Range Forum

Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Smart

Dr. Alexander "Sandy" Smart

A discussion of whether production and profitability of poor/fair range condition pastures are economically sustainable in the long term is guaranteed to cause a spirited discussion whenever it is brought up. 

Part 1: Dr. "Sandy" Smart will discuss findings on long term (34 years) economic viability of raising livestock on poor/fair, good, and excellent condition native mixed grass prairie on the Cottonwood Research Station in western South Dakota.

Part 2: Following up on the work at Cottonwood, Dr. Smart will discuss '... using peak standing crop and stocking rates from six studies in the North American Great Plains (Cheyenne, WY; Cottonwood, SD; Hays, KS; Nunn, CO; Streeter, ND; and Woodward, OK) to calculate a grazing pressure index and develop relationships for harvest efficiency, utilization, grazing efficiency, and animal performance and production ... Use of grazing pressure index to “standardize” stocking rates across rangeland ecosystems in the North American Great Plains should improve communication among scientists, resource managers, and the public, and thus better achieve both production and conservation goals on these lands.'  There is a lot to learn.

Thank you to Dr. Amy Ganguli, Assistant Professor, N.D.S.U. for arranging and sharing this presentation.