Improved Farm Management Practices Research Articles

Analysis of the Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan questionnaire responses for dairy herds enrolled in the Northern Ireland Johne's disease control programme.

Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland has been enrolling dairy herds across Northern Ireland (NI) in a voluntary Johne's disease (JD) control programme since October 2020. A Veterinary Risk Assessment and Management Plan (VRAMP) questionnaire was completed for each herd enrolled and recommendations for improved farm management practices were provided to farmers. Herd JD testing was recommended but was not mandatory. This study analysed VRAMP responses for 1569 dairy herds that had enrolled in the JD control programme up to October 2022. Univariate and multivariate regression models were applied to the data as appropriate. Overall, 21.4% of the dairy herds had completed herd JD screening, with 13.7% of herds reporting a confirmed case of JD. A further 31.5% of herds reported suspected case(s) of JD. Eighty-nine percent of farms had introduced animals from outside the herd. Herds that utilise a mixed calving pen and hospital pen, and herds that do not separate JD-positive or sick animals within the calving pen, were significantly (p>0.001) more likely to be a high-probability JD herd. Accidental mixing of neighbouring herds significantly (p = 0.01) increased the risk of a suspected or confirmed case of JD. Herds that utilise rented land (70%) were significantly (p>0.001) more likely to be at a high risk for JD. The VRAMP analysis identified areas of JD control that should be focused on in NI dairy herds, such as calving pen management and hygiene. The results highlight the importance of common JD recommendations in the management of on-farm disease risk.

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Soil salinity is the major factor that limits agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions. The use of improved farm management practices in such areas is becoming a highly concerning issue to sustain agricultural productivity. This study, therefore, was conducted to evaluate the effect of on-farm water management practices and irrigation water sources on soil quality. The experiment was conducted on 16 farmer's fields in the area for two consecutive years. Soil and water sampling were done at the beginning and end of each growing season. Both samples were analyzed for selected parameters following standard laboratory procedures. A general linear model of two ways analysis of variance was used to evaluate the variations among treatments. Results indicated that about 64.3% of studied soil properties are showed significant variation at P<5% across treatments. This implies that management practice and sources of irrigation water have an impact on soil productivity. Salinity and alkalinity values showed an increasing trend over time and higher values for both parameters were observed in groundwater irrigated fields. This suggested that irrigation water sources have also pronounced effects on soil quality. The higher value for soil fertility indicators such as organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous was also observed under managed fields. This also suggests management practices positively influenced soil productivity. Therefore, paying attention to management practices and water quality is very important to maintain soil productivity. Key words: Agriculture, ANOVA, irrigation management, soil salinity, water quality.

Air quality, nitrogen use efficiency and food security in China are improved by cost-effective agricultural nitrogen management.

China's gains in food production over the past four decades have been associated with substantial agricultural nitrogen losses, which contribute to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and damage to human health. Here, we explore the potential to improve agricultural production practices that simultaneously increase yields while addressing these environmental challenges. We link agronomic research with air quality modelling for an integrated assessment of four improved nitrogen management strategies: improved farm management practices with nitrogen use reductions; machine deep placement of fertilizer; enhanced-efficiency fertilizer use; and improved manure management. We find that simultaneous implementation of the four strategies provides the largest benefits, which include: reductions in PM2.5 concentrations and associated premature deaths; increases in grain yields and grain nitrogen use efficiency; reductions in NO3- leaching and runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. Total benefits of US$30 billion per year exceed the US$18 billion per year in costs. Our findings indicate that policies that improve farmers' agricultural nitrogen management in China will improve both food security and public health while addressing multiple environmental challenges. Similar increases in attention on agricultural policy around the world are likely to provide large benefits in food security, environmental integrity and public health.

