NSW beef producers are now able to quickly calculate the potential returns from making silage or hay using new decision aids launched by Industry & Investment NSW.

The computer-based calculators were developed by I&I NSW economist Lloyd Davies and Tocal agronomist Neil Griffiths as a result of feedback from producers attending Topfodder Silage short courses over the past four years.

"The calculators let farmers enter the quantity and quality of silage or hay they are making, combined with beef prices and silage costs to get a quick estimate of returns," said Neil Griffiths.

"Farmers can then change any of these factors to see how it will affect their bottom line."

Mr Griffiths said the calculator which usually gets the most interest at Topfodder courses is one which compares the returns possible from feeding high quality silage, harvested early in the season, compared to a larger yield of lower quality late in the season.

"Farmers must put in their own numbers but usually by the time you allow for stock growth rates, wastage and losses, and costs, the high quality silage comes out in front," Mr Griffiths said.

"An earlier harvest also results in the land being back in