A new smart phone app will enable farmers to develop drought feed strategy for livestock and make timely decisions all while standing in the paddock.
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The Drought Feed Calculator app, developed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), allows farmers to boost production by accurately matching feed levels with energy requirements for sheep and cattle.
It calculates the least-cost ration by comparing feeds using estimated nutritive values listed in the calculator or by entering values from individual feed test results.
Launched by Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson, the app helps farmers to make well informed decisions.
"The app can be used for short periods of feeding during extended dry seasons which are common in parts of the state during summer and autumn," Ms Hodgkinson said.
"The Drought Feed Calculator is another tool to help farmers prepare for when the next inevitable drought strikes."
Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said phone applications were popping up all over the agricultural industry.
"Unfortunately drought comes around more often than wanted. I think it will be a useful tool for farmers to quickly work out food rations and value for money."
Riverina farmer, David Kingston was involved in the apps development and has seen its beneficial.
"Using the app I calculated a saving of $3390 by purchasing oats at $230 per tonne compared to pasture hay at $180 per tonne, even though the hay was $50 per tonne cheaper."
"I only had to feed 610 grams of oats compared to 970 grams feeding the hay. This added up when feeding 1000 animals for more than three months," Mr Kingston said.