Temporal, spatial, and management variability in the carbon footprint of New Zealand milk

The carbon footprint of milk from year-round grazed-pasture dairy systems and its variability has had limited research. The objective of this study was to determine temporal, regional, and farm system variability in the carbon footprint of milk from New Zealand (NZ) average dairy production. Farm production and input data were collected from a national database for 2010/11 to 2017/18 across regions of NZ and weighted on relative production supplied to the major dairy cooperative Fonterra to produce an NZ-average. Total greenhouse gas emissions were calculated using a life cycle assessment methodology for the cradle-to-farm gate, covering all on- and off-farm contributing sources. The NZ-average carbon footprint of milk varied from 0.81 kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2eq)/kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) in 2010/11 (with widespread drought) to 0.75 to 0.78 kg of CO2eq/kg of FPCM in 2013/14 to 2017/18, with a trend for a small decrease over time. Regional variation occurred with highest carbon footprint values for the Northland region due to greatest climatic and soil limitations on pasture production. Dairy cattle diet was approximately 85% from grazed pasture with up to 15% from brought-in feeds (mainly forages and by-products). The CO2 emissions from direct fuel and electricity use constituted <2% of total CO2eq emissions, whereas enteric methane was near 70% of the total. An estimate of potential contribution from direct land use change (plantation forest to pasture) was 0.13 kg of CO2eq/kg of FPCM. This was not included because nationally there has been a net increase in forest land and a decrease in pasture land over the last 20 yr. Data used were highly representative, as evident by the same estimated carbon footprint from 368 farms (in 2017/18) from the national database compared with that from a direct survey of 7,146 farms. New Zealand-specific nitrous oxide emission factors were used, based on many validated field trials and as used in the NZ greenhouse gas inventory, resulting in an 18% lower carbon footprint than if default Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change factors had been used. Evaluation of the upper and lower quartiles of farms based on per-cow milk production (6,044 vs. 3,542 kg of FPCM/cow) showed a 15% lower carbon footprint for the upper quartile of farms, illustrating the potential for further decrease in carbon footprint with improved farm management practices.

Characteristics of smallholder dairy farms by association rules mining based on apriori algorithm

Characteristics of smallholder dairy farmers across regions are highly similar. However, introduction of improved farm management practices and extension support can be effective if specific constraints are identified for each farm typology. So far, approaches used to formulate farm types and characterise farming systems are not tailored to studying hidden patterns from farm datasets. Using the apriori association rules mining algorithm, characteristics of four smallholder dairy farm types are studied. Applying the power of the ArulesViz package, frequent items were visualised. These visuals which display some hidden attributes, solidified understanding on the key determinants for change in the studied farm types. The hidden smallholder farm characteristics were identified in addition to those given by cluster analysis in preliminary studies. Characterising smallholder farm data by using association rules mining is recommended in order to understand such systems in terms of what/how the majority practice rather than basing on cluster averages.

Micro-sonic sensor technology enables enhanced grass height measurement by a Rising Plate Meter

Globally, the Rising Plate Meter (RPM) is a device used to measure compressed sward height, to enable estimation of herbage mass. Despite improved farm management practices aided by a variety of technological advances, the standard design of a RPM has remained relatively unchanged. Recently, however, a RPM utilising a micro-sonic sensor, with digital data capture capability via a Bluetooth communications link to a smart device application, has been developed. Here, we assess the comparable ability of both a standard cumulative ratchet counter RPM and the micro-sonic sensor RPM, to accurately and precisely measure fixed heights. Moreover, as correct allocation of grazing area requires accurate geolocation positioning, we assess the associated GPS technology. The micro-sonic sensor RPM was significantly more accurate for height capture than the cumulative ratchet counter RPM. Overall, across all heights, the cumulative ratchet counter RPM underestimated height by 7.68 ± 0.06 mm (mean ± SE). Alternatively, the micro-sonic sensor RPM overestimated height by 0.18 ± 0.08 mm. In relation to a practical applications, these discrepancies can result in an under- and overestimation of dry matter yield by 13.71% and 0.32% kilograms per hectare, respectively. The performance of the on-board GPS did not significantly differ from that of a tertiary device. Overall, the wireless technology, integrated mapping, and decision support tools offered by the innovative micro-sonic sensor RPM provides for a highly efficacious grassland management tool.

