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Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/2004 Publication Date: 6/30/2004 Citation: Rotz, C.A. 2004. The integrated farm system model: A tool for developing more economically and environmentally sustainable farming systems for the Northeast. American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers. p. 1-11. Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required. Technical Abstract: A whole farm simulation model developed over the past twenty years provides a research and teaching tool for evaluating the long-term sustainability of crop, dairy, and beef farming systems. The model has been used in numerous studies throughout its development for evaluating forage harvest and preservation techniques, manure handling and tillage practices, cropping systems, animal feeding strategies, and other farm management changes. Current work is using the model to evaluate the impact of various farming practices on nutrient losses from the farm and farm profitability. Through this evaluation, more sustainable production systems will be developed for future farms. The model is available through the Internet at http://pswmru.arsup.psu.edu. The model is made available primarily as a teaching aid for classroom and individual use. The model is being used at various universities for courses in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Crop and Soil Science, and Dairy and Animal Science. It has also received limited use in outreach programs to agricultural consultants and producers. Individual use by producers and others provides excellent training in whole farm systems and the many component interactions that occur as changes are made on the farm. Education received using the model can lead to the development and implementation of more sustainable farms. |
