Federal Grant Award Summary

The Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas received a $737,726 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program (CFDA 10.310) effective March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2030. The research project investigates methods to reintegrate livestock into row crop production systems in the Midsouth U.S. to improve soil health, enhance system resilience, and increase producer profitability. The study will examine how livestock integration affects soil health indices and carbon sequestration, assess joint effects of livestock combined with cover crops and conservation tillage on cash crop yield, evaluate whole farm profitability accounting for grazing benefits and added costs, and identify soil health indicators most sensitive to livestock addition.

The project deliverables include research findings demonstrating the positive effects of livestock grazing on production system resiliency through improved soil health and producer income, identification of successful methods to reintroduce livestock into production systems, and recommendations for sustainable long-term food security. The research addresses three AFRI program priority areas and is expected to provide evidence-based guidance on integrating livestock management practices to enhance agricultural system sustainability and economic viability for producers in the region.