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Dairy Pipeline: December 2005/January 2006
Charles C. Stallings
Extension Dairy Scientist,
Nutrition and Forage Quality
(540) 231-3066 email: cstallin@vt.edu
A few weeks ago we announced an innovative program designed to monitor phosphorus intakes on Virginia herds. If herds are within 105% of the 2001 National Research Council's recommendations a payment of $12 per cow can be received at the end of the each of two years. If herds are 115% or less a $6 per cow payment is possible up to a maximum of 400 cows. We sent a survey out in October to all Grade A herds in Virginia and gathered information on feeding and management. We also asked about the desire to participate in this program.
We have received approximately 300 surveys back with 200 expressing an interest in the program. These herds are currently being contacted to determine participation in the project. Herds selected will receive, in addition to the cash payments, free feed testing every other month for a three year period.
We will have room for further herds to participate after this first group is selected. Another mailing of the survey to herds that did not respond to the first will be made in December. Details of the program can be obtained on our Dairy Extension web site at the following location: www.vtdairy.dasc.vt.edu.
Funds for support of this project come from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).