scholarly journals Emergy-based analysis of two chicken farming systems: a perception of organic production model in China

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 445-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q.H. Hu ◽  
L.X. Zhang ◽  
C.B. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Model

Understanding the barriers and exploring the possibilities of the organic livestock sector in dehesa agroforestry systems: a multi-actor approach for effective diagnosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 663-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrés Horrillo ◽  
Paula Gaspar ◽  
Francisco J. Mesías ◽  
Ahmed Elghannam ◽  
Miguel Escribano
Keyword(s):  
Stocking Density ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
Extensive Farming

AbstractThe dehesa agroforestry system is classified as one of the most singular ecosystems in the European Union. In the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, it spreads over an area of approximately 6.7 million hectares, contributing major environmental, cultural, aesthetic and economic value to the region. The main agricultural activity that is developed in this ecosystem is the extensive farming of cattle, sheep and Iberian pigs with low stocking density and few inputs. Sustainable management of these ecosystems' existing production farms is essential in order to secure their continuity, as they face a difficult situation on account of their low profitability. One of the strategies that could be employed to attain a sustainable situation is the proposition of an organic production model. In order to explore this option, a participatory research process has been proposed and developed in the Spanish region called Extremadura (Spain). The aim of this process is to investigate the potential of extensive farming systems in moving toward a sustainable organic production model, identifying the main barriers preventing livestock farmers from converting to the organic model and seeking specific improvement measures that would reduce such barriers. For that purpose, four focus group sessions were run with a total of 33 participating stakeholders. For the analysis of these focus groups, Atlas.ti qualitative software was used to categorize and quantify the main ideas proposed during the sessions. The findings revealed that the main barriers can be classified into three groups: barriers that are inherent to the production processes and the structure of the specific sector, barriers associated with administration and management issues and lastly, barriers relating to education and training of the various actors involved. We consider this paper may contribute to policy makers' decisions to focus on specific actions for improvement that are customized for the socio-economic and environmental conditions of the region.

scholarly journals A Sustainable Organic Production Model for “Food Sovereignty” in the United Arab Emirates and Sicily-Italy

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 620 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Butti Al Shamsi ◽  
Antonio Compagnoni ◽  
Giuseppe Timpanaro ◽  
Salvatore Cosentino ◽  
Paolo Guarnaccia
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Model

scholarly journals Appraisal of the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep systems to the organic production model

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Francisco de Asís Ruiz ◽  
Daniel Grande ◽  
José Nahed ◽  
José María Castel ◽  
Yolanda Mena
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Model ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Pastoral Systems ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Meat Sheep ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Abstract In the Mediterranean Basin, sheep meat production systems are based on grazing, and help to conserve biodiversity, mitigate the greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the population in rural areas. However, the lack of differentiation of pastoral systems, as opposed to the intensive model, puts its continuity at risk. In this sense, organic farming can be an alternative to sustain extensive sheep-cereal production systems in marginal Mediterranean drylands. The aim of this research was to evaluate the conversion possibilities of pastoral meat sheep production systems to the organic production model in the Mediterranean Basin, working with the autochthonous Segureña breed sheep. 46 farms were studied, classified into four clusters by mean of multivariate analysis. In order to determine the degree to which farms approached the organic model, 60 variables, grouped into nine indicators were analyzed to obtain an Organic Conversion Index (OCI). The Nutritional management indicator has a high value of approaching the organic model, as well as Animal welfare and Food safety. Marketing and business management, Breeds and reproduction, Weed and pest control and Sustainable pasture management indicators also reach a good approximation level. Only the Breeds and reproduction indicator presented values with significant differences between clusters. The average value of the OCI for the 46 farms ranges from 63 to 70%, and therefore it can be concluded that extensive meat sheep herds in the region are close to this production model. Among the recommendations that can be made to improve the conversion possibilities to the organic model are: (i) to increase own fodder production or find a way to obtain it easily and economically; (ii) to complete the plant−soil−animal cycle, (iii) to seek greater marketing autonomy and (iv) to achieve closer contact with the final consumer. At the same time, government policy both in Spain and other parts of Europe should persevere to find more ways to support the progress of this type of production, in an effort to address limitations and overcome the lack of alternative markets.

