Currently, local cattle breeds are facing numerous challenges, and their disappearance could have social, economic, and environmental consequences.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted in the northeast of Algeria to understand the characteristics, constraints of production systems and examine the specific strategies implemented in farms to ensure their viability.
METHOD
A total of 175 smallholder farmers who practice Algerian local cattle breeding were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Typology construction was carried out through factor analysis of mixed data, followed by sequential agglomerative hierarchical and K-means clustering, to define distinct farmer types with common characteristics.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
Results highlight three farm types. The first group, representing 54.9% (96/175Farms) of the farms studied, is characterized by low-resource breeders who raise small herds of local breeds in association with small ruminants. Type 2 (25.7%) (45/175) consists of crossbred, diversified, supported breeding with better technical performance. The intensification strategies adopted by breeders of this type have relegated local cattle to the background. The third type (19.4%) (34/175) includes cattle pastoral farms, with the predominance of the local cattle breed characterized by limited productivity.
SIGNIFICANCE
This study highlights farm diversity, the necessity of government support, and specific policies to ensure the sustainability of local cattle breeding, with particular emphasis on pastoral breeding, which has the largest number of local cattle breeds.
{"title":"Typology analysis of cattle farms in Northeast Algeria: Potential for sustainable development","authors":"Aissam Bousbia , Yassine Gueroui , Abdellah Aouadi , Mahilet Dawit Teweldebirhan , Rui José Branquinho Bessa , George Symeon , Sofiane Boudalia","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103995","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>Currently, local cattle breeds are facing numerous challenges, and their disappearance could have social, economic, and environmental consequences.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>This study was conducted in the northeast of Algeria to understand the characteristics, constraints of production systems and examine the specific strategies implemented in farms to ensure their viability.</p></div><div><h3>METHOD</h3><p>A total of 175 smallholder farmers who practice Algerian local cattle breeding were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Typology construction was carried out through factor analysis of mixed data, followed by sequential agglomerative hierarchical and K-means clustering, to define distinct farmer types with common characteristics.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION</h3><p>Results highlight three farm types. The first group, representing 54.9% (96/175Farms) of the farms studied, is characterized by low-resource breeders who raise small herds of local breeds in association with small ruminants. Type 2 (25.7%) (45/175) consists of crossbred, diversified, supported breeding with better technical performance. The intensification strategies adopted by breeders of this type have relegated local cattle to the background. The third type (19.4%) (34/175) includes cattle pastoral farms, with the predominance of the local cattle breed characterized by limited productivity.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>This study highlights farm diversity, the necessity of government support, and specific policies to ensure the sustainability of local cattle breeding, with particular emphasis on pastoral breeding, which has the largest number of local cattle breeds.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140905898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-11DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103990
Pablo González-Martínez , Irantzu Goenaga , Sara León-Ecay , Joana de las Heras , Noelia Aldai , Kizkitza Insausti , Maite M. Aldaya
CONTEXT
In recent years, livestock farming has been in the spotlight. Meat production is blamed for the pollution of aquifers and rivers, as well as for the large amount of water required to feed livestock. This has highlighted the need to find alternative feeding systems for cattle breeding able to reduce food/feed competition.
OBJECTIVE
In this context, the present study compares the water footprint (WF) of conventionally fed beef versus beef fed with vegetable by-products from the local agri-food industry.
METHODS
Twenty-four entire male young bulls were reared under the Ternera de Navarra Protected Geographic Identification (PGI) in the town of Azoz, in Navarra, Spain. Twelve calves were fattened on a diet based on vegetable by-products and fodder and grain to complement the ration (VBP diet) and the remaining animals were fattened with a traditional diet based on concentrate and straw (conventional or control diet).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Once the fattening was finished and animals were slaughtered, the results showed a larger green, blue and grey WF in terms of m3 per beef cattle for conventionally fed animals compared to those fed with VBP. However, when looking at the efficiency, the results were mixed. Conventionally fed cattle exhibited lower green and grey WFs but a higher blue WF compared to VBP-fed cattle, with values of 9955 l/kg, 1577 l/kg and 1731 l/kg versus 10,147 l/kg, 1457 l/kg and 1831 l/kg of carcass beef, respectively.
SIGNIFICANCE
This means that a by-product-based calf diet can reduce blue water use. However, further research is needed on the indirect water pollution associated with animal-fed crop production.
