Towards more sustainable biological hill country sheep and beef farming

This paper describes the research method adopted to identify the constraints to biological (chemical-free) sheep and beef production and to develop management systems that overcome these constraints. The method adopted to meet these objectives has three distinct phases; I A farmlet study, II Component research, and III Farmer survey and on farm testing. The objective of the farmlet study was to establish two farmlets, initially as similar as possible in terms of stock numbers and management practices. The only constraint imposed on the biological and not the conventional farmlet, is that the management practices must comply with the production standards of the New Zealand Biological Producers Council. The conventional farmlet acts as a baseline against which the performance of the biological farmlet can be compared, and to identify constraints to biological hill country sheep and beef production. Component research is used to investigate alternative methods of overcoming these constraints. The third phase of the programme is to survey practising biological producers, which number 50 at present, to identify their major constraints to production and to describe the management practices of successful biological producers. The information from this survey could then be used to further develop the biological farmlet and component research programme. Progress to date in the farmlet study and the information system used to manage and evaluate the performanceof the conventional and biological farmlet is also detailed. Keywords: biological, chemical-free, alternative farming, hill country, research method

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Multivariate classification of farming systems for use in integrated pest management studies

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/p98-110 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 79 (4) ◽

pp. 647-654 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

J. Y. Leeson ◽

J. W. Sheard ◽

A. G. Thomas

Keyword(s):

Management Practices ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Minimum Variance ◽

Farm Management ◽

Management Systems ◽

Multivariate Techniques ◽

Organic Systems ◽

On Farm ◽

The Impact

On-farm studies provide a realistic setting to examine the impact of interactions of management practices on weed communities within various farming systems. Clustering farm units into groups that use similar management practices enables the replication of farm management systems within on-farm studies. The goal of this study is to objectively classify farm units into management systems on the basis of quantitative variables describing aspects of cropping history and chemical input levels using multivariate techniques. Twenty-eight Saskatchewan farmers provided details of their management practices from 1990 to 1997 through a series of questionnaires. Twelve variables derived from the questionnaires were used to describe cropping history, pesticide, tillage and fertilizer use on each farm unit. These variables were used to cluster farm units using minimum variance classification and NMS ordination. Both techniques identified seven farm management systems. The greatest differences were observed between organic and non-organic systems. Farm management systems that used annual fallow and continuous annual cropping histories were most similar. The consistent results obtained by use of the two unrelated methodologies indicate the utility of this approach for the classification of farm management systems. Key words: Farm management system, classification, cropping history, chemical input level, on-farm

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SUBDIVISION AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN IMPROVING HILL COUNTRY PRODUCTIVITY

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.1986.47.1759 ◽

1986 ◽

pp. 63-69

Author(s):

W.J. Parker ◽

D.G. Mccall

Keyword(s):

Computer Simulation ◽

Management Practices ◽

Management Systems ◽

Productive Performance ◽

Hill Country ◽

North East ◽

Grazing Systems ◽

Simulated Grazing

The association between subdivision and other management resource inputs and levels of hill country sheep productive performance are reported in this paper. An analysis of computer simulated grazing systems and practices adopted by a sample of thirty farmers in North-East Wairarapa indicates that high levels of production were achieved with variable levels of subdivision. Appropriate grazing systems were often limited by poor planning and implementation rather than inadequate permanent fencing. Although subdivision was associated with higher autumn sheep liveweights on the survey farms, similar or larger increases could be achieved by refinmg existing management systems. Further increases in subdivision therefore may not lead to increases in productivity on many hill country farms. Keywords: Subdivision, hill country, management, computer simulation, survey, grazing systems.

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An on-farm evaluation of white and subterranean clovers in North Island hill country

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.1990.51.1892 ◽

1990 ◽

pp. 157-161 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

M.J. Macfarlane ◽

A.W. Mcgowan ◽

G.W. Sheath ◽

C.J. Korte

Keyword(s):

White Clover ◽

Management Practices ◽

Subterranean Clover ◽

Early Flowering ◽

Current Management ◽

Hill Country ◽

Genetic Potential ◽

Point Analysis ◽

On Farm ◽

Clover Content

Five white clover and 5 subterranean clover cultivars were evaluated under 'on-farm' conditions at 21 North Island sites over 5 years. Seedlings were established in the field and their content in the sward followed by point analysis. Grasslands Huia, Grasslands Tahora and Whatawhata Early Flowering established most rapidly. Overall, white clover was not altered by the introduction of any cultivar into existing pastures. White clover content of the sward appear to be determined by factors other than genetic potential, such as other species present, current management practices, and climate. All subterranean clover cultivars established populations, though Tallarook was the most successful. At most sites Tallarook regenerated the best, followed by Mt Barker. The contribution to legume density made by any other subterranean clover cultivar was minimal Keywords white clover, subterranean clover, hill country, point analysis

