Homegrown feed

Increasing homegrown feed that is grown and eaten on-farm is one of the most effective ways to improve profitability, strengthen farm resilience, and lower emissions intensity.

Pasture, crops and grazing management

Start by identifying what is limiting your farm’s pasture and crop harvested performance, then use the tools and resources on this page to help guide your next steps.

Supplements and nitrogen can support better pasture utilisation and production when used well. Operating profit per hectare is more sensitive to milksolids response than to supplement price. The key is using supplements and nitrogen well to achieve the best return from every kilogram of feed.

Pasture establishment and renewal

A paddock that is not performing well can reduce the amount of feed available across the whole farm. Understanding why yield is declining helps you decide whether renewal, improved grazing management, soil fertility changes or other actions are needed to lift performance.

Pasture and crop growth

Pasture and crops need to work together to provide quality feed when your herd needs it, at the lowest practical cost. Understand seasonal growth patterns in your region, use tools to monitor performance, and manage challenges such as weeds, pests and climate variability.

An icon of a cow standing in front of grass ready to eat

Grazing and pasture utilisation

Growing more pasture and crop is only part of the picture, the real value comes from using it well. Focus on the day-to-day grazing decisions, targets and observations that help maximise homegrown feed eaten per hectare each year.

Supplementary feed and crops

Supplementary feed and crops can support pasture utilisation and milksolids production when they are used well. Decide when extra feed adds value, how to avoid pasture substitution, and what tools can support profitable, lower-emissions decisions.

Useful resources to support your homegrown feed decisions.

Environmental management

Soil, nutrients, nitrogen and water all play a role in homegrown feed performance. The tools and resources below can help you make informed decisions that support both productivity and environmental outcomes.

Soil health and nutrient management

Healthy soils support strong pasture and crop growth by influencing nutrient and moisture availability. Understand how soil type, fertility and nutrient management affect homegrown feed potential, and how good management can help improve growth and utilisation.

Nitrogen use and efficiency

Nitrogen can be a useful tool for growing high-quality, low-cost feed when it is used at the right time and rate. Improve nitrogen use efficiency, make informed application decisions and support strong homegrown feed performance within current limits.

Irrigation management

Irrigation can lift homegrown feed potential by reducing the impact of moisture deficits, but it needs to be managed carefully. Make good decisions about when to start, stop and apply water to support pasture growth, protect nutrients and manage costs.

Environmental considerations

A stronger focus on homegrown feed can support better environmental outcomes by improving feed use and helping reduce the farm’s footprint. Maximising pasture and crop eaten can contribute to more efficient, resilient and sustainable dairy farm systems.

Useful resources to support your environmental management decisions.