AN25057Economic analysis of benefits from grazing unharvested standing lupin crops in a mixed farm enterprise in south-west Western Australia
In the south-west of Western Australia, weaned lambs typically graze dry pastures and crop stubbles from late spring to autumn, which limits growth rates without supplementation and can contribute to ill-thrift and mortality. This study tested whether incorporating grazing of standing lupin crops improves whole-farm profitability. Grazing lupins on 7% of the farm area increased profitability by almost A$30,000 (A$200/ha), primarily by increasing stocking rate. Across a range of crop yields and prices, grazing was always more profitable than harvesting.
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