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On-farm udder health monitoring

Tierärztliche Praxis Ausgabe G Großtiere / Nutztiere ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1624622 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 39 (02) ◽

pp. 95-100

Author(s):

J. C. van Veersen ◽

O. Sampimon ◽

R. G. Olde Riekerink ◽

T. J. G. Lam

Keyword(s):

Management Practices ◽

Health Management ◽

Action Plan ◽

Real Life ◽

Health Data ◽

Control Points ◽

Udder Health ◽

Critical Control Points ◽

On Farm ◽

Clinical Problems

SummaryIn this article an on-farm monitoring approach on udder health is presented. Monitoring of udder health consists of regular collection and analysis of data and of the regular evaluation of management practices. The ultimate goal is to manage critical control points in udder health management, such as hygiene, body condition, teat ends and treatments, in such a way that results (udder health parameters) are always optimal. Mastitis, however, is a multifactorial disease, and in real life it is not possible to fully prevent all mastitis problems. Therefore udder health data are also monitored with the goal to pick up deviations before they lead to (clinical) problems. By quantifying udder health data and management, a farm is approached as a business, with much attention for efficiency, thought over processes, clear agreements and goals, and including evaluation of processes and results. The whole approach starts with setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals, followed by an action plan to realize these goals.

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ON-FARM FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR NORTHLAND

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.1986.47.1762 ◽

1986 ◽

pp. 27-32

Author(s):

J.S. Clark

Keyword(s):

Joint Ventures ◽

Low Fertility ◽

High Fertility ◽

Financial Returns ◽

Farm Forestry ◽

Hill Country ◽

Financial Position ◽

On Farm

Agroforests and woodlots offer Northland hill country farmers investment and diversification opportunities. Agroforests have less effect on the "whole farm" financial position than woodlots, especially where a progressive planting regime is adopted and where no further borrowing is required. Establishment and tending costs for agro-forests are lower, and returns come much sooner. The proven opportunity for continued grazing under trees established in this manner, apart from a short post-planting period, further enhances the agroforesty option. Even where there is reluctance on a farmer's part to plant trees on high fertility land, the expected financial returns from agroforests on low and medium fertility land will increase the overall long-term profitability and flexibility of the whole farming operation. Woodlots may be more appropriate on low fertility areas where weed reversion is likely. Joint ventures may be worth considering where farm finances are a limited factor. Keywords: On-farm forestry development, Northland hill country, agroforestry, woodlots, diversification, joint ventures, progressive planting regimes, grazing availability.

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Comparison of the efficiency of best stormwater management practices in urban drainage systems

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.1999.0492 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 269-276 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

R. Mehler ◽

M. W. Ostrowski

Keyword(s):

Stormwater Management ◽

Management Practices ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Urban Drainage ◽

Pollution Load ◽

Load Model ◽

Urban Stormwater Management ◽

Sewer Systems ◽

Combined Sewer ◽

Stormwater Management Practices

Increasingly extended and alternative methods for urban stormwater management have been discussed in Germany and elsewhere. Without question an economically and ecologically sound combination of central and decentral measures will be a concept of the future. Yet, at present the introduction of approaches other than traditional combined sewer systems is restricted due to missing planning tools and technologies. Adding a number of frequently used Best Stormwater Management Practices (BSMP's) has widely extended the applicability of an existing stormwater water balance and pollution load model.

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Developing Pavement Marking Management Systems: A Theoretical Model Framework Based on the Experiences of the US Transportation Agencies

Infrastructures ◽

10.3390/infrastructures6020018 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

Alireza Sassani ◽

Omar Smadi ◽

Neal Hawkins

Keyword(s):

Asset Management ◽

Management Practices ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Building Blocks ◽

