Beyond the Bale - Issue 25 - StockPlan
A computer program and workshop is helping woolgrowers across Australia manage the production, social and environmental impacts of drought.
StockPlan® is a decision-support tool that allows woolgrowers to explore drought-management options, by helping answer questions on the costs of feeding stock, the affect of drought on the flock and farm finances this year and in the future, and the best ways to plan a recovery post-drought.
The information helps:
- improve drought-management skills;
- lower the risk of degrading pastures;
- lower the risk of financial losses;
- encourage forward planning; and
- investigate the production and financial implications on the farm business.
More than 700 people in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have taken part in StockPlan® workshops since 2000.
By entering data on flock composition, feed types, climatic conditions and prices, growers can get a range of management options and pick the best one for their enterprise.
Developed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) five years ago, StockPlan® has been expanded and now includes three decision tools rolled into one package. Drought Pack assesses the cost of feeding and determines the break-even price for animal classes. The FSA Pack is designed to help producers decide whether to feed, sell or agist stock. The Im Pack is a decision tool that gives producers the opportunity to assess the structure of their flock over a 10-year period, allowing them to explore a range of options.
Ian Rogan, AWI's general manager wool production, says the philosophy behind StockPlan® is to encourage drought-preparedness.
"To avoid financial and environmental losses it's important producers have the right tools available," Mr Rogan says. "There are trained StockPlan® facilitators in most states who can work with producers to identify the best drought-management plan."
StockPlan® lets producers examine a range of options and management strategies without taking financial risks.
More information: www.wool.com.au/drought; Mary Goodacre, AWI project manager sustainable production systems, 0409 816 630