Optimization of Profit for Pasture-Based Beef Cattle and Sheep Farming Using Linear Programming: Model Development and Evaluation

A linear programming optimization tool is useful to assist farmers with optimizing resource allocation and profitability. This study developed a profit model silage supplement scenario. Utilizable kilograms of pasture dry matter (kg DM) the total mass was derived using minimum maximum available for beef cattle sheep herbage utilization percentage. Daily metabolizable energy (MJ ME/head) requirements various activities were estimated then converted kg DM/head on bi-monthly basis. Linear employed identify optimum carrying capacity sheep, most profitable slaughtering ages cattle, number prime lambs (sold meat processing plants), sold store other finishing). Gross farm revenue (GFR) earnings before tax (EBT) per hectare stock unit, as well expenditure (TFE), calculated compared average value Taranaki-Manawatu North Island intensive finishing Class 5 farming Beef Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) data. The modeled ran 46% more units (a unit consumed 550 DM/year) than farms. At this stocking rate, 83% feed supplied each species consumed, 95% 98% demands, respectively. More 70% finished second winter. enabled optimized system return 53% 188% higher GFR/ha EBT/ha, respectively, values farm. paper did not address risk, such growth price fluctuations. To understand this, several additional scenarios could be examined model. Further studies include alternative herbages crops supply during summer winter are required expand applicability different systems.