Increasing fish farm profitability through aquaculture best management practice training in Egypt

Egyptian aquaculture production has grown rapidly to over one million tons per year so that it now provides most of the country's fish supply. However, Egyptian fish farmers have received little extension advice or training. An intervention starting in 2012 aimed to address this gap by providing best management practice (BMP) training for pondbased tilapia monoculture and tilapia-mullet polyculture fish farmers. A series of field-based training modules were developed and designed with the participation of leading fish farmers and delivered through private sector farmer-trainers to over 2400 fish farm owners and managers. This paper reports on the results of an impact assessment survey carried out in 2015 comparing fish farm performance, production and profitability in randomly selected farms where the manager had received and was applying the principles of BMP training (BMP) and farms where the manager had not received IEIDEAS project training (control). The results show that although the two groups were very similar in terms of general farm characteristics, BMP farms were more likely to practice tilapia-mullet polyculture than monoculture of tilapia. The main BMP training messages apparent in the results were improved feed and fertilizer management. This resulted in more efficient food conversion ratios in BMP farms compared to control farms. Average fish yields and values were similar between the two groups, although BMP farms produced less small-sized tilapia and more mullet than the control farms. Lower feed costs resulted in significantly lower operating costs in BMP farms compared to control farms, whereas fixed costs were similar for the two groups. Average net profits were significantly higher in BMP farms compared to control farms equivalent to additional profits of over $15,000 for an average farm size of 7.5 hectares. Taking into account the number of farmers trained and BMP adoption rates suggests that $18.9 million additional profits were generated through the intervention in 2014. The results demonstrate that fish farms in mature aquaculture systems can benefit significantly from the adoption of improved farm management practices suggesting that similar approaches, including field-based BMP training and the use of private sector farmer-trainers should be used to accelerate the development of nascent aquaculture sectors in other parts of Africa. Statement of relevanceWhile it is often assumed that training will benefit fish farmers the true economic benefits have rarely been documented. This research demonstrates clear improvements in the profitability of Egyptian fish farmers following best management practice training.

Climate Change-Implications for Agriculture and Food Security

Abstract The warning signs of global warming have appeared everywhere, right from increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, to increasing temperatures, and occurrence of extreme events like droughts, floods, intense rains, and cyclones, besides melting of glaciers and rise in sea levels. The objectives of this paper are to present likely scenarios, risks to agriculture, food security and livelihoods arising out of climate change in coming few decades. Further, the paper analyses the projected situations in 21st century with special reference to climate change impacts on groundwater resources, agricultural and horticultural crops besides dairy and allied sectors in Indian context. In addition to carrying forward the analyses on the underlying forces of climate change, it gives a comprehensive account of climate profile of India. It suggests various measures required to minimize the adverse effects of climate change on environment. It also explains in depth the salient features of India’s National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), launched in 2011, and how it is being implemented at micro-level in villages/clusters to develop climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in a technological, management, and socio-economic level to protect the losses to food and commercial crops. At the same time, NICRA aims to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable people in rural areas by giving them access to information, technical and institutional support from the Government and agricultural research Institutions to manage their crops and allied enterprises that may happen to be under climate change threat. The paper also analyses the framework of The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) launched in 2010 under the domain of National Action Plan on Climate Change that was announced earlier in 2009. The major objectives of NMSA mission are to develop adaptive crop varieties by conserving, enriching and exploiting the genetic pool of agricultural and allied sector crops to lessen the adverse impacts of climate change on their yields and provide the much needed food security to Indian population. The paper concludes by recommending that India should invest in research and development (R&D) activities for introducing high-yielding new generation of climate change adaptable crops, along with improved farm management practices specific to such climates, in order to maximize nutrient utilization and water use efficiencies that are essential in raising real time crop yields. Also, alternate cropping systems should be practised to prevent crop failures from extreme events. Key words: climate change, greenhouse gases (GHGs), intergovernmental panel on climate change ( IPCC), carbon dioxide (CO2), emissions, temperature, floods, climate, livelihoods, south-west monsoon, rainfall, rainfed, crop yields, adaptation, mitigation, carbon sequestration, sustainable, resilient, and food security

