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Detailed description of grazing systems using nonlinear optimisation methods: A model of a pasture-based New Zealand dairy farm

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  • Doole, Graeme J.
  • Romera, Alvaro J.

Abstract

Grazing systems constitute the most extensive land use worldwide. However, economic analysis of these systems has mainly involved the use of linear optimisation methods that provide a general description of the complex processes contained therein. This paper describes a nonlinear optimisation model of a New Zealand dairy farm that incorporates a detailed depiction of key biophysical processes present within grazing systems. The capacity of this optimisation model to provide rich insight into the effects of higher stocking rates within grazing systems is demonstrated in an empirical application. In accordance with system trials, this application shows that higher stocking rates on pasture-based New Zealand dairy farms generally increase pre-grazing pasture biomass, decrease post-grazing pasture biomass, increase pasture utilisation, decrease herbage allowance, decrease intake and energy consumption per cow, decrease milk production per cow, increase milk production per ha, and reduce conception rate. Nevertheless, an intermediate stocking rate is optimal, as greater milk production with a higher stocking rate is not sufficient to offset the associated costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Doole, Graeme J. & Romera, Alvaro J., 2013. "Detailed description of grazing systems using nonlinear optimisation methods: A model of a pasture-based New Zealand dairy farm," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 33-41.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:122:y:2013:i:c:p:33-41
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2013.08.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Graeme J. Doole & David J. Pannell, 2013. "A process for the development and application of simulation models in applied economics," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 57(1), pages 79-103, January.
    2. Gibson, Lauren & Kingwell, Ross & Doole, Graeme, 2008. "The role and value of eastern star clover in managing herbicide-resistant crop weeds: A whole-farm analysis," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 98(3), pages 199-207, October.
    3. Olney, G. R. & Kirk, G. J., 1989. "A management model that helps increase profit on Western Australian Dairy Farms," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 367-380.
    4. Graeme J. Doole & Alvaro J. Romera & Alfredo A. Adler, 2012. "A Mathematical Optimisation Model of a New Zealand Dairy Farm: The Integrated Dairy Enterprise (IDEA) Framework," Working Papers in Economics 12/01, University of Waikato.
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    Cited by:

    1. Notte, Gastón & Cancela, Héctor & Pedemonte, Martín & Chilibroste, Pablo & Rossing, Walter & Groot, Jeroen C.J., 2020. "A multi-objective optimization model for dairy feeding management," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    2. Notte, Gastón & Pedemonte, Martín & Cancela, Héctor & Chilibroste, Pablo, 2016. "Resource allocation in pastoral dairy production systems: Evaluating exact and genetic algorithms approaches," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 114-123.
    3. Romera, Alvaro J. & Doole, Graeme J. & Beukes, Pierre C. & Mason, Norman & Mudge, Paul L., 2017. "The role and value of diverse sward mixtures in dairy farm systems of New Zealand: An exploratory assessment," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 18-26.
    4. Allison, John & Burdine, Kenneth H. & Dillon, Carl & Smith, S. Ray & Butler, David M. & Bates, Gary E. & Pighetti, Gina M., 2021. "Optimal forage and supplement balance for organic dairy farms in the Southeastern United States," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    5. Doole, Graeme J. & Romera, Alvaro J., 2014. "Implications of a nitrogen leaching efficiency metric for pasture-based dairy farms," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 142(C), pages 10-18.
    6. Doole, Graeme J. & Romera, Alvaro J., 2015. "Trade-offs between profit, production, and environmental footprint on pasture-based dairy farms in the Waikato region of New Zealand," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 14-23.
    7. Dowson, Oscar & Philpott, Andy & Mason, Andrew & Downward, Anthony, 2019. "A multi-stage stochastic optimization model of a pastoral dairy farm," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 274(3), pages 1077-1089.
    8. John Rendel & Alec Mackay & Paul Smale & Andrew Manderson & David Scobie, 2020. "Optimisation of the Resource of Land-Based Livestock Systems to Advance Sustainable Agriculture: A Farm-Level Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-23, August.
    9. Addisu H. Addis & Hugh T. Blair & Paul R. Kenyon & Stephen T. Morris & Nicola M. Schreurs, 2021. "Optimization of Profit for Pasture-Based Beef Cattle and Sheep Farming Using Linear Programming: Model Development and Evaluation," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-16, June.
    10. O’Donoghue, Cathal & McKinstry, Alistair & Green, Stuart & Fealy, Reamonn & Heanue, Kevin & Ryan, Mary & Connolly, Kevin & Desplat, J.C. & Horan, Brendan, 2016. "A Blueprint for a Big Data Analytical Solution to Low Farmer Engagement with Financial Management," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 19(A), pages 1-24, June.

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