scholarly journals 117 Organic and conventional pasture systems for lamb production in Southeastern U.S

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 66-67
Author(s):  
Joan M Burke
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematode ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Intact Male ◽  
Organic Certification ◽  
Recorded Data ◽  
Fence Line

Abstract Little is known about U.S. organic production of ruminant livestock. Objective was to examine growth, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection, and eligibility of organic certification between conventional (CON) and organic (ORG) management (Mgt) up to 150 d of age. Katahdin lambs (ORG, n = 240; CON, n = 690) were born in fall (Oct–Dec) or winter (Jan–Mar) between 2014 and 2019 in Booneville, AR. Intact male and female lambs were fence line weaned ~90 d of age, grazed tall fescue and/or mixed forages and were supplemented (corn/soybean meal) when forage quality became limiting. Organic sheep and pastures were certified by NICS. Body weight was determined at birth and approximately 60, 90, 120, and 150 d of age. Blood and feces were collected for packed cell volume (PCV) and fecal egg counts (FEC) at 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 d of age. Lambs were selectively dewormed based on Five Point Check and incidence recorded. Data were analyzed by Proc GLM or Mixed with repeated measures (SAS) and included Mgt, sex, season, yr, d of measurement and interactions; age of lamb was included as covariate if needed. Birth weight was usually greater in fall born ORG and less in winter born than CON (mgt x season x yr, P < 0.001), and varied between ORG and CON over time (mgt x season x yr x d, P < 0.001). A similar 4-way interaction occurred for FEC and PCV (P < 0.001). Incidence of deworming was similar between ORG and CON (ranged between 0 and 3 times/lamb, and 3.2% to 151% over season and yr). Because copper oxide wire particles were used for most ORG deworming, between 50 and 92% of lambs were eligible for organic certification by 150 d of age (mgt x season x yr, P = 0.03). Comparisons between farming systems are complex and should consider factors such as varietal and seasonal changes in forages.

Farm structural change of a different kind: Alternative dairy farms in Wisconsin—graziers, organic and Amish

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Brock ◽  
Bradford Barham
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
Dairy Farming ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Structural Trend ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
And Performance

AbstractAlthough the emergence of large confinement operations out of a system previously dominated by mid-sized confinement has been one major structural trend in Wisconsin dairy farming since the 1990s, a second structural trend has been the significant emergence of moderate-sized dairy farms using alternative management strategies: management-intensive rotational grazing (MIRG) (25% of Wisconsin's dairy farms), organic production (3%) and Amish farm production practices (5–7%). This paper presents the first systematic and representative comparative study on the structure, behavior and performance of multiple pasture-based dairy farm strategies. Wisconsin is an ideal site for this study given the prevalence of pasture-based farms, yet many of the findings here should be relevant for other traditional dairy states where similar types of alternative farm management systems are also emerging. Divergence with respect to farm strategy has implications for structure, technology and management adoption patterns as well as farmer satisfaction levels. Our findings suggest that alternative dairy farming systems are likely to become more prevalent on the agricultural landscape of Wisconsin.

Review: Redesigning Canadian prairie cropping systems for profitability, sustainability, and resilience

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (6) ◽  
pp. 1049-1072 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne R. Thiessen Martens ◽  
Martin H. Entz ◽  
Mark D. Wonneck
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Agroforestry Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Agricultural Systems ◽  
Canadian Prairie ◽  
Research Education

Thiessen Martens, J. R., Entz, M. H. and Wonneck, M. D. 2015. Review: Redesigning Canadian prairie cropping systems for profitability, sustainability, and resilience. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1049–1072. Redesign of agricultural systems according to ecological principles has been proposed for the development of sustainable systems. We review a wide variety of ecologically based crop production practices, including crop varieties and genetic diversity, crop selection and rotation, cover crops, annual polyculture, perennial forages, perennial grains, agroforestry systems, reducing tillage, use of animal manures and green manures, soil biological fertility, organic production systems, integrated crop–livestock systems, and purposeful design of farm landscapes (farmscaping), and discuss their potential role in enhancing the profitability, environmental sustainability, and resilience of Canadian prairie cropping systems. Farming systems that most closely mimic natural systems through appropriate integration of diverse components, within a context of supportive social and economic structures, appear to offer the greatest potential benefits, while creating a framework in which to place all other farming practices. Our understanding of ecological relationships within agricultural systems is currently lacking, and a major shift in research, education, and policy will be required to purposefully and proactively redesign Canadian prairie agricultural systems for long-term sustainability.

scholarly journals Using an Agroecological Approach to Farming Systems Research

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Delate
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Systems Research

Sales of organic products reached $8 billion in the U.S. in 2000, continuing the nearly decade-long trend of 20% annual growth. In Iowa alone, organic production for all crops was 5265 ha (13,000 acres) in 1995 but 60,750 ha (150,000 acres) in 1999. Despite the growth in organic agriculture, our knowledge of organic farming systems remains limited. We have adopted a systems theory approach in our current research program at Iowa State University (ISU) to help address this gap in understanding. Systems theory holds that biological systems, such as agroecosystems, consist of integrated units of people, plants, animals, soil, insects and microorganisms, and each subsystem provides feedback to the other. In order to obtain input on research questions and experimental design, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and ISU held six focus groups across Iowa in 1998 before long-term site establishment. Producers and agricultural professionals at the focus groups supported the need for long-term agroecological research (LTAR) sites in four distinct agroecological zones in Iowa. The goal of each LTAR is to examine the short- and long-term physical, biological, and socioeconomic effects of organic and conventional farming systems. By establishing long-term experiments, we are testing the hypothesis that longer crop rotations, typical of organic farms, provide yield stability, improve plant protection, and enhance soil health and economic benefits compared to conventional systems with shorter rotations and greater off-farm inputs. Examples of research results from two LTAR experiments in Iowa include similar pepper (Capsicum annuum) and soybean (Glycine max) yields in the conventional and organic systems. Organic systems used mechanical weed control and locally produced compost in place of synthetic fertilizers. Feedback from the local farm associations that are responsible for farm stewardship and farm finances is inherent in the LTAR process.

scholarly journals Potential for Conversion of Agrosilvopastoral Systems of Dairy Cattle to the Organic Production Model in South Eastern Mexico

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (17) ◽  
pp. 3081-3093 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Nahed-Tora ◽  
B. Sanchez-Mu ◽  
Y. Mena ◽  
J. Ruiz-Rojas ◽  
R. Aguilar-Ji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Production Model ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Agrosilvopastoral Systems

scholarly journals Living Mulches For Organic Farming Systems

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 692-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Leary ◽  
Joe DeFrank
Keyword(s):  
Pest Management ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Living Mulch ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Nutrient Runoff ◽  
Organic Farmers

An important aspect of organic farming is to minimize the detrimental impact of human intervention to the surrounding environment by adopting a natural protocol in system management. Traditionally, organic farming has focused on the elimination of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and a reliance on biological cycles that contribute to improving soil health in terms of fertility and pest management. Organic production systems are ecologically and economically sustainable when practices designed to build soil organic matter, fertility, and structure also mitigate soil erosion and nutrient runoff. We found no research conducted under traditional organic farming conditions, comparing bareground monoculture systems to systems incorporating the use of living mulches. We will be focusing on living mulch studies conducted under conventional methodology that can be extrapolated to beneficial uses in an organic system. This article discusses how organic farmers can use living mulches to reduce erosion, runoff, and leaching and also demonstrate the potential of living mulch systems as comprehensive integrated pest management plans that allow for an overall reduction in pesticide applications. The pesticide reducing potential of the living mulch system is examined to gain insight on application within organic agriculture.

Integrating feeding programmes into organic production systems.

2021 ◽  
pp. 177-217
Author(s):  
Robert Blair
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Organic Production ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Feed Quality ◽  
Feed Supplements ◽  
Cattle Farming

Abstract This chapter describes the effects of feeding programmes (including feed quality, feed supplements and feed additives) on the reproductive performance, beef and milk production and quality and environmental impact in organic cattle farming systems.

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