This webinar by Dr. Kathy Soder of the USDA ARS took place on April 7, 2016.
About the Webinar
Sprouted grain systems, also known as fodder systems, have gained interest among the organic and grazing dairy communities in recent years. To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and challenges of sprouted grain systems on dairy farms in the Northeast, Dr. Kathy Soder is conducting a research and outreach project with funding from Northeast SARE. Dr. Soder has been collecting farm data (animal productivity, feed information, economic data) to develop science-based, objective recommendations that can be used by farmers, consultants and researchers in making educated decisions on a case-by-case basis on whether to implement a sprouted grain system on the farm. Additionally, feeding recommendations (based on nutritional analysis of the fodder and rations) are being developed to guide farmers on how to incorporate sprouted grain into their rations. Join us as we learn about project findings thus far.
About the Presenter
Dr. Soder is an animal scientist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit in University Park, Pennsylvania. There, she conducts a variety of research projects to evaluate the effects of diverse pasture systems on grazing behavior of ruminants, and how farmers can use these systems to optimize forage and animal productivity.