{"title":"The water footprint of Spanish Ternera de Navarra PGI beef: Conventional versus novel feeding based on vegetable by-products from the local food industry","authors":"Pablo González-Martínez , Irantzu Goenaga , Sara León-Ecay , Joana de las Heras , Noelia Aldai , Kizkitza Insausti , Maite M. Aldaya","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103990","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>In recent years, livestock farming has been in the spotlight. Meat production is blamed for the pollution of aquifers and rivers, as well as for the large amount of water required to feed livestock. This has highlighted the need to find alternative feeding systems for cattle breeding able to reduce food/feed competition.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>In this context, the present study compares the water footprint (WF) of conventionally fed beef versus beef fed with vegetable by-products from the local agri-food industry.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>Twenty-four entire male young bulls were reared under the <em>Ternera de Navarra</em> Protected Geographic Identification (PGI) in the town of Azoz, in Navarra, Spain. Twelve calves were fattened on a diet based on vegetable by-products and fodder and grain to complement the ration (VBP diet) and the remaining animals were fattened with a traditional diet based on concentrate and straw (conventional or control diet).</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>Once the fattening was finished and animals were slaughtered, the results showed a larger green, blue and grey WF in terms of m<sup>3</sup> per beef cattle for conventionally fed animals compared to those fed with VBP. However, when looking at the efficiency, the results were mixed. Conventionally fed cattle exhibited lower green and grey WFs but a higher blue WF compared to VBP-fed cattle, with values of 9955 l/kg, 1577 l/kg and 1731 l/kg versus 10,147 l/kg, 1457 l/kg and 1831 l/kg of carcass beef, respectively.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>This means that a by-product-based calf diet can reduce blue water use. However, further research is needed on the indirect water pollution associated with animal-fed crop production.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24001409/pdfft?md5=2918967a9135d95a98ad489544327ed7&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24001409-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140910217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
There is growing evidence that diversified cropping systems can contribute to the fundamental reorientation of food production. However, actors involved in crop diversification (CD) initiatives often lack concrete action perspectives, i.e., ideas and expectations on what they can do to achieve their goals. Indeed, various authors have pointed out the lack of operational guidance by high-level theories on innovation governance for actors in innovation niches that have to cope with complexity and unpredictability.
OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to fill this gap by studying and cross-analysing the enactment of 25 Case Studies (CSs) consisting of multi-actor CD initiatives spread across 10 European countries.
METHODS
We developed a heuristic framework that aimed to unpack the key components in the CSs' ways of working towards CD (motivations, participants, intervention levels, activities and learnings). Data collection was based on reflexive self-assessment documents produced by the CSs as part of the actor-oriented co-innovation approach. We cross-analysed the data to highlight patterns among the CSs in their ways of working towards CD using both qualitative and quantitative (Multiple Factor Analysis) approaches, in order to provide a diversity of insights to support action perspectives.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Seven groups of CSs were defined and qualified through the qualitative approach. Group 1 worked on fostering co-learning between farmers and developing participatory approaches. Group 2 specifically worked on enhancing cooperation between farmers. Group 3 promoted strip cropping through the development of a community of practice. Group 4 was concerned with gradually removing lock-ins to support the introduction of diversifying crops. Group 5 worked at aligning actors to create value chains to enhance grain legume production. Group 6 was about fostering locally integrated food systems for legumes and vegetables. And, Group 7 gathered CSs searching for ways out of wicked situations. The results from the MFA partially confirmed these similarities between the CSs but also revealed major differences between some CSs that were identified as similar with the qualitative approach.
SIGNIFICANCE
In this paper, we propose a framework to describe how actors within innovation niches organized themselves, worked and learned together to stimulate a transition towards more sustainability in food systems. We assume that this framework, is usable by other project leaders of innovation niches to monitor and analyse their change processes towards sustainability jointly with practitioners. Grouping the CSs is a way to scale out these learnings and contribute to the production of action perspectives and mobilizing impact that are useful for people both inside and outside our project.
{"title":"Fostering action perspectives to support crop diversification: Lessons from 25 change-oriented case studies across Europe","authors":"Margot Leclère , Lenn Gorissen , Yvonne Cuijpers , Luca Colombo , Mirjam Schoonhoven-Speijer , Walter A.H. Rossing","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103985","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>There is growing evidence that diversified cropping systems can contribute to the fundamental reorientation of food production. However, actors involved in crop diversification (CD) initiatives often lack concrete action perspectives, i.e., ideas and expectations on what they can do to achieve their goals. Indeed, various authors have pointed out the lack of operational guidance by high-level theories on innovation governance for actors in innovation niches that have to cope with complexity and unpredictability.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>This paper aims to fill this gap by studying and cross-analysing the enactment of 25 Case Studies (CSs) consisting of multi-actor CD initiatives spread across 10 European countries.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>We developed a heuristic framework that aimed to unpack the key components in the CSs' ways of working towards CD (motivations, participants, intervention levels, activities and learnings). Data collection was based on reflexive self-assessment documents produced by the CSs as part of the actor-oriented co-innovation approach. We cross-analysed the data to highlight patterns among the CSs in their ways of working towards CD using both qualitative and quantitative (Multiple Factor Analysis) approaches, in order to provide a diversity of insights to support action perspectives.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>Seven groups of CSs were defined and qualified through the qualitative approach. Group 1 worked on fostering co-learning between farmers and developing participatory approaches. Group 2 specifically worked on enhancing cooperation between farmers. Group 3 promoted strip cropping through the development of a community of practice. Group 4 was concerned with gradually removing lock-ins to support the introduction of diversifying crops. Group 5 worked at aligning actors to create value chains to enhance grain legume production. Group 6 was about fostering locally integrated food systems for legumes and vegetables. And, Group 7 gathered CSs searching for ways out of wicked situations. The results from the MFA partially confirmed these similarities between the CSs but also revealed major differences between some CSs that were identified as similar with the qualitative approach.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>In this paper, we propose a framework to describe how actors within innovation niches organized themselves, worked and learned together to stimulate a transition towards more sustainability in food systems. We assume that this framework, is usable by other project leaders of innovation niches to monitor and analyse their change processes towards sustainability jointly with practitioners. Grouping the CSs is a way to scale out these learnings and contribute to the production of action perspectives and mobilizing impact that are useful for people both inside and outside our project.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24001355/pdfft?md5=523799e114f28863cef6052ab9e70e63&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24001355-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140905897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-10DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103986
Nicholas Valcourt , Jeffrey Walters , Sara Carlson , Katie Safford , Lexine Hansen , Diane Russell , Kristi Tabaj , Rachel Golden Kroner
CONTEXT
Agriculture-driven land conversion poses a significant threat to global biodiversity conservation. Balancing agricultural expansion with conservation is a critical challenge for governments and development partners. Sustainability-oriented agriculture programs such as conservation agriculture and land intensification aim to reduce land conversion and deforestation; however, evidence of their effectiveness remains complex and elusive, especially regarding the role of smallholders.
