews, which the interviewees themselves referred to as ‘spiritual risk’. ‘Spiritual risk’ is a complex construct comprising the following three interrelated dimensions: (i) a decline in observance of the Torah and the commandments, (ii) violation of socio-cultural norms and rules and (iii) a decline in spiritual beliefs, including the sense of connection with G-d. In the eyes of parents, it is decline in these three dimensions that constitutes the ‘spiritual risk’ to the child. ‘Spiritual risk’ can be a consequence of parental maltreatment and can result in children and adolescents moving away from the Ultra-Orthodox religious world and leaving their community. The results of this study advocate context-informed and religious-sensitive prevention and intervention programmes. They also highlight the need to include context and religious competency in the training of professionals working with diverse communities.

Prevalence of Salmonella on Raw Poultry at Retail Markets in China

2011 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 1724-1728 ◽  
Author(s):  
BAOWEI YANG ◽  
MEILI XI ◽  
XIN WANG ◽  
SHENGHUI CUI ◽  
TIANLI YUE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hazard Analysis ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Shaanxi Province ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Retail Markets ◽  
Critical Control Point ◽  
Inspection Service ◽  
Raw Poultry

Data regarding Salmonella on raw poultry are very limited in China. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella on raw poultry at the retail level in six provinces and two national cities in China. Whole chicken carcasses (n = 1,152) were collected from three types of retail markets (large, small, and wet). All samples were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella by using the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service method. Of 1,152 chicken samples, overall Salmonella prevalence was 52.2%. The highest prevalence was observed in Guangxi Province (65.3%), next in Guangdong Province (64.6%), and then in Beijing (63.9%), Shaanxi Province (50.7%), Henan Province (47.9%), Shanghai (44.4%), and Fujian Province (42.4%), and lowest prevalence was observed in Sichuan Province (38.9%). Salmonella prevalence was significantly different among the six provinces and two national cities. Salmonella prevalence was highest in the wet markets (54.4%) compared with the large markets (50.3%) and the small markets (52.1%), but differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Good manufacturing practices, good agricultural practices, and hazard analysis critical control point systems for Salmonella control in poultry production at the farm, processing, and retail level should be implemented.

scholarly journals Mechanical distribution of beneficial arthropods in greenhouse and open field: A review

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Papa ◽  
Giuseppe Manetto ◽  
Emanuele Cerruto ◽  
Sabina Failla
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Collective Consciousness ◽  
Agricultural Activities ◽  
Beneficial Arthropods ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Mechanical Devices ◽  
Beneficial Organisms ◽  
Made In

In the last decades, political policies and collective consciousness focused on the importance of sustainable food and environmentally friendly approaches in agriculture. Distribution of beneficial organisms is a very important factor in integrated pest management, and mechanical release could improve application uniformity as well as reduce costs and working time. Several mechanisation experiences have been carried out through the years, however none of them has still found a massive application in common agricultural practices. This review paper analyses all the efforts made in this direction, by evaluating main strengths and weakness points of manually brought, tractor mounted, or aerial mechanical devices. In this way development opportunities can be identified, in a field that could achieve a substantial role in food production and agricultural activities while respecting the environment and human health.

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