Conversion from Corn to Grassland Provides Economic and Environmental Benefits to a Maryland Beef Farm

Abstract

Beef producers must consider management strategies and technologies for reducing potential adverse environmental effects of their farms while maintaining or improving profit. One choice is between using perennial grassland or corn as the primary crop on the farm for feed production. Perennial grassland production systems are generally regarded as more favorable due to reduced nutrient losses to the environment and potential human health benefits through improvements in meat fatty acid composition. Simulation of an Angus cattle-producing farm of 325 acres in northeastern Maryland illustrated that the conversion of the farm from a corn and permanent pasture system to all perennial grassland with the use of more intensive rotational grazing has provided both environmental and economic benefits. Simulated nitrogen loss through ammonia volatilization was increased 21%, but nitrate leaching was reduced 56%, denitrification loss was reduced 50%, and surface runoff loss of P was reduced 75%. This conversion also increased the annual net return of the farm by $18,800 by eliminating the greater machinery, fuel, seed, fertilizer, and chemical costs incurred in corn production.