Energy and Forage Crops
Research activities are split about equally between forage/livestock work (especially grazing research) and energy and fiber crops and their associated industries. Forage/livestock research is aimed primarily at developing stocker systems which make use of annual ryegrass and tall fescue. This work includes economic analysis. Some investigations are also being conducted with goats on mimosa and ryegrass. Research on energy crops has focused mainly on switchgrass, but is being expanded to a wider range of both annual and perennial species with a focus on co-firing them with coal to produce electricity. Some research is also being conducted with giant reed (Arundo donax) and mimosa for production of energy as well as pulp and paper.
