WATCH: How to optimise feed with Agrista's John Francis

In good times and bad feed management is the key to optimising production and ensuring financial sustainability. A feed management plan can also help overcome decision paralysis in times of drought.

In this video, John explains the importance of a production plan and how to use it as a decision making tool. Key points include

1. Starting with Pasture Analysis [01:00]
   - Begin by analysing the pasture as your opening balance in a feed budget.
   - Factors affecting pasture growth include rainfall, soil fertility, and environmental conditions.

2. Feed Budgeting [01:00 - 06:00]
   - Use a feed budget, similar to a financial budget, to calculate feed availability.
   - Calculate feed consumption based on dry sheep equivalents (DSEs) and intake per day.
   - Consider feed quality, losses to trampling, defecation, and urination.
   - Calculate the closing feed balance.

3. Strategic Approach to stocking and feed availability [06:00]
   - Determine the stocking rate based on feed availability and desired utilisation rate.
   - Calculate production based on the production system.

4. Tactical Management in Unplanned Situations [07:00]
   - Adjust the feed budget when faced with unexpected feed shortages.
   - Calculate energy requirements and costs for supplementary feeding.

5. Tips for Beginners [00:11:00]
   - Start by understanding basic feed intake requirements.
   - Utilise available tools and resources for decision-making.

6. Psychological Impact and Planning [12:00]
   - Planning and preparation can alleviate stress and uncertainty during dry periods.
   - Having a plan in place provides a sense of control and enables informed decision-making.

7. Capturing Profits in Good Years [14:00]
   - Maintain consistent feed utilisation in both good and bad years to capture profits.
   - Profits generated in good years provide financial resilience for challenging times.

8. Feed Budget as a Planning Tool 
   - Emphasise the importance of using feed budgeting not just during drought but also as a tactical planning tool in good years to maximise profitability.