Nutritional parameters of dorsal and ventral fillets in summer and winter from farmed yellowtail kingfish Seriola lalandi (Valenciennes, 1833)

The nutritional profile of dorsal and ventral portions of fillets from farmed yellowtail kingfish (YTK) (Seriola lalandi, Valenciennes, 1833) was assessed in winter and summer months to evaluate if there were differential distributions of proximate constituents, fatty acid composition and mineral content seasonally and through the dorso-ventral axis. The proximate composition of YTK fillets varied between the two anatomical locations examined. In particular, a relatively large variation was observed in crude fat content, which decreased significantly from ventral to dorsal portions of the fillet and was inversely proportional to moisture and protein content. Higher crude fat content was also observed in the fish sampled in summer, compared to those sampled in winter. The omega 3/6 ratio remained constant between fillet portions but was significantly different between seasons (summer > winter). The index of nutritional quality for EPA and DHA was markedly different regarding to fillet portion and season (summer > winter, ventral > dorsal), and significant differences in the levels of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron were also evident between the seasons examined. This study clearly shows differences in nutritional profiles of fillets from farmed YTK in South Australia relative to anatomical location and season. The increase in knowledge gained from this study may lead to improved farm management practices of YTK, which may extend to other commercially relevant species to enhance the production of premium farmed products.

Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders among Irish farm operators

To establish prevalence, risk factors, and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among farmers in Ireland. In summer 2009, a questionnaire was appended to the Teagasc (Irish Agricultural and Food Development Authority) National Farm Survey (n = 1,110) to obtain data on the prevalence, risk factors and impact of WMSDs amongst farm operators in Ireland. Data were collected by trained recorders and analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, Mann-Whitney's U-tests and logistic regression models. The prevalence of WMSDs in the previous year was 9.4% (n = 103), with the most commonly affected body region being the low back 31% (n = 32). Nearly 60% (n = 57) of farmers reported missing at least a full day's work as a consequence of their WMSD. Personal factors evaluated using binary regression analysis, were found not to influence whether or not a farmer experienced a WMSD. However, work-related factors such as larger European Size Units (ESUs, OR: 1.007, CI: 1.002-1.012), greater number of hectares farmed (OR: 2.501, CI: 1.208-4.920), higher income (OR: 1.859, CI: 1.088-3.177), dairy enterprise (OR: 1.734, CI: 1.081-2.781), and working on a full-time farm (OR: 2.156, CI: 1.399-3.321) increased the likelihood of experiencing a WMSD. Working on a full-time farm was the only factor found to independently predict WMSDs in the multiple regression analyses. This study suggests that the prevalence of WMSDs can be reduced by the application of improved farm management practices. A more detailed examination of the risk factors associated with WMSDs is required to establish causality and develop effective interventions.

Characterization Of Farm Management Practices And Improved Crop Varieties In Northern Nigeria: Application Of “Transect Walks” Method