OBJECTIVE
This study addresses this knowledge gap by systematically mapping the drivers of smallholder land conversion and their interconnections across three focal biodiverse contexts including sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia as well as from a global scale.
METHODS
Using literature that focuses on the nexus of smallholder farmers and agricultural intensification, this study systematically identified the potential of distinct factors and dynamic processes to serve as system leverage points toward improved outcomes for biodiversity, food security, and smallholder livelihoods, using a combination of structural factor analysis, centrality analysis, and feedback loop analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight the importance of strengthening land tenure systems, providing technical support to farmers, improving market access, and prioritizing smallholder livelihoods in mitigating land conversion.
SIGNIFICANCE
Contextual differences emphasize the need for context-specific interventions and further research to explore factors driving land conversion more deeply within specific contextual boundaries. Future studies should map proposed policy interventions onto local systems driving land conversion and incorporate the diverse perspectives of local stakeholders to guide effective and sustainable agriculture interventions.
{"title":"Mapping drivers of land conversion among smallholders: A global systems perspective","authors":"Nicholas Valcourt , Jeffrey Walters , Sara Carlson , Katie Safford , Lexine Hansen , Diane Russell , Kristi Tabaj , Rachel Golden Kroner","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103986","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>Agriculture-driven land conversion poses a significant threat to global biodiversity conservation. Balancing agricultural expansion with conservation is a critical challenge for governments and development partners. Sustainability-oriented agriculture programs such as conservation agriculture and land intensification aim to reduce land conversion and deforestation; however, evidence of their effectiveness remains complex and elusive, especially regarding the role of smallholders.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>This study addresses this knowledge gap by systematically mapping the drivers of smallholder land conversion and their interconnections across three focal biodiverse contexts including sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia as well as from a global scale.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>Using literature that focuses on the nexus of smallholder farmers and agricultural intensification, this study systematically identified the potential of distinct factors and dynamic processes to serve as system leverage points toward improved outcomes for biodiversity, food security, and smallholder livelihoods, using a combination of structural factor analysis, centrality analysis, and feedback loop analysis.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>The results highlight the importance of strengthening land tenure systems, providing technical support to farmers, improving market access, and prioritizing smallholder livelihoods in mitigating land conversion.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>Contextual differences emphasize the need for context-specific interventions and further research to explore factors driving land conversion more deeply within specific contextual boundaries. Future studies should map proposed policy interventions onto local systems driving land conversion and incorporate the diverse perspectives of local stakeholders to guide effective and sustainable agriculture interventions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140905990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
On the Greek island of Samothraki, decades of overgrazing by the large domestic population of small ruminants accelerated soil degradation and surface erosion, with direct consequences for ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services.
Objective
This manuscript reports on a 5-year research project to achieve more sustainable pasture management practices among small ruminant farmers on the island, through the introduction of Sown Biodiverse Pastures (SBP). This practice, based on sowing a seed mixture of legumes and grasses that increase pasture productivity, has proven to be a successful tool to overcome degradation of ruminant pastures in Portugal.
Methods
Local small ruminant farmers on Samothraki, a difficult group when it comes to the acceptance of new practices and ideas, were engaged in the transdisciplinary research process, and trained in appropriate management practices of SBP. This led to the adoption and implementation of SBP by nine farmers on 13 parcels.
