Project Overview
A recent CSREES funded project demonstrated substantial benefits from re-integrating crops and livestock in Maine, despite regional specialization dominating Maine and U.S. agriculture. Nearby dairy and potato farms in central Maine have increasing benefits over time from “integrating” their operations. Under a shared land base more high-value crops are produced; purchased fertilizer costs are reduced with more efficient livestock manure use; manure applications increase potato yields slightly and reduce seasonal variance substantially; modest efficiency gains in capital costs are made. In Aroostook County long-term net income gains can be over $100/acre for integrated potato and dairy farm systems. Distributing these gains fairly between farms is challenging where relocating dairy farmers are dependent on potato farmers’ cropland. Appropriate values and contractual arrangements for feed and manure exchanges must be established. This project will provide economic and legal technical assistance through farm meetings and tours to farmers interested in integration in Aroostook.
Number of Participants: 36
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
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