C-Graz^TM

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Description

Features

Note to User

Installation Requirements

Download Application

Download Template

Contact Information

Description:

C-Graz^TM is a decision support tool that assists the planner in developing an annual grazing management plan starting with the benchmark data.  The planner can then create scenarios for the producer showing the effects of various management changes. 

 C-Graz^TM allows the user to:

1. Add or Import Field Data (Import from AFOPro Spatial or CS Toolkit) and enter Pasture information.
2. Enter herd characteristics and dry matter needs.
3. Record the current pasture condition (cover, species, erosion, plant vigor etc), which will be useful to gauge changes over time.
4. Alter input values for forages or animal requirements.
5. Create different scenarios to develop “alternative” plans for each operation to show the effects of various management changes.

 The application has been designed to be flexible for users in different states and different regions within those states.  It uses standard calculations for forage production and forage requirements using default data approved by the state, but also gives the user the ability to change some of the default data to make the plan specific to an operation's requirements.

Features:

·       Scenarios:  Scenarios allow the user to develop “what if” situations for each operation to show the effects of various management changes.  The ability to add scenarios aids the user in developing a grazing plan that will be more beneficial to the producer and the environment. 

·       Pasture Condition Score:  The PCS tool is a qualitative measurement that evaluates current pasture productivity and the stability of its plant community, soil, water, and air quality.   

·       Balance Table and Graph:  The balance section is a visible tool that displays the monthly forage production vs. requirements within the operation.

·       Import/Export Operations:  Importing and exporting operations allows the user to store data in external folders and send files to other C-Graz^TM users.

·       Import Fields: Fields can be imported from AFOPro Spatial or CS Toolkit into the C-Graz^TM Field Summary.  This reduces the amount of data entry necessary.

Notes to User:

C-Graz^TM relies on state specific data for use as its reference data.  The states currently supported have been researched and populated with data from that state’s Extension Bulletins and Land Grant University's Publications.  The C-Graz^TM design strategy requires that the state’s Natural Resources Conservation Service designate and/or approve a “Gatekeeper” to verify the accuracy of the data and to be responsible for updating that state’s data.   

 Technical Specialist: Jim Green - Professor & Extension Specialist, North Carolina State University

Installation Requirements:

• Required: Microsoft Access 2000 or higher with C-Graz v.2.0.1
• Required: Microsoft Word 2000 or higher with C-Graz v.2.0.1

Download Application:

Download Grazing Plan Template:

 

State	Template (Self-Extracting (.dot))	Instructions (Pdf)
Alabama	AL Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	AL Template Instructions
Delaware	DE Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	DE Template Instructions
Georgia	GA Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	GA Template Instructions
Maryland	MD Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	MD Template Instructions
Mississippi	MS Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	MS Template Instructions
North Carolina	NC Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	NC Template Instructions
South Carolina	SC Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	SC Template Instructions
Virginia	VA Grazing Plan Template (Exe)	VA Template Instructions

Contacts:

For questions/comments contact Mark Evans at (803)-978-7591, or email mevans@esri.sc.edu.