Results and conclusions
Quantitative data on species composition and productivity shows that the performance and persistence of SBP on Samothraki is favourable, if soil preparation and sowing is practiced as recommended, and relevant management practices are adopted. Comparing with conventional agricultural practices, i.e. annual crop – fallow rotation, productivity in SBP outperformed the forage quantity in fallow land, while yield in the annual crop was approximately equal as compared to SBP. The increasing forage capacity of SBP instigates several environmental and economic benefits, such as a reduction of grazing pressure in vulnerable areas, and less expenditure on supplementary feed requirements. However, lack of will and trust in these new practices and seed mixtures among local farmers resulted in discontinuation in almost half of the parcels. The adoption of new management practices by the farming community on Samothraki required continuous efforts, and the short-term framework of the research project did not favour long-term success.
Significance
It is recommended for any programs aiming at changing farming practices to engage with local stakeholders, especially farmers, and to closely collaborate with local institutional partners who can carry the work forward after scientific researchers have left.
{"title":"Changing pasture management practices on the Greek island of Samothraki: Obstacles and opportunities","authors":"Marjan Jongen , Dominik Noll , Giorgos Maskalidis , Tiago Domingos , Marina Fischer-Kowalski","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103992","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103992","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><p>On the Greek island of Samothraki, decades of overgrazing by the large domestic population of small ruminants accelerated soil degradation and surface erosion, with direct consequences for ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services.</p></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This manuscript reports on a 5-year research project to achieve more sustainable pasture management practices among small ruminant farmers on the island, through the introduction of Sown Biodiverse Pastures (SBP). This practice, based on sowing a seed mixture of legumes and grasses that increase pasture productivity, has proven to be a successful tool to overcome degradation of ruminant pastures in Portugal.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Local small ruminant farmers on Samothraki, a difficult group when it comes to the acceptance of new practices and ideas, were engaged in the transdisciplinary research process, and trained in appropriate management practices of SBP. This led to the adoption and implementation of SBP by nine farmers on 13 parcels.</p></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><p>Quantitative data on species composition and productivity shows that the performance and persistence of SBP on Samothraki is favourable, if soil preparation and sowing is practiced as recommended, and relevant management practices are adopted. Comparing with conventional agricultural practices, i.e. annual crop – fallow rotation, productivity in SBP outperformed the forage quantity in fallow land, while yield in the annual crop was approximately equal as compared to SBP. The increasing forage capacity of SBP instigates several environmental and economic benefits, such as a reduction of grazing pressure in vulnerable areas, and less expenditure on supplementary feed requirements. However, lack of will and trust in these new practices and seed mixtures among local farmers resulted in discontinuation in almost half of the parcels. The adoption of new management practices by the farming community on Samothraki required continuous efforts, and the short-term framework of the research project did not favour long-term success.</p></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><p>It is recommended for any programs aiming at changing farming practices to engage with local stakeholders, especially farmers, and to closely collaborate with local institutional partners who can carry the work forward after scientific researchers have left.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24001422/pdfft?md5=012f3fabddccd4cb0532903d42022476&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24001422-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140905991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103968
Shimeng Ma , Coen J. Ritsema , Sufen Wang
CONTEXT
Improving the spatial pattern of agricultural systems has become a promising approach for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, previous studies have often focused on the influence of natural factors on crop distribution, ignoring factors such as human activities, socio-economic level and ecological environment.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to investigate the influence of natural factors and social environmental drivers on the optimal pattern of multiple crops and evaluate the potential of optimal patterns to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
METHODS
Here, we present a multi-criteria approach integrating natural and social environment system factors and set up three assessment scenarios: crop growth suitability (CGS), crop planting suitability (CPS), and crop planting competitiveness (CPC). Applying this approach to the Shiyang River basin in China as a case study, we assessed the suitability and competitiveness of single crops. To maximize agriculture competitiveness, we optimized the structure of the multi-crop system, and a method was proposed to identify highly suitable intercropping areas using crop competitiveness conflicts. Regional crop water consumption, water productivity, and economic benefits were calculated to analyze the potential for agricultural intensification under different optimization patterns.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
We found that the weights of four categories factors of location, socio-economic conditions, productivity, and environment protection accounted for 26.9%, 7.5%, 13.7%, and 4.5%, respectively, and the weight of social environmental influence indicators had accounted for about 43.5%, which cannot be ignored. The distribution area above moderate suitability (L2) in the CPS and CPC scenarios was about 7.92% - 30.03% and 6.14% - 26.4% higher than the CGS scenario, respectively. Social environmental factors are important to consider in assessing the suitability of crops. From the spatial structure, three optimization patterns all suggested increasing the planting proportion of wheat and potato in the future. The optimization patterns in CPC scenario could reduce total crop water demand by 91.86 to 175.77 million cubic meters compared with 2020 while showing great potential to improve crop water productivity and net output per cubic meter of water. Furthermore, we offered recommendations for the layouts of common intercropping systems in Northwest China based on the proposed method for identifying high suitability zones.
