Pasture Land Management System (PLMS)Decision Support Software. (6299)
Authors:
S.R. Smith* - Virginia Tech J.M. Galbraith - Virginia Tech G.E. Groover - Virginia Tech J. Venuto - Virginia Tech N.D. Stone - Virginia Tech G.B. Benson - Virginia Tech
Abstract:
Controlled or rotational grazing provides benefits to producers and society through profitable and sound ecological management of grazing land and livestock. PLMS is a decision support software system developed to help extension specialists, NRCS staff, county agents, and other professionals provide technical pasture management assistance to beef and dairy producers. The system focuses on the balance between seasonal forage supply and nutrient demand in a dairy or beef cattle operation. It allows users to explore and compare alternative grazing systems (adding fencing, dividing fields into multiple paddocks, changing stock numbers and forage species), through a visual display and embedded simulation. Users enter a description of their farm by drawing a map; GIS data may be incorporated if available, and then grazing options are specified. Various grazing systems can be easily compared without economic risk and with immediate feedback on how these systems affect variables like farm profit, milk production, and pounds of beef to market. Ultimately, PLMS will serve as both an
educational tool and a strategic planning tool for evaluating alternative grazing operations and practice investments (website: http://clic.cses.vt.edu/PLMS/).
Speaker Information: S. Ray Smith, Virginia Tech, 424 Smyth Hall (0403) Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061; Phone: 540-231-9590; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1554)
Keywords: grazing management; decision support software; forage species; grazing system layout
