Polyface Farm in the U

question 60

Essay

Polyface Farm in the U.S. state of Virginia raises beef, chickens and pigs. A particular practice on Polyface Farm is to bring chickens into a pasture after the cows have eaten the grass. The chickens eat the insect grubs that are found in the cow manure. While the chickens fatten up on the insect grubs, they also produce waste, which in turn fertilizes the grass the cows will later eat. Explain this process in terms of sustainable agriculture and the basic principles of sustainability.

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Definitions:

Research

The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

R&D Expenditures

Costs associated with the research and development activities of a company to innovate or improve products or services.

Expected-Rate-Of-Return

The anticipated return on an investment, expressed as a percentage of the total amount invested.

R&D Expenditure

The amount of money spent on research and development activities to create new products, processes or improve existing ones.