SIGNIFICANCE
This study emphasizes the importance of considering multiple environments to accurately assess crop suitability and achieve sustainable agricultural. The results could provide useful insights for managing and optimizing diverse planting systems, addressing growing concerns surrounding food and water security in resource-con
{"title":"Achieving sustainable crop management: A holistic approach to crop competitiveness assessment and structure optimization with dual natural-social environmental impacts","authors":"Shimeng Ma , Coen J. Ritsema , Sufen Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>Improving the spatial pattern of agricultural systems has become a promising approach for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, previous studies have often focused on the influence of natural factors on crop distribution, ignoring factors such as human activities, socio-economic level and ecological environment.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVES</h3><p>This study aims to investigate the influence of natural factors and social environmental drivers on the optimal pattern of multiple crops and evaluate the potential of optimal patterns to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>Here, we present a multi-criteria approach integrating natural and social environment system factors and set up three assessment scenarios: crop growth suitability (CGS), crop planting suitability (CPS), and crop planting competitiveness (CPC). Applying this approach to the Shiyang River basin in China as a case study, we assessed the suitability and competitiveness of single crops. To maximize agriculture competitiveness, we optimized the structure of the multi-crop system, and a method was proposed to identify highly suitable intercropping areas using crop competitiveness conflicts. Regional crop water consumption, water productivity, and economic benefits were calculated to analyze the potential for agricultural intensification under different optimization patterns.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>We found that the weights of four categories factors of location, socio-economic conditions, productivity, and environment protection accounted for 26.9%, 7.5%, 13.7%, and 4.5%, respectively, and the weight of social environmental influence indicators had accounted for about 43.5%, which cannot be ignored. The distribution area above moderate suitability (L2) in the CPS and CPC scenarios was about 7.92% - 30.03% and 6.14% - 26.4% higher than the CGS scenario, respectively. Social environmental factors are important to consider in assessing the suitability of crops. From the spatial structure, three optimization patterns all suggested increasing the planting proportion of wheat and potato in the future. The optimization patterns in CPC scenario could reduce total crop water demand by 91.86 to 175.77 million cubic meters compared with 2020 while showing great potential to improve crop water productivity and net output per cubic meter of water. Furthermore, we offered recommendations for the layouts of common intercropping systems in Northwest China based on the proposed method for identifying high suitability zones.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>This study emphasizes the importance of considering multiple environments to accurately assess crop suitability and achieve sustainable agricultural. The results could provide useful insights for managing and optimizing diverse planting systems, addressing growing concerns surrounding food and water security in resource-con","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140894790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-09DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103991
Rasmus Bang , Bjørn Gunnar Hansen , Mario Guajardo , Jon Kristian Sommerseth , Ola Flaten , Leif Jarle Asheim
CONTEXT
An important question for farmers is whether to run their farm conventionally or organically. This choice can significantly affect the farm's financial performance and its impact on the environment.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study is to compare the profitability of conventional and organic cattle systems and investigate how it is associated with individual farm characteristics, like forage production capacity, forage quality, milk quota, animal housing capacity, and their relative presences.
METHOD
We employ a whole farm optimization model, customized for Norwegian cattle farming. The primary goal of this model is to maximize the gross margin by optimizing decisions related to land usage and animal inventory while adhering to a set of constraints. We systematically solve more than 200,000 model instances, with varying farm characteristics.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
The results can be distilled to the following key points: If forage of good quality is readily available, but the livestock operation cannot be expanded due to animal housing and milk quota restrictions, organic may outcompete conventional farming. Otherwise, gross margin is maximized with conventional farming. These findings emphasize the crucial role of forage production capacity and quality in relation to available milk quota and infrastructure when considering the transition from conventional to organic farming. Extensive sensitivity analyses affirm the robustness of these conclusions. Regional regulatory factors, such as government farm payments, also play a significant role, and influence the optimal farming approach. Additionally, we show that increases in organic price premiums can markedly impact the competitiveness of organic farming, even in a system where government payments make out a significant part of the farm revenue.
SIGNIFICANCE
The model can support farmers to make informed decisions about converting to organic or conventional farming. It can also be used by policymakers to determine the level of support required to make it worthwhile for different types of farms to convert. We also show that existing government payment schemes give rise to regional differences in the incentives for organic farming in Norway. To ensure equal incentives for organic farming across the country, the organic payments would have to be regionally adjusted, in line with the other already regionally dependent government payments. This insight may be of significant interest to policymakers and other stakeholders.
