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Research Project:
Field Evaluation and Improvement of a Range-Livestock Decision Support Model
Location:
Great Plains Systems Research
Project Number: 5402-66000-005-07
Project Type:
Specific C/A
Start Date: Sep 30, 2004
End Date: Sep 13, 2009
Objective:
Work with GPSR scientists to:
1. Evaluate the GPFARM and iFARM Range-Livestock Decision Support Model (DSM) on selected ranches, as seasonal ranch planning and management, in close cooperation with the ranchers.
2. Improve and enhance the DSM tool to meet rancher's needs.
3. Work with field research scientists in range-livestock area to use the model to apply to their data and to transfer their technologies.
4. Facilitate the use of the GPSARM and iFARM Range-Livestock DSM in teaching and research.
Approach:
A graduate research assistant (M.S.) will be hired to implement the research plan. Forage, cattle, and environmental data will be gathered from two rangeland experiment station and two rancher-managed range sites in the Central Great Plains. The data characterizing each site will be input to the GPFARM/iFARM range-livestock model. Forage biomass and cattle weight data from the experimental station will be used for model calibration and validation. On the other hand, GPFARM will be tested as a tactical tool at the rancher-managed sites. Historical rainfall probabilities as well as seasonal climate forecasts will be used to predict forage availability and recommend stocking rates at the start of the grazing season. Stocking recommendations will be updated twice during the season, as actual climate data become available. At the end of the season, actual forage production will be compared to model predictions to evaluate the accuracy of GPFARM as a tactical tool. Required model enhancements will be incorporated as the project progresses. Results of this research will be reported in the M.S. student's thesis and a scientific journal article. Finally, results will be presented in a class on rangeland management to demonstrate to students the use of GPFARM as a research or decision support tool.
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