ANSC 6120 - Whole-Farm Nutrient Management

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Preferred prerequisite: ANSC 4110. Enrollment limited to: graduate students. Co-meets with ANSC 4120.

Q. Ketterings, M. Van Amburgh.

Provides students with an understanding of the concepts and practices underlying whole-farm nutrient management planning of livestock and dairy farms. Improving profitability and efficiency are key factors considered while improving air and water quality associated with dairy production. Students learn about nutrient management on (Concentrated) Animal Feeding Operations ((C)AFO’s) and conduct a whole farm nutrient balance for a farm of choice. This course integrates crop and manure management with nutrition and herd management to provide a broad but focused and action-oriented approach. The course utilizes three software programs for nutrient management planning and herd nutritional management: Cropware, the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS), and the Whole Farm Nutrient Mass Balance program. Current topics are also discussed, such as greenhouse gas emissions and impacts of dairy and livestock production and local versus global food production and environmental impacts.

Outcome 1: Describe the current environmental policies for agriculture and environmental management nationwide and in New York and explain the reasons the having such policies in place Discuss and debate the importance of and benefits of nutrient management and whole farm planning for the agricultural industry.

Outcome 2: Explain the components of a certified nutrient management plan and demonstrate understanding of nutrient management planning in conversations with planning and plan evaluation professional in the industry.

Outcome 3: Evaluate and compare the whole farm planning and management system of a farm from soil to crops to cows and back, and recommend changes for improvements in agriculture and environmental management in future years.

Outcome 4: Identify the importance of agricultural industry involvement in addressing production and environmental challenges and setting policy and constructively communicate with and debate with policy makers.

Outcome 5: Describe the role dairy cattle play in utilizing byproducts of the human food chain that contribute to reducing the environmental impact of all human food production.