The need to increase yields and farm income, stimulate agricultural growth, alleviate poverty and promote food security in rural communities necessitated the introduction of improved farm management practices and crops varieties in northern Nigeria. Like every well-intended innovation, the benefits of the improved systems could only be realized if farmers adopted and practiced them. This paper assesses the use status of the improved cropping patterns and farm management systems in the drier savanna area of northern Nigeria. It used data collected through line intersects sampling survey, an aspect of transect-walks methodology, involving farm fields in ten communities in the area. The results revealed that 82.6% of the surveyed fields were arable non-fadama fields as against 6.8% fallow and 4.7% settlement fields. Less than one percent of surveyed fields were arable fadama and community reserved fields while 1.7% was woodland. The modern farm management practices introduced into the area have not been fully adopted by farmers. “Gicci”, a traditional cropping pattern, was very common having been observed in 38.7% of the 1001 farm fields surveyed. Sole cropping (30.9%) and relay (14.9%) were second and third commonly practiced farm management practices. Of improved crops\' varieties, maize was the most widely adopted, appearing in 11.9% of the fields as first crop, and in 26.1% as the first four crops. Improved cowpea and soybean varieties were observed as the first four crops in 8.5% and 4.5% of the surveyed fields respectively. In general, the study found that the proportion of the communities that devoted up to 50% of the observed maize fields to the improved maize was 30% while the proportion that devoted up to 50% to improved cowpea and soybean was only 20%.The study identified the need for intensified extension services, training and enlightenment programmes as ways for promoting the use of improved farming technologies to realize their full benefits. Keywords : line transects, farm management practices, improved varieties, gicci, drier savanna, Nigeria Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 4 (1) 2008: pp. 20-33

Recent progress on the cytokine regulation of intestinal immune responses to Eimeria

A variety of methods are available to combat avian diseases in the commercial setting, including improved farm management practices, use of antibiotic drugs, selection of disease resistant chicken strains, and manipulation of the chicken immune system. In the latter category, development of vaccines against the major avian diseases has become a priority for the poultry industry. With increasing demands for developing alternative control programs for many poultry diseases, it is important to understand the basic immunobiology of host-pathogen interactions in order to develop novel vaccination strategies. From studies carried out in many mammalian species, it is evident that host immune responses to intracellular pathogens are complex and involve many components of the host immune system. For enteric pathogens such as Eimeria and Salmonella, understanding cell-mediated immunity is most important because antibodies, although abundantly produced locally, can not access and act on these intracellular pathogens. In poultry, slow but increasing understanding of various components of host immune system mediating cellular immunity is opening new opportunities for thorough investigation of the role of thymus-derived lymphocyte subpopulations and cytokines in normal and disease states. This paper will review recent progress with chicken cytokines that have been characterized, and discuss various experimental strategies to enhance host immunity to pathogens using chicken cytokines.

The Potential and Sustainability of Aquaculture in India

ABSTRACT India is a very populous country with more than one billion people. In order to provide food for this growing population, serious environmental problems may result. Despite many benefits from the green, blue, and silver revolutions adopted in India, there has been much concern resulting from intensive agricultural practices that led to environmental problems in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Increasing demand for aquatic resources also caused inland fisheries to decrease over the past few decades. The location of aquaculture projects, landscape destruction, soil and water pollution by pond effluents, over-exploitation of important fish stocks, depletion in biodiversity, conflicts over agriculture and aquaculture among various stakeholder groups over resource and space allocation, and international fish trade controversies have threatened the long-term sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture industries. The subject of sustainable aquaculture has not been adequately projected in terms of current aquaculture practices aimed to boost a rural economy. This review briefly describes the key issues of aquaculture unsustainability in terms of intensive aquaculture, nutrient enrichment syndrome, soil and groundwater salinization, destruction of mangroves, loss of biodiversity, marine pollution and loss of fish stock, use of aquachemicals and therapeutics, hormone residues, etc. The strategies for sustainability have been highlighted with respect to rice-cum-fish culture, carp polyculture, integrated farming with livestock, rural aquaculture, intensification of small farms, wastewater-fed aquaculture, crop rotation, probiotics, feed quality, socioeconomic considerations, environmental regulations and fisheries acts, transboundary aquatic ecosystems, impact of alien species, ethical aspects of intensive aquaculture, responsible fisheries, and environmental impact assessment. A suggested model outlines the feedback mechanisms for achieving long-term sustainability through improved farm management practices, integrated farming, use of selective aquachemicals and probiotics, conservation of natural resources, regulatory mechanism, and policy instruments.