{"title":"Conventional or organic cattle farming? Trade-offs between crop yield, livestock capacity, organic premiums, and government payments","authors":"Rasmus Bang , Bjørn Gunnar Hansen , Mario Guajardo , Jon Kristian Sommerseth , Ola Flaten , Leif Jarle Asheim","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103991","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103991","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>An important question for farmers is whether to run their farm conventionally or organically. This choice can significantly affect the farm's financial performance and its impact on the environment.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>The primary objective of this study is to compare the profitability of conventional and organic cattle systems and investigate how it is associated with individual farm characteristics, like forage production capacity, forage quality, milk quota, animal housing capacity, and their relative presences.</p></div><div><h3>METHOD</h3><p>We employ a whole farm optimization model, customized for Norwegian cattle farming. The primary goal of this model is to maximize the gross margin by optimizing decisions related to land usage and animal inventory while adhering to a set of constraints. We systematically solve more than 200,000 model instances, with varying farm characteristics.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>The results can be distilled to the following key points: If forage of good quality is readily available, but the livestock operation cannot be expanded due to animal housing and milk quota restrictions, organic may outcompete conventional farming. Otherwise, gross margin is maximized with conventional farming. These findings emphasize the crucial role of forage production capacity and quality in relation to available milk quota and infrastructure when considering the transition from conventional to organic farming. Extensive sensitivity analyses affirm the robustness of these conclusions. Regional regulatory factors, such as government farm payments, also play a significant role, and influence the optimal farming approach. Additionally, we show that increases in organic price premiums can markedly impact the competitiveness of organic farming, even in a system where government payments make out a significant part of the farm revenue.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>The model can support farmers to make informed decisions about converting to organic or conventional farming. It can also be used by policymakers to determine the level of support required to make it worthwhile for different types of farms to convert. We also show that existing government payment schemes give rise to regional differences in the incentives for organic farming in Norway. To ensure equal incentives for organic farming across the country, the organic payments would have to be regionally adjusted, in line with the other already regionally dependent government payments. This insight may be of significant interest to policymakers and other stakeholders.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24001410/pdfft?md5=ab845cf9149c7172457afcd3fb7578c2&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24001410-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140901276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103993
C. d'Abbadie , R. Kingwell , P. Vercoe , B. Plunkett , A. Peggs
CONTEXT
The semi-arid mulga lands of the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia experience frequent droughts. Maintaining a profitable animal grazing enterprise whilst preserving rangeland condition requires selecting an appropriate stocking rate and herd structure.
OBJECTIVE
We construct and apply bioeconomic models of beef enterprises for the semi-arid Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, to assess the profitability and relative riskiness of three different livestock production systems and three different stocking rates when exposed to different frequencies of drought.
METHODS
We construct bio-economic models of herd structures that separately focus on producing either: (i) 200 kg heifers and 210 kg steers (ii) live export of 340 kg heifers and 380 kg steers, or (iii) 500 kg heifers and 560 kg steers for local slaughter. The models are applied to assess the financial and production resilience of each herd structure for three different stocking rates, given the incidence of drought and various price scenarios.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Comparing the three herd structures, option (iii) produces more kilograms of beef at an equivalent grazing pressure and recovers fastest from drought. Considering cattle prices over the 7-year period ending in 2021, live export and slaughter production systems generate comparable financial returns to graziers' actual reported results. Under two different scenarios of future prices, option (iii) provides the most profitable outcome. Applying a stocking rate that is 66% of a recommended stocking rate allows use of residual rangeland feed (known as ‘haystack’) during drought, generates greater profit, and produces a more stable herd size and income. Not matching the haystack with the longest modelled drought reduces the grazier's average annual profit by $172,000. The optimum herd structure identified in this study targets the production of 500 kg heifers and 560 kgs steers for local slaughter, and relies on a conservative stocking rate that leaves enough haystack to increase resilience if ever consecutive droughts occur.
SIGNIFICANCE
In the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, there are financial and environmental merits in a herd structure that produces heavy steers and heifers for local slaughter yet is underpinned by conservative stocking rates.
{"title":"Heavy steers and heifers run at low stocking rates enhance drought resilience in a pastoral region of Australia","authors":"C. d'Abbadie , R. Kingwell , P. Vercoe , B. Plunkett , A. Peggs","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103993","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>The semi-arid mulga lands of the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia experience frequent droughts. Maintaining a profitable animal grazing enterprise whilst preserving rangeland condition requires selecting an appropriate stocking rate and herd structure.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>We construct and apply bioeconomic models of beef enterprises for the semi-arid Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, to assess the profitability and relative riskiness of three different livestock production systems and three different stocking rates when exposed to different frequencies of drought.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>We construct bio-economic models of herd structures that separately focus on producing either: (i) 200 kg heifers and 210 kg steers (ii) live export of 340 kg heifers and 380 kg steers, or (iii) 500 kg heifers and 560 kg steers for local slaughter. The models are applied to assess the financial and production resilience of each herd structure for three different stocking rates, given the incidence of drought and various price scenarios.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>Comparing the three herd structures, option (iii) produces more kilograms of beef at an equivalent grazing pressure and recovers fastest from drought. Considering cattle prices over the 7-year period ending in 2021, live export and slaughter production systems generate comparable financial returns to graziers' actual reported results. Under two different scenarios of future prices, option (iii) provides the most profitable outcome. Applying a stocking rate that is 66% of a recommended stocking rate allows use of residual rangeland feed (known as ‘haystack’) during drought, generates greater profit, and produces a more stable herd size and income. Not matching the haystack with the longest modelled drought reduces the grazier's average annual profit by $172,000. The optimum herd structure identified in this study targets the production of 500 kg heifers and 560 kgs steers for local slaughter, and relies on a conservative stocking rate that leaves enough haystack to increase resilience if ever consecutive droughts occur.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>In the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia, there are financial and environmental merits in a herd structure that produces heavy steers and heifers for local slaughter yet is underpinned by conservative stocking rates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24001434/pdfft?md5=4fa840234be2624b51ac6ea67e0d7696&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24001434-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140894803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103973
Judit Rubio-Delgado , Susanne Schnabel , J. Francisco Lavado-Contador , Ulrich Schmutz
CONTEXT
Small woody features (SWF), as field boundaries, hedgerows, or riparian buffers, are crucial for agricultural landscapes and, frequently, disregarded. In combination with agricultural land uses they are considered agroforestry systems (AFSWF), but their spatial distribution and detailed location of SWF types are insufficiently known in the EU as to support agricultural policies or enhance the development of farming practices for biodiversity conservation or productivity management.
