LSP Programs - On Farm Research


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Encouraging Stewardship through education, research and demonstration

On Farm Research
LSP takes an active role building relationships between farmers, University researchers, agency representatives and environmentalists. These partnerships have been enriched through recent research efforts that meet the on-the-ground needs of stewardship farmers.

The Sustainable Farming Systems project has researched farm sustainability as reflected by water quality and economics. Through this work, teams operated in the Chippewa River watershed in western Minnesota, and the Sand Creek watershed south of Minneapolis, both of which contribute a disproportionate amount of contaminants into the Minnesota River. After three years of data collection, research results show striking correlations between grass-based systems and significant reductions in sediment, nitrate, and phosphorus losses as compared to more conventional management systems. The economic monitoring portion of the project is attempting to measure the financial viability of sustainable farming. One finding is that conventional analysis tools tell an incomplete story about alternative farm enterprises or worse, grossly misrepresent their viability.

LSP, in partnership with the West Central Research and Outreach Center, is researching various aspects of raising livestock in a whole farm cropping system. Among the elements being studied in this Sustainable Livestock Systems Project are grazing corn and alfalfa, manure composting, alternative low-cost wintering options, water quality, and the financial implications of these practices on farm profitability. Early research results indicate grazing systems can have a positive impact on the environment, the farm's labor requirements, and the bottom line.

To help educate and involve all watershed residents and to build cooperation and trust among farmers, the public and agency personnel, the Chippewa and Sand Creek teams have sponsored a variety of events this past year, including bird walks, river observation trips, stream-side hikes, field days, research presentations, and guest speakers. Two of these events were filmed by the Minnesota Environmental Journal public television program for statewide broadcasting.

Finally, we continue to provide input and guidance into the development of the alternative swine program at the University of Minnesota in Morris, a program we helped get established.

Take Action
· Attend one of our sustainable farming workshops or field days. Check the Stewardship Calendar for the dates of upcoming learning opportunities.

· Learn from our on-farm research. Contact our Western or Metro offices if you would like specific research results as they come available from the Sustainable Livestock Systems or Sustainable Farming Systems projects.

Updates about on-farm research can also be found in the Land Stewardship Letter. See the following issues:

Jan/Feb 2002 - Real research, real farmers; Sustainable livestock systems

April/May/June 2001 - Same Storm - Different Outcomes

Jan/Feb/Mar 2001 - Monitoring Project - the sequel

Jan/Feb/Mar 2001 - Field day features low-cost livestock wintering

Jan/Feb/Mar 2001 - When 'Opportunity' Knocks - GMO's and public research

December 2000 - Germinating a Closed Science - GMO's and public research

November 2000 - Why did the Hog Farmer Cross the Road? The scoop on hoops & other forms of alternative hog production

November 2000 - Alternative swine research advances in Minnesota

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