Browsing by Author "Smith, S. Ray"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    The Birds and the Bees: Producing Beef and Conservation Benefits on Working Grasslands
    Keyser, Patrick D.; Buehler, David A.; Fike, John H.; Finke, Deborah L.; Fuhlendorf, Samuel D.; Martin, James A.; Naumann, Harley D.; Smith, S. Ray (MDPI, 2022-08-17)
    Globally, grasslands have been heavily degraded, more so than any other biome. Grasslands of the eastern U.S. are no exception to this trend and, consequently, native biota associated with the region’s >20 million ha of agricultural grasslands are under considerable stress. For example, grassland associated breeding bird populations have declined precipitously in recent decades as have numerous species of pollinators. Although there is increasing awareness of the role grasslands can play in global carbon cycles and in providing high quality dietary proteins needed by an increasing global population, there is a lack of awareness of the alarming trends in the sustainability of the native biota of these ecosystems. Here, we present the status of this conservation challenge and offer prospective solutions through a working lands conservation approach. Such a strategy entails maintaining appropriate disturbances (i.e., grazing, fire, and their combination), improved grazing management, an increased reliance on native grasses and forbs, and improved plant diversity within pastures. Furthermore, we note some examples of opportunities to achieve these goals, offer suggestions for agricultural and conservation policy, and provide a framework for evaluating tradeoffs that are inevitably required when pursuing a multi-purpose grassland management framework.
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    Determining Forage Moisture Concentration
    Gay, Susan Wood; Grisso, Robert D.; Smith, S. Ray (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    Harvesting and storing forage at the proper moisture concentration is essential to producing a high-quality product.
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    Growing Small Grains for Forage in Virginia
    Smith, S. Ray; Benson, Brinkley; Thomason, Wade E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2018-12-19)
    Discusses growing small grain cereal crops for livestock feed in Virginia. Discusses seeding rates, liming and fertilization, grazing systems, cereal hay production and more.
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    Growing Small Grains for Forage in Virginia
    Smith, S. Ray; Benson, Brinkley; Thomason, Wade E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    Discusses growing small grain cereal crops for livestock feed in Virginia. Discusses concerns such as seeding rates, liming and fertilization, grazing systems, cereal hay production and more.
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    Making the Most of Tall Fescue in Virginia
    Smith, S. Ray; Hall, John B.; Johnson, Glenn D.; Peterson, Paul R. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    Tall fescue is a cool-season perennial that is well adapted to Virginia's soils and climate. It is the predominant forage species on over one million acres of hay and pastureland in Virginia.
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    'Matua' Prairie Grass: Bromus wildenowii
    Abaye, Azenegashe Ozzie; Guay, Jennifer F.; Peterson, Paul R.; Mulkey, Vanessa; Hutton, Steve; Smith, S. Ray (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    This is an overview of Matua prairie grass and its usage as forage in Virginia.
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    No-Till Seeding of Forage Grasses and Legumes
    Smith, S. Ray; White, Harlan E.; Hagood, Edward S.; Wolf, Dale D.; Repair, Jon P. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    No-till seeding of forage grasses and legumes can be successful and has become an accepted practice. No-till seeding methods require less time and fuel than traditional methods.
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    The Virginia Alfalfa Variety Report: a Five-Year Summary (1999-2003)
    Smith, S. Ray; Teutsch, Christopher D.; Peterson, Paul R.; Starner, David E.; Wilkinson, W. B.; Dixon, Denton R.; Hutton, Steve; Benson, Gordon B.; Johnson, Glenn D. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    This report is a summary of alfalfa variety trials performed at Virginia Tech Agricultural Research and Extension Centers from 1999 through 2003.
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    The Virginia Perennial Cool-Season Grass Forage Variety Report: a 3-Year Summary (2002-2004)
    Smith, S. Ray; Teutsch, Christopher D.; Thomason, Wade E.; Starner, David Eugene; Rucker, Elizabeth; Benson, Gordon B.; Dixon, Denton R. (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2009)
    This report is a summary of forage variety trials performed with cool-season grasses at Virginia Tech Agricultural Research and Extension Centers from 2002 through 2004.