Integrated Crop-Livestock System in Idaho Agriculture - An Overview
Sustainable Agriculture
Jemila Chellappa
Area Extension Educator - Cropping Systems
University of Idaho
Caldwell
Abstract
Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) provide an opportunity to enhance soil health, optimize resource efficiency, and improve farm resilience. However, in Idaho, knowledge gaps, management challenges, and low adoption rates hinder livestock integration into cropping systems. This project aimed to educate agricultural professionals on ICLS management strategies, increase awareness of sustainable practices, and facilitate grower engagement through field-based learning and outreach.
To achieve these objectives, we conducted an ICLS workshop for agricultural professionals (May 2024, hybrid mode, 29 participants) and an ICLS field day and farm tour (September 2024, McIntyre Farms, Caldwell, Idaho, 20 participants). The workshop featured expert presentations on cover cropping for forage, grazing crop residues, intercropping, crop rotations, and livestock integration strategies. The field tour provided hands-on demonstrations, showcasing best practices for successful ICLS adoption. Additionally, pre-and post-event surveys were used to assess knowledge gains, while focus group discussions identified barriers and opportunities for future adoption.
Findings revealed a 14% increase in participant knowledge of ICLS practices. Ten agricultural professionals reported plans to incorporate ICLS principles into their extension programming, expanding the project’s impact. Participants identified key barriers, including soil compaction concerns, rotational logistics, and producer hesitancy toward livestock integration. However, the perceived benefits—enhanced soil fertility, reduced input costs, and improved farm resilience—demonstrate the need for continued education and outreach. As a direct outcome, two new collaborations were established, and two follow-up grants were secured to further ICLS research and outreach in Idaho. The project extended SARE resources to 9 farmers and 20 agricultural professionals, broadening awareness and accessibility. Feedback emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer learning and region-specific management strategies, with one attendee noting, "Good to hear from a fellow farmer putting this into practice."
This initiative has strengthened the foundation for ICLS adoption in Idaho by bridging research, extension, and producer engagement. Future efforts will focus on getting the perspectives of farmers and agricultural professionals, expanding on-farm demonstrations, addressing logistical barriers, and enhancing management resources to support sustainable ICLS adoption.
Authors: Jemila Chellappa, Cheyyanne Myers, Rebecca Mills, Tyler O'Donnell
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Jemila Chellappa Area Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83605
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Cheyyanne Myers Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83605
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Rebecca Mills Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83617
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Tyler O'Donnell Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Idaho, 83672