OBJECTIVE
In addressing this, the LUCAS 2015 dataset was analysed across EU member states to identify, characterise, and determine the extent and distribution of AFSWF classes and the variety of SWF types in agricultural lands. Additionally, a comparison between AFSWF and common agroforestry systems (AFC), such as silvopastoral, silvoarable, grazed or intercropped permanent crops, and kitchen gardens was conducted.
METHODS
To achieve this, four categories of AFSWF were established based on the classes of land cover within agricultural areas where SWF are present: arable crops AFSWF, grazed grasslands AFSWF, ungrazed grasslands AFSWF, and permanent crops AFSWF. The typology and relevance of the AFSWF categories and the SWF types were analysed and mapped at country level and by biogeographical regions. The spatial distribution of AFSWF and the different types of SWF were analysed using density maps.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Results reveal that AFSWF cover 443,770 km2 (10% of the EU-28 and 25% of the utilised agricultural area). This area encompasses arable crops (44%), ungrazed grasslands (24%), grazed grasslands (23%), and permanent crops (8%). The extent of AFSWF is 3.3 times larger than AFC (132,317 km2), being mainly concentrated in Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, and Germany, while AFC prevail in the Mediterranean. As regards to SWF types, both managed and unmanaged hedgerows were dominant in France, Great Britain, and Ireland. Heaths and shrubs in Spain and Germany. Grove and woodlands margins in Spain, while avenue trees were dominant in Germany. Single trees and conifer hedges, the less prevalent SWF types, were broadly distributed.
SIGNIFICANCE
This pioneering research addresses a knowledge gap, thoroughly documenting AFSWF, revealing both its types and spatial distribution. The findings highlight substantial disparities in AFSWF prevalence among member states of the EU. The study compares AFSWF with AFC in relevance and distribution, significantly contributing to better understanding agroforestry systems and offering baselines for future monitoring and management. Findings advocate for policy incentives
{"title":"Small woody features in agricultural areas: Agroforestry systems of overlooked significance in Europe","authors":"Judit Rubio-Delgado , Susanne Schnabel , J. Francisco Lavado-Contador , Ulrich Schmutz","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103973","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103973","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>Small woody features (SWF), as field boundaries, hedgerows, or riparian buffers, are crucial for agricultural landscapes and, frequently, disregarded. In combination with agricultural land uses they are considered agroforestry systems (AF<sub>SWF</sub>), but their spatial distribution and detailed location of SWF types are insufficiently known in the EU as to support agricultural policies or enhance the development of farming practices for biodiversity conservation or productivity management.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>In addressing this, the LUCAS 2015 dataset was analysed across EU member states to identify, characterise, and determine the extent and distribution of AF<sub>SWF</sub> classes and the variety of SWF types in agricultural lands. Additionally, a comparison between AF<sub>SWF</sub> and common agroforestry systems (AF<sub>C</sub>), such as silvopastoral, silvoarable, grazed or intercropped permanent crops, and kitchen gardens was conducted.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>To achieve this, four categories of AF<sub>SWF</sub> were established based on the classes of land cover within agricultural areas where SWF are present: arable crops AF<sub>SWF</sub>, grazed grasslands AF<sub>SWF</sub>, ungrazed grasslands AF<sub>SWF</sub>, and permanent crops AF<sub>SWF</sub>. The typology and relevance of the AF<sub>SWF</sub> categories and the SWF types were analysed and mapped at country level and by biogeographical regions. The spatial distribution of AF<sub>SWF</sub> and the different types of SWF were analysed using density maps.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>Results reveal that AF<sub>SWF</sub> cover 443,770 km<sup>2</sup> (10% of the EU-28 and 25% of the utilised agricultural area). This area encompasses arable crops (44%), ungrazed grasslands (24%), grazed grasslands (23%), and permanent crops (8%). The extent of AF<sub>SWF</sub> is 3.3 times larger than AF<sub>C</sub> (132,317 km<sup>2</sup>), being mainly concentrated in Ireland, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, and Germany, while AF<sub>C</sub> prevail in the Mediterranean. As regards to SWF types, both managed and unmanaged hedgerows were dominant in France, Great Britain, and Ireland. Heaths and shrubs in Spain and Germany. Grove and woodlands margins in Spain, while avenue trees were dominant in Germany. Single trees and conifer hedges, the less prevalent SWF types, were broadly distributed.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>This pioneering research addresses a knowledge gap, thoroughly documenting AF<sub>SWF</sub>, revealing both its types and spatial distribution. The findings highlight substantial disparities in AF<sub>SWF</sub> prevalence among member states of the EU. The study compares AF<sub>SWF</sub> with AF<sub>C</sub> in relevance and distribution, significantly contributing to better understanding agroforestry systems and offering baselines for future monitoring and management. Findings advocate for policy incentives ","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X24001239/pdfft?md5=b55960d3e5fe354d3965be29ad4bf70c&pid=1-s2.0-S0308521X24001239-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140894789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-05-07DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103987
Santiago Fariña , Osiris Vigil Moreno , Francisco Candioti , Cristóbal Villanueva , William Sánchez Ledezma , Cristian J. Moscoso , Cecilia Cajarville , Verónica Charlón , Luis Urbina Abaunza , Antonio Guacapiña Viteri , Silvia Chirife , Domiciano Herrera , Sofía Stirling
CONTEXT
The Latin America-Caribbean (LAC) region has the potential to pursue a sustainable expansion of livestock production and capitalise on the growing global demand for dairy and beef products. However, it is necessary to understand the predominant production systems and their biophysical, economic, social, and environmental performances.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare the milk production systems of nine countries of the region according to their major biophysical, socio-economic, and environmental performance indicators.
