Breedcow+ enables northern producers to model the effects of options to improve gross margins and improve land condition

Abstract

In Northern Australia, long-term beef business performance is maximised when animal performance is optimised and stocking rate (SR) is matched to available pasture over time (McLean and Holmes, 2015). Income per animal and per enterprise is highly correlated to greater kg beef per animal, driven by improved reproductive efficiency, turnoff weights and reduced mortality rate. These improvements depend on good nutrition, most cost-effectively provided by sustainably grazed land in good condition. Breedcow Plus (https://breedcowdynama.com.au/) is an online software package designed to plan, evaluate and improve the profitability and financial management of extensive beef cattle enterprises. Current herd productivity, structure and turnoff figures, management, production costs and returns can be entered. Reproductive efficiency, mortality rates and profitability can be modelled and confirmed by records if available. The likely profitability of possible management changes aimed at improving enterprise kg beef/AE (Adult Equivalent; 450 kg animal) productivity can be evaluated before strategies are implemented, providing reassurance to graziers.