Host Immunity and Vaccine Development to Coccidia and &lt;I&gt;Salmonella&lt;/I&gt; Infections in Chickens

Within the past few decades, intensive rearing practices have been developed to keep pace with the increasing demand for the high quality, low cost protein source that poultry provides. For example, chickens are housed routinely in crowded environments under adverse conditions and chicken strains with rapid growth, high protein-to-fat content and superior egg laying characteristics have been genetically selected. A major negative consequence of these practices has been an increase in the incidence of diseases. Enteric diseases in particular have emerged as a major problem threatening the future viability of the poultry industry. A variety of methods have been used to combat avian diseases in the commercial setting including improved farm management practices, use of antibiotic drugs, selection of disease resistant chicken strains and manipulation of the chicken immune system. In the latter category, development of vaccines against the major avian diseases has become a priority in the poultry industry. For the development of practical vaccines and new control strategies against enteric pathogens, comprehensive understanding of host intestinal immune system and basic immunobiology of host-microbes interactions leading to the protection is necessary. Recent progress in poultry genetics and functional genomics technology would facilitate the development of logical control strategies against enteric diseases of poultry in the coming decade. This paper will highlight recent progress in host immunobiology and vaccine strategies to Eimeria and Salmonella infections.

Vaccines against the avian enteropathogens Eimeria, Cryptosporidium and Salmonella.

The worldwide poultry industry provides a substantial proportion of the nutritional requirement of the human population. To keep pace with the increasing demand for the high-quality, low-cost protein source that poultry provides, intensive rearing practices have been developed within the past few decades. For example, chickens are housed routinely in crowded environments under adverse conditions, and genetic strains have been selected for rapid growth, high protein-to-fat content and superior egg-laying characteristics. A major negative consequence of these practices has been an increase in the incidence of diseases. Enteric diseases in particular have emerged as a major problem threatening the future viability of the poultry industry. A variety of methods have been used to combat avian diseases in the commercial setting, including improved farm management practices, the use of antibiotic drugs, the selection of disease-resistant strains of chickens, and the manipulation of the chicken's immune system. In the latter category, the development of vaccines against the major avian diseases has become a priority in the poultry industry. This review will highlight recent progress in vaccine development against three major avian enteric pathogens: Eimeria, Cryptosporidium and Salmonella.

Review on Vaccine Development Against Enteric Parasites Eimeria and Cryptosporidium.

Intensive rearing practices have been developed within the past few decades to keep pace with the increasing demand for the high quality, low cost protein source that poultry provides. A major negative consequence of these practices has been an increase in the incidence of diseases. Enteric diseases, in particular, have emerged as a major problem threatening the future viability of the poultry industry. A variety of methods have been used to combat avian diseases in the commercial setting including improved farm management practices, use of antibiotic drugs, selection of disease resistant chicken strains and manipulation of the chicken immune system. In the latter category, development of vaccines against the major avian diseases has become a priority in the poultry industry. Protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria and Cryptosporidium represent two major parasitic diseases which multiply in the gut of wide range of hosts, including poultry and livestock. Currently, there is no treatment for cryptosporidiosis although chemotherapy is extensively used to control coccidiosis in chickens. However, development of drug resistance by coccidia parasites, the increasing cost of identifying new antibiotic compounds and public awareness of drug residues in foods warrant alternative methods to prevent parasitic diseases. To this end, enhanced understanding of basic immunobiology of gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) will facilitate the development of alternate control strategy against these parasites. In chickens as in the mammalian system, the GALT contain both B and T lymphocytes which interact closely to protect the host against intestinal pathogens including parasites. For avian coccidiosis, local intraepithelial and lamina propria lymphocytes represent the main component of protective immunity to Eimeria. Because of the importance of cell-mediated immunity, coccidiosis vaccines must be capable of stimulating intestinal T cells. Although live and attenuated coccidia parasites have been applied to control coccidiosis, this disease continues to contribute to substantial morbidity and mortality in the poultry industry. Future successful development of an effective vaccine against coccidiosis will depend on further investigation of protective immunity to Eimeria infection and identification of important immunogenic parasite molecules. This review will highlight recent progress in avian intestinal immune system and vaccine development against major avian enteric parasites, Eimeria and Cryptosporidium.