METHODS
A panel of experts from different research organisations of each of the 9 countries defined the modal milk production system based on national reports and statistics. Each system was modelled by means of a whole-farm model, and 22 performance indicators were estimated as a result. The countries were classified in groups by cluster and principal component analyses and the sources of similarities and differences among them were described using the information provided by the 22 indicators evaluated.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
A pattern comprising three groups of countries was found. Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, and Ecuador formed a group with the largest room for improvement in terms of productivity (milk and beef) and profit, associated with low yields and low quality of home-grown forage consumption and poor herd efficiency. However, they attained a competitive cost of production in global terms. The group of Uruguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica achieved a higher production per hectare and larger scale of operations while also maintaining a competitive cost of production. Chile showed a unique suite of indicators, with even higher productivity and profit overall. Higher productivity and profit indicators were related to increased output and income per unit of workforce or family unit as well as to lower emissions of CH4 per unit of product. Emissions per hectare naturally increased with productivity although below the levels of more intensified overseas countries where environmental regulations are applied.
SIGNIFICANCE
The findings of this study determine pathways for regional or national technology transfer and innovation programs and public policies in LAC to boost milk production with a systems approach and consideration of economic, social and environmental impacts.
{"title":"Milk production systems in Latin America and the Caribbean: Biophysical, socio-economic, and environmental performance","authors":"Santiago Fariña , Osiris Vigil Moreno , Francisco Candioti , Cristóbal Villanueva , William Sánchez Ledezma , Cristian J. Moscoso , Cecilia Cajarville , Verónica Charlón , Luis Urbina Abaunza , Antonio Guacapiña Viteri , Silvia Chirife , Domiciano Herrera , Sofía Stirling","doi":"10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103987","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>CONTEXT</h3><p>The Latin America-Caribbean (LAC) region has the potential to pursue a sustainable expansion of livestock production and capitalise on the growing global demand for dairy and beef products. However, it is necessary to understand the predominant production systems and their biophysical, economic, social, and environmental performances.</p></div><div><h3>OBJECTIVE</h3><p>This study aimed to compare the milk production systems of nine countries of the region according to their major biophysical, socio-economic, and environmental performance indicators.</p></div><div><h3>METHODS</h3><p>A panel of experts from different research organisations of each of the 9 countries defined the modal milk production system based on national reports and statistics. Each system was modelled by means of a whole-farm model, and 22 performance indicators were estimated as a result. The countries were classified in groups by cluster and principal component analyses and the sources of similarities and differences among them were described using the information provided by the 22 indicators evaluated.</p></div><div><h3>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS</h3><p>A pattern comprising three groups of countries was found. Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, and Ecuador formed a group with the largest room for improvement in terms of productivity (milk and beef) and profit, associated with low yields and low quality of home-grown forage consumption and poor herd efficiency. However, they attained a competitive cost of production in global terms. The group of Uruguay, Argentina, and Costa Rica achieved a higher production per hectare and larger scale of operations while also maintaining a competitive cost of production. Chile showed a unique suite of indicators, with even higher productivity and profit overall. Higher productivity and profit indicators were related to increased output and income per unit of workforce or family unit as well as to lower emissions of CH<sub>4</sub> per unit of product. Emissions per hectare naturally increased with productivity although below the levels of more intensified overseas countries where environmental regulations are applied.</p></div><div><h3>SIGNIFICANCE</h3><p>The findings of this study determine pathways for regional or national technology transfer and innovation programs and public policies in LAC to boost milk production with a systems approach and consideration of economic, social and environmental impacts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7730,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Systems","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":6.6,"publicationDate":"2024-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140879746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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