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An innovation path in Argentinean cow–calf operations: Insights from participatory farm system modelling
Author(s) -
Fernández Rosso Catalina,
Bilotto Franco,
Lauric Andrea,
De Leo Gerónimo A.,
Torres Carbonell Carlos,
Arroqui Mauricio A.,
Sørensen Claus G.,
Machado Claudio F.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.2679
Subject(s) - greenhouse gas , path analysis (statistics) , forage , agriculture , citizen journalism , geography , agricultural science , environmental resource management , agricultural economics , business , environmental science , economics , ecology , biology , mathematics , computer science , statistics , world wide web , archaeology
The information of how the high climatic variability in the south‐west Buenos Aires Province (SWBS) region, Argentina, impacts on existing cow–calf operations is needed. This research uses a combination of quantitative (modelling) and qualitative (workshops) methodologies. The objective was to assess, under interannual climate variability, the productive and economic performance and greenhouse gas emissions and the marginal value of additional feed of four cow–calf systems arranged as a potential farm innovation path in the SWBS, Argentina. Modelling results showed that along this technological path where forage crops are decreased, perennial pastures are increased and anticipated weaning is included, productive and economic outcomes increased and the emission intensity decreased. How extra feeds may be used to cope with seasonal and interannual feeding was also identified. Moreover, barriers to adopt the suggested farm innovation path were identified by farmers, consultants and extensionists and strategies and their implication discussed.