A climatology of airborne dust for the Red River Valley of North Dakota

The Red River Valley of North Dakota has been identified as one of the highest potential dust production regions in the United States. This paper provides a climatological summary of the airborne dust environment in the region using historical meteorological data for Fargo, North Dakota. Data for the period 1948–1994 were extracted for all 3-hourly weather observations which recorded an obstruction to vision due to dust, blowing dust or dust storms. Data were compiled on the year, month, day and hour of each observation, as well as the horizontal visibility, wind speed, wind direction, and other present weather occurring at the time of each event. Airborne dust events in the Red River Valley of the North normally involve local entrainment of dust, and show a strong peak in the frequency of occurrence during the afternoon and spring seasons, although a secondary winter peak is also present. Dust events have decreased in frequency over the study period, apparently in response to improved farm management practices. Most events fall into two basic categories: winter events generated by passing cold fronts or strong regional pressure gradients, and often accompanied by blowing snow and light snow showers, and spring events triggered by the passage of cyclones and fronts, and normally not accompanied by other prevailing weather at the time of the observation. Results are discussed in relation to the unique soil, meteorological and surface cover conditions of the Red River Valley of North Dakota.

Role of information in the adoption of best management practices for water quality improvement

AbstractThis study investigates the role of information in influencing the adoption of improved farm management practices. A lack of producer information regarding both the profitability and the environmental benefits of adopting improved practices may be a reason why widespread adoption of these practices has not occurred. Compared to direct regulation or financial incentives, raising producer information levels may be a more cost‐effective method of increasing adoption. The United States Department of Agriculture has recently established and begun implementing a program based on this idea. To test the validity of the program, a two‐stage adoption model is specified and estimated using data from a survey of producers in the program area. The results indicate that producer perceptions Play an important role in the decision to adopt. Changing these perceptions by means of an educational program may be a reasonable alternative to financial incentives in encouraging BMP adoption.

Role of information in the adoption of best management practices for water quality improvement

Abstract This study investigates the role of information in influencing the adoption of improved farm management practices. A lack of producer information regarding both the profitability and the environmental benefits of adopting improved practices may be a reason why widespread adoption of these practices has not occurred. Compared to direct regulation or financial incentives, raising producer information levels may be a more cost-effective method of increasing adoption. The United States Department of Agriculture has recently established and begun implementing a program based on this idea. To test the validity of the program, a two-stage adoption model is specified and estimated using data from a survey of producers in the program area. The results indicate that producer perceptions play an important role in the decision to adopt. Changing these perceptions by means of an educational program may be a reasonable alternative to financial incentives in encouraging BMP adoption.

Farm monitoring as an initiator of improved farm management practices

The Taranaki Agricultural Research Station (TARS) has produced 52% more milkfat/ha than the average Hawera farm through the 1980s. Respective stocking rates (3.7 vs 2.8 cows/ha) are the major reason for this production difference. Very little improvement in relative performance has been made over the decade. Monitoring projects in South Taranaki during 1988-89 and 1989-90 have shown that adopting a monitoring programme can result in increased production. The quantitative information collected provides farmers with the information and confidence to make major changes in their farming system. Dairy farmers need to monitor their own farms themselves. The programme chosen should be simple so that it can become incorporated into the farming routine. A simple method of monitoring is described that is based on recording pre- and post-grazing level on 2-4 selected paddocks. Research and extension organisations need to adopt a number of recommendations if farm monitoring is to be taken up by the majority of dairy farmers: pasture assessment methods need to be standardised; production of a simple monitoring handbook for farmers; the publication of regular comaprative data from dairy companies and research organisations; and the commercial production of predictive computer-models. Keywords monitoring, stocking rates, decisions