Utilization of Switchgrass in a Dual Purpose Stocker Cattle and Bioenergy System Under Continuous and Rotational Grazing.

Switchgrass has the potential to transform agricultural systems across the U.S. as a primary crop grown, harvested, and converted to cellulosic ethanol.  In the near and intermediate terms, crop and livestock producers are seeking information on its economic value and whether it can be integrated into, rather than require displacement of, their present production situations. Switchgrass has shown potential to be utilized in grazing systems because of its early spring availability, high yields, perennial life form, and wide adaptability.  Recent research on switchgrass production and utilization in stocker cattle production systems carried at the Noble Foundation Red River farm has shown some interesting results.  It seems that a possible interaction between grazing management and stocking density exist. Therefore through a medium stocking density controlled grazing may improve overall efficiency in the beef cattle production as well as improve the amount of forage available as a bio-energy feedstock at the end of each growing season. The objectives of the current study are 1. Determine switchgrass persistence, dormant season biomass following a stocker cattle rotational grazing season, 2. Determine the effect of a continuous and rotational switchgrass grazing system on stocker performance and 3. Determine the relative economics of retained stocker ownership on switchgrass versus marketing stocker cattle to feed yards after the winter pasture graze out.