Automatic cluster removers (ACRs) are a popular device used for reducing labour requirements and improving conditions for workers and cows in the milking shed. An economic analysis was conducted on a range of milking sheds and herd sizes to determine whether the costs associated with the...

There is a wide variety of approaches to whole farm models (WFMs) including purely biophysical models as well as models that combine biological and financial elements. Our study was motivated by the notion that researchers may benefit from guidelines on the choices they must make about modelling...

New perennial pasture grazing systems have been developed for livestock production in the high rainfall zone of southern Australia. These systems provide producers in south west Victoria with the opportunity to increase stocking rate per hectare compared to current practice. A partial discounted...

High temperatures, rain and high winds (at great intensity at times) have led to scientists and producers exploring options that enable greater control over the effects of weather on primary industries. In this study the suitability of an Italian pergola trellising system (the pergola) for table...

In this study, the possible impact of different prices of carbon on farm profitability in two dairy farm businesses with different feeding systems was analysed. The feeding systems evaluated were a ryegrass pasture-based system (RM) and a complementary forage-based system (CF). The carbon charge...

We estimate total factor productivity in wool production spatially across benchmarked farms in four climatic areas in Eastern Australia. Estimates are decomposed into an environment-technology gap and technical efficiency relative to the production possibilities in each area. The...

This paper describes the development and application of a dynamic financial appraisal software model, known as the Financial Planner for Macadamia. This whole farm financial model for macadamia farming integrates both the investment and financing decisions of project appraisal into a single...

Limited availability of irrigation water has placed pressure on farmers and water authorities to improve the efficiency of their operations. ‗Modernisation‘ of irrigation infrastructure systems is occurring throughout Australia in order to improve system delivery efficiency and...

Irrigation re-use systems are a common way of improving water use efficiency on irrigated dairy farms in the Macalister Irrigation District. A partial budget analysis of installing a range of irrigation re-use systems on an existing dairy farm was conducted using a case study approach. Two...