Management Systems ◽

Model Framework ◽

Pavement Markings ◽

The Us ◽

Pavement Marking ◽

Transportation Agencies

Pavement markings are essential elements of transportation infrastructure with critical impacts on safety and mobility. They provide road users with the necessary information to adjust driving behavior or make calculated decisions about commuting. The visibility of pavement markings for drivers can be the boundary between a safe trip and a disastrous accident. Consequently, transportation agencies at the local or national levels allocate sizeable budgets to upkeep the pavement markings under their jurisdiction. Infrastructure asset management systems (IAMS) are often biased toward high-capital-cost assets such as pavements and bridges, not providing structured asset management (AM) plans for low-cost assets such as pavement markings. However, recent advances in transportation asset management (TAM) have promoted an integrated approach involving the pavement marking management system (PMMS). A PMMS brings all data items and processes under a comprehensive AM plan and enables managing pavement markings more efficiently. Pavement marking operations depend on location, conditions, and AM policies, highly diversifying the pavement marking management practices among agencies and making it difficult to create a holistic image of the system. Most of the available resources for pavement marking management focus on practices instead of strategies. Therefore, there is a lack of comprehensive guidelines and model frameworks for developing PMMS. This study utilizes the existing body of knowledge to build a guideline for developing and implementing PMMS. First, by adapting the core AM concepts to pavement marking management, a model framework for PMMS is created, and the building blocks and elements of the framework are introduced. Then, the caveats and practical points in PMMS implementation are discussed based on the US transportation agencies’ experiences and the relevant literature. This guideline is aspired to facilitate PMMS development for the agencies and pave the way for future pavement marking management tools and databases.

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On-farm euthanasia practices and attitudes of commercial meat rabbit producers

Veterinary Record ◽

10.1136/vr.104021 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 181 (11) ◽

pp. 292-292 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jessica Walsh ◽

Aaron Percival ◽

Brian Tapscott ◽

Patricia V Turner

Keyword(s):

Response Rate ◽

Age Groups ◽

Current Method ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

Educational Materials ◽

Blunt Force Trauma ◽

Working Together ◽

Timely Fashion ◽

Cervical Dislocation ◽

On Farm

Appropriate and timely on-farm euthanasia is the responsibility of the producer, working together with their herd veterinarian. Unfortunately, validated methods for euthanasia of commercial meat rabbits are lacking and there are few educational materials available for producer training. Because euthanasia must be performed in a timely fashion to minimise suffering, it is critical to ensure that methods used are aesthetic, humane and effective. We surveyed Canadian meat rabbit producers for current on-farm euthanasia practices as well as attitudes towards the methods they employed and thoughts on novel euthanasia techniques. Surveys were distributed with a response rate of 26 per cent (n=26). Blunt force trauma was the most common euthanasia method used (54 per cent), followed by assisted manual cervical dislocation (31 per cent). Half of producers admitted to not having a euthanasia method in place for all age groups of rabbits, instead electing to let sick and injured rabbits die on their own. While some producers reported feeling highly skilled and satisfied with their current euthanasia method, 58 per cent reported concerns with their current method and 42 per cent desired alternative methods to be developed. Responses to additional questions on training and awareness of euthanasia resources indicated that veterinarians are not part of on-farm euthanasia planning for meat rabbits.

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A steady-state N balance approach for sustainable smallholder farming

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.2106576118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 118 (39) ◽

pp. e2106576118

Author(s):

Yulong Yin ◽

Rongfang Zhao ◽

Yi Yang ◽

Qingfeng Meng ◽

Hao Ying ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Steady State ◽

Management Practices ◽

Global Climate ◽

N Balance ◽

Smallholder Farming ◽

N Losses ◽

Application Range ◽

High Yields ◽

N Management ◽

On Farm

Hundreds of millions of smallholders in emerging countries substantially overuse nitrogen (N) fertilizers, driving local environmental pollution and global climate change. Despite local demonstration-scale successes, widespread mobilization of smallholders to adopt precise N management practices remains a challenge, largely due to associated high costs and complicated sampling and calculations. Here, we propose a long-term steady-state N balance (SSNB) approach without these complications that is suitable for sustainable smallholder farming. The hypothesis underpinning the concept of SSNB is that an intensively cultivated soil–crop system with excessive N inputs and high N losses can be transformed into a steady-state system with minimal losses while maintaining high yields. Based on SSNB, we estimate the optimized N application range across 3,824 crop counties for the three staple crops in China. We evaluated SSNB first in ca. 18,000 researcher-managed on-farm trials followed by testing in on-farm trials with 13,760 smallholders who applied SSNB-optimized N rates under the guidance of local extension staff. Results showed that SSNB could significantly reduce N fertilizer use by 21 to 28% while maintaining or increasing yields by 6 to 7%, compared to current smallholder practices. The SSNB approach could become an effective tool contributing to the global N sustainability of smallholder agriculture.

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