Florida Forage Research Funded by Cattle Enhancement Board Delivers Nationwide Impact
The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board has long invested in research projects to support the state’s cattle industry, but one of the most impactful areas of funding has been forage research. We spoke with Dr. Ann Blount, emeritus professor of forage breeding and genetics with the University of Florida IFAS, to understand how these investments are shaping not only Florida agriculture but also cattle operations across the country.
“The outcomes have been a whole series of forages that are definitely designed to be utilized throughout the southern coastal plain.”
According to Dr. Blount, the economic benefits are substantial, as forage varieties developed through Florida research are now being grown far beyond state lines.
“The economic benefit is huge because we’ve gone beyond Florida borders and a lot of varieties that we’ve actually developed in the state of Florida have been grown and are being grown and are being considered to be grown way north of our Florida state line. So some of our forages that our Florida cattlemen have invested their enhancement money into to build these programs are actually reaching out, I think, nationwide to help livestock producers.”
The Florida Cattle Enhancement Board’s strategic funding has helped solidify Florida’s leadership in forage development, making UF IFAS a nationally recognized institution in this field.
“And I’d say that University of Florida has been well recognized for their strength in forage research and variety development, and probably leads many of the state public institutions in the area of forage breeding, forage research, forage management nationwide.”
This growing reputation and reach show that Florida cattle producers’ investments are paying off. The forages they helped fund are supporting more efficient, resilient cattle production systems across the southern U.S. and beyond, with lasting value for both local and national agriculture.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.
This is a segment from the Grazing The Facts Podcast where we take a look within the Florida Cattle Industry. To listen to the full interview, search your favorite podcast platform for Grazing The Facts.