Develop “rules” for discussion, including “netiquette” (https://www.education.com/reference/article/netiquette-rules-behavior-internet/) and science-based support for opinions expressed.
Nutrient management:
- Restrictions on the use of “commercial” fertilizer can cause yield reductions in forage crops. What are alternative management practices that are economically and enviornmentally sustainable?
Weed management:
- Restrictions on the use of pre-plant and post-emergence herbicides can result in reduced yield and quality and persistance of organic forage systems. What are alternative management practices that are economically and enviornmentally sustainable?
Insect management:
- Restrictions on the use of insecticides can result in reduced yield and quality and persistance of organic forage systems. What are alternative management practices that are economically and enviornmentally sustainable?
Disease management:
- Breeding for disease resistant plants with traditional plant breeding techniques provides one approach for reducing disease pressure in organic production systems. What are others?
Molecular breeding techniques:
- What science-based evidence supports the concern that GMO crops are harmful to humans, livestock, or communities?
- What benefits do molecular breeding techniques provide? What is lost to society by governmental regulations that prevent their use in food systems.
- Specifically, in forage-livestock systems, what benefits are sacrificed by choosing to not use GMO forages species/cultivars?