This project is designed to assess whether integrating livestock grazing with winter cereals will enhance the profitability of soybean production and soil health in North Dakota. The study goal is to evaluate the impacts of winter cereal management using cattle on crop production, soil health, livestock production and economic sustainability of soybean production. The influence of dual grazing (fall and spring), spring grazing and no grazing of winter cereals on 1) soil physical, chemical and biological properties, 2) soil erosion risk, 3) soil moisture, 4) soybean production, 5) livestock production and 6) economics will be assessed. A field study will evaluate four management scenarios 1) dual grazing (fall and spring) winter cereals, 2) spring grazing winter cereals, 3) non-grazed winter cereals, and 4) no winter cereals. The project will evaluate the three winter cereals; rye, wheat and triticale. Soil samples will be collected to characterize physical, chemical and biological properties. Soybean production will be evaluated through stand counts and yield data. The stands will be evaluated for weed populations and soybean diseases. An economic analysis will evaluate the advantages of the winter cereal types and management practices. The outcomes from this project will help North Dakota farmers select the best winter cereal to integrate into a livestock/soybean production system.

The goal of this project is to enhance the profitability of crop production systems and soil health in North Dakota through livestock integration. The study objectives will be achieved by evaluating the impacts of winter cereal types and management on crop production, soil health, livestock production and economic sustainability of the crop production. The project will evaluate three winter cereals commonly in North Dakota, rye, wheat and triticale. The team will evaluate the influence of dual grazing (fall and spring), spring grazing and no grazing of winter cereals on 1) soil physical, chemical and biological properties, 2) soil erosion risk, 3) soil moisture, 4) soybean production, 5) livestock production and 6) economics.

The knowledge gained from this research will be incorporated into NDSU Extension programs focused on crops, soils, and livestock. The results of this research will be shared with producers, landowners, local organizations and other stakeholders at café talks, workshops and tours. The research site will be at the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center which will allow us to reach a broader audience during field days and tours. In addition, the research sites will be utilized for train-the-trainer in-services for professionals. Other deliverables include, but are not limited to, journal articles, extension publications, bulletins, news articles, webinars, videos and social media posts.

The knowledge gained from this project has the potential to increase the profitability and sustainability of both soybean production and livestock enterprises, especially operations with both enterprises. Livestock integration enhances soil health, extends the grazing season, and has the potential to reduce inputs, and increase climate resilience. Livestock integration into crop systems enhances soil health through reduced erosion, enhances nutrient cycling, and increased soil carbon and biological activity. These improvements reduce the need for fertilizers. The reduction of erosion, fertilizer and runoff will reduce nutrient loading of water bodies. The increased profitability and sense of community will improve the sustainability of rural communities.