An exploratory tool for analysis of forage and livestock production options
G. D. Millar A B , R. E. Jones A , D. L. Michalk A and S. Brady AA NSW Department of Primary Industries, Orange Agricultural Institute, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: geoffrey.millar@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Animal Production Science 49(10) 788-796 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN09024
Submitted: 15 February 2009 Accepted: 8 May 2009 Published: 16 September 2009
Abstract
The Grain & Graze Whole-Farm Model was developed as a simple modelling tool to identify better strategies to improve the income of farmers and overcome grassland degradation. Using information on farm structure, crop and forage production systems, livestock production systems and variable costs involved in all enterprises, maximum whole-farm gross margins are obtained for an optimum or a prescribed mix of enterprises. The incorporation of production systems for different rainfall scenarios enables climatic risks and water use efficiencies of different enterprises to be investigated. Model simulations demonstrated the potential improvements that could be achieved in dollar water use efficiency ($WUE), by changes in management and/or changes in enterprise. The design of the model makes it a valuable tool for evaluating new systems, as it easy to develop new crop, pasture and livestock systems. Innovative farming systems such as pasture cropping and alley farming are included in the model.
Additional keywords: alley farming, climatic risk, pasture cropping, water use efficiency, whole-farm modelling.
Acknowledgements
This work was funded by the Central-West/Lachlan Grain & Graze program. Grain & Graze (http://www.grainandgraze.com.au) is a collaborative partnership between the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat and Livestock Australia, Australian Wool Innovation Limited and Land and Water Australia. Regional partners in this project include STIPA Native Grasses Association, Central-West Conservation Farmers, and Central-West Farming Systems.
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