A new computer program is now available to producers thinking of diversifying into forages and livestock.
The Land Use Planner allows the user to compare the economics of current crop rotation patterns with a proposed change to forage rotations and livestock production.
“The low returns from crop commodities have increased the attractiveness of adding value to grain enterprises through livestock production,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture agrologist Don Surminsky.
“So the program’s goal was to reduce risks associated with this form of diversification, thereby increasing producer confidence in adopting the new enterprises on their farm.”
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Surminsky said the program’s proposed land-use changes take into consideration capital requirements, land characteristics and potential net income.
The program, created with the support of the federal and Saskatchewan governments, allows producers to project rotations for up to eight years for some or all of their land, which is particularly useful if the change is to forages, which need a long planning horizon.
Surminsky said the program is useful for grain producers as well as for those contemplating increased forage and livestock production.
Initial results can be obtained quickly because the program, which is loosely based on a spreadsheet application, uses default grain and forage budgets.
If certain changes appear promising, the budgets and projections can be modified by the user to more accurately reflect the producer’s exact cost and return structure.
The Land Use Planner is available for free from Saskatchewan Agriculture rural service centres.
