Keith Lusby

Head

Department of Animal Science

Poultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle Synergy

Cattle in ArkansasCattle in ArkansasCattle in ArkansasCattle in Arkansas

Cows, calves and grass

Cattle in ArkansasCattle in ArkansasCattle in ArkansasCattle in Arkansas

1.9 million cattle

1 million cows

27,000 farms

37 cows per farm

Info, etc. Info, etc.

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7 months old – 550 lbs7 months old – 550 lbs7 months old – 550 lbs7 months old – 550 lbs

Info, etc. Info, etc.

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12 months old – 750 lbs12 months old – 750 lbs12 months old – 750 lbs12 months old – 750 lbs

Info, etc. Info, etc.

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Where are the cows in Arkansas?Where are the cows in Arkansas?Where are the cows in Arkansas?Where are the cows in Arkansas?

Located with the poultry

Litter applied to 773,000 acresLitter applied to 773,000 acres

Poultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle Synergy

3,800 farms

Poultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle SynergyPoultry and Cattle Synergy

350,000 cows graze litter-fertilized pasture

So Where is the Synergy?So Where is the Synergy?So Where is the Synergy?So Where is the Synergy?With Poultry = lot more cattle

Litter = excellent soil amendment

Replaces man-made fertilizer

So Where is the Synergy?So Where is the Synergy?So Where is the Synergy?So Where is the Synergy?

With cattle, Litter = value

Multiplies income from poultry

Poultry and CattlePoultry and CattlePoultry and CattlePoultry and CattleMajor source of secondary income

Major source of retirement incomes

Poultry and CattlePoultry and CattlePoultry and CattlePoultry and Cattle

Let people live on the farm

Essential to Arkansas’ rural economy

•50 + years experience

•Technology and soil have changed

•Poultry/cattle only one part

•Human population

•Construction

•Municipal effluents

•Urban fertilizer, chemicals

Is it sustainable?Is it sustainable?Is it sustainable?Is it sustainable?

Keys to SustainabilityKeys to SustainabilityKeys to SustainabilityKeys to Sustainability

When?

Where?

How much?

Keys to SustainabilityKeys to SustainabilityKeys to SustainabilityKeys to Sustainability

Maximize value of litter

Protect the environment

Good relationships with neighbors

Going back to Grass?Going back to Grass?Going back to Grass?Going back to Grass?