Livestock Research Program

Dairy

The dairy operation consists of 160 dairy cattle and 160 head of replacement stock that are housed on 330 acres of pasture. The research at the dairy unit focuses on the benefits of pasture based dairy production by examining economics, cow health and welfare, milk quality and environmental data. Information collected from the herd dates back to 1947 and provides an invaluable comparison to the current herd’s management practices. The relationship with the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine provides hands-on training for veterinary students. The dairy unit provides the necessary resources to conduct important research in the areas of mastitis, Johne’s and other economically important cattle diseases. The dairy unit demonstrates practices that may help local and regional dairy producers capture niche markets, potentially improving the profitability and sustainability of their family farms.

Beef

The beef operation encompasses approximately 196 acres of marginal value crop production land. The winter calving, 100 cow herd, is composed of medium-frame, commercial-crossbred cows. The goal of the beef program is to operate a coastal plain cow/calf production system that will maximize profitability while minimizing expenses and environmental impacts. The primary objective is to demonstrate to beef producers and other clientele that beef cattle can be produced efficiently in eastern N.C. using intensively managed production systems. Guidance and priorities for applied research projects to evaluate the system are provided through an advisory committee comprised of faculty, producers and industry personnel.

NCDA&CS Research Stations Division, Teresa Lambert, Director

Mailing Address: 1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1001

Physical Address:2 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

Phone: (919) 707-3236  FAX: (919) 733-1754