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Observations from Assisting Cattle Ranchers Using TGM

Rob Ravenscroft Agren, Inc. Carroll, Iowa. Observations from Assisting Cattle Ranchers Using TGM. Projects:. USDA-RMA Learn from users Improve usability of TGM NRCS-CIG (Sandhills Task Force, Nebraska) Sustain sandhills ranching families and natural resources. Agren's Activities:.

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Observations from Assisting Cattle Ranchers Using TGM

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  1. Rob Ravenscroft Agren, Inc. Carroll, Iowa Observations from Assisting Cattle Ranchers Using TGM

  2. Projects: • USDA-RMA • Learn from users • Improve usability of TGM • NRCS-CIG (Sandhills Task Force, Nebraska) • Sustain sandhills ranching families and natural resources

  3. Agren's Activities: • USDA_RMA • Group introduction & training May, '05 • Ranch visits and telephone assistance, summer '05 • Group review & wrap-up, January, '06 • Sandhills project begun, '06

  4. On-Ranch Visits: • Ranch setup • Pasture production • Cattle numbers • Grazing schedules • TGM use • Grazing and Livestock numbers updated • Forage utilization estimated • Growing conditions evaluated • Learning to use the decision support features of TGM

  5. TGM Inputs (review): • Pasture production (Demand Days) • Animal demand (Demand Days) • Numbers, Weights & Gain • Grazing Schedule • Forage utilization (observed) • Growing conditions (adjusted curve)

  6. Difficulties Ranchers Experience with TGM • Resistance to “Demand Days” • More familiar with AUMs • Degree is relative to familiarity with AUMs • Evaluating Forage Utilization and Growing Conditions • How to quantify utilization? • What level of accuracy is needed?

  7. Observations & Conclusions • Demand Days concept can be grasped and accepted • TGM most useful with clear Livestock & Land objectives • Stocking Rate: directly affects animal performance • Stocking Rate: can “blow” a good range management plan • Overutilization of plants • Abandoning grazing plan to preserve short-term livestock needs (drought)

  8. Observations & Conclusions • TGM adapts to any management system & climate • Precise measurement is not critical for effective management decisions (forage utilization and growth curves) • Use in public lands situations requires two-way communication & agreement on management results

  9. Reasons for not adopting TGM • Too “Complicated” • Already have a good monitoring and record-keeping system • Don't need a monitoring and record-keeping system (usually experienced and confident operators) • Don’t understand that TGM isn’t primarily a record-keeping system • Don’t understand Stocking Rate & Variable climates

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