Evaluating the Economic Impact of UF/IFAS Fertilization Recommendations for Florida Forage Systems
Extension Education
Emily Beach
Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent
University of Florida
Mayo
Abstract
Volatile fertilizer markets and elevated input costs across the United States have increased financial risk for livestock producers. While land-grant university fertilization recommendations are science-based and agronomically sound, producers often lack tools to translate recommended nutrient rates into operation-specific economic implications. This challenge was particularly evident during the 2025 production season, when fertilizer prices remained historically elevated. The objective of this project was to develop a practical, economically focused fact sheet and educational display that translates UF/IFAS fertilization recommendations into real-world cost scenarios for bahiagrass pastures and bermudagrass hay fields, supporting informed forage management decisions. Using 2025 fertilizer price data and UF/IFAS standardized fertility recommendations, a side-by-side cost analysis was developed. Nitrogen and potassium rates were calculated according to recommended guidelines, and total program costs included fertilizer materials and custom application expenses. A 40-acre production scenario was used to illustrate financial impact at a scale representative of many Florida beef operations. Multiple nitrogen management options for bahiagrass were included to reflect varying levels of production intensity. The fact sheet and display were designed for use in Extension programming and winter production planning discussions. Materials were presented to 151 participants at the North Florida Livestock Agents Group Field Day, 43 participants at the Hamilton County Beef and Forage Production Meeting, and 54 participants during the North Florida Cool Season Forage Tour, reaching a total of 248 producers. Participants reported increased confidence in evaluating fertilizer purchasing decisions and a greater understanding of the economic tradeoffs associated with different nitrogen management strategies. The fact sheet also provides Extension agents and agricultural professionals with a practical tool for facilitating cost-based fertility discussions. Integrating economic analysis with science-based fertility recommendations strengthens producer decision-making under volatile market conditions. This adaptable framework can be replicated in other states using localized price data and university recommendations to enhance forage management programming nationwide.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: Emily Beach, Keith Wynn
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Beach, E. Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida, 32066
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Wynn, K. Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida, 32025