187 - Forage Agronomists Are Needed in Animal Science Departments

Ruminants serve a valuable role in sustainable agricultural systems, specifically in the conversion of renewable resources from grasslands, pasture, and other by-products into edible human food. Recognizing forage and grasses are grown on 25% of arable land, suitable agronomic practices for grazing livestock are necessary to minimize water and soil erosion. Demographics of Animal Science students have changed over the last several years with more students from urban backgrounds and with interests other than traditional animal agriculture. This makes continued emphasis on education programs supporting the grazing livestock industry that much more important. However, for many reasons, universities place less emphasis on training Ph.D. students in forage agronomy. Based on an email survey of 10 land grant institutions, typically one M.S. student/yr and one Ph.D. student/3-4 yr graduates with an advanced degree in forage agronomy. Most departments have experienced dramatic budget reductions. Challenges with funding faculty positions outside of a department’s emphasis area typically results in the question “Should forage agronomy students be trained in Departments of Animal Science or Crop/Soils Science?” It could be argued that either department is the best fit. Forage agronomy requires training in the basics of plant and soil science, but the application of those sciences relate more to animal science and animal production than to traditional crop production such as cereal grains. Departments of Animal Science must communicate the meaningful context of forage agronomy in an active learning environment developing students’ ability to critically think and solve problems. Those providing technical expertise to livestock producers can no longer make recommendations based solely on production efficiency and profitability. Instead, best management practices must include the impact of grazing livestock on the environment. Cooperative agreements between departments should be discussed to adequately support student development in this critical subject matter.