Feed supply can make or break a grazing enterprise. Too little, and livestock can lose condition, impacting productivity and profitability. Too much, and you tie up capital and nutrients in ungrazed pasture, reducing pasture quality and returns.
The solution? Knowing exactly how much feed is available and planning ahead. That’s where forage budgeting comes in. It’s a practical tool that gives more control over livestock management and operational efficiency.
What is Forage Budgeting?
Forage budgeting is a simple but powerful process that estimates available feed resources and compares them to livestock demand over a set period of time.
The process involves three key steps:
- Estimate available feed within a defined area.
- Calculate livestock demand based on the known intake of each class of animal.
- Set the time frame over which the feed needs to support the stock.
The resulting forage budget shows whether your property is adequately stocked, and if not, how large a deficit or surplus you might expect. With this knowledge, graziers can make proactive, informed decisions to manage both livestock and pasture condition.
Why Prepare a Forage Budget?
A forage budget gives graziers greater control over their operation and supports better management decisions. Here’s how it helps:
- Optimises pasture utilisation – Forage budgets can help graziers avoid under- or over- grazing of their paddocks. Striking the right balance maximises forage use while improving ground cover and soil health.
- Prevents pasture deficits – Feed shortages can force reliance on costly supplements or early livestock sales. Forage budgeting enables early action, such as adjusting stocking rates or rotation timing, to reduce risk through dry periods.
- Guides efficient stocking rates – Matching livestock numbers to available pasture is essential for both profitability and sustainability. A forage budget provides confidence to stock at levels that optimise returns while protecting long-term pasture health.
- Supports healthy pastures – Consistent use of forage budgeting supports better groundcover, stronger pastures, and ultimately healthier, more productive animals.
We’re here to help
Preparing a forage budget is straightforward – but implementing it effectively takes experience and follow-up. The Reef Catchments team can assist graziers in developing, refining and applying forage budgets to suit local conditions.
To further support this process, Sam Skeat, owner and director of North Queensland-Based company Regen Ag Asset Management has been providing tailored forage management advice to graziers in the region and can help with your asset management questions.
Ready to build resilience in your grazing enterprise?
Get in touch with the team via the email address below to learn how forage budgeting can help you manage risk, improve pasture performance and strengthen the operations of your grazing enterprise.
Contact – team.waterways@reefcatchments.com
The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Landscape Repair Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.
