Livestock and Vegetable Growing in the same space - do you want to help with this research?

Annalisa Hultberg, Extension Educator, food safety    

Do you raise livestock on your farm?  Do you grow vegetables in a high tunnel? Do you use the tunnel structure to house the livestock at any point during the year? If so, we would love to hear from you! 

UMN Extension is developing a new research study to help generate data to support safe integration of livestock and vegetable operations. The purpose of the research will be to gather data to support evidence-based recommendations around safe integration of livestock and vegetables. 

To participate, please fill out this anonymous survey. If you are interested in participating in the research, you can include your contact information and the research team will be in touch with more details. The data sampling would occur this fall and winter. You will be eligible for a $300 stipend as well as results of soil sampling analysis if your farm is interested and eligible for participation.

https://z.umn.edu/LivestockHighTunnels

Why are we conducting this research?

Many vegetable producers are interested in adding livestock to their farms. However, there is a gap in knowledge on how to balance the benefits to soil health and risks to food safety when integrating livestock into vegetable farms. The research will highlight vegetable producers across the state who safely incorporate livestock into their farms, and what practices work to support food safety and good animal husbandry and nutrition.  Field days and webinars will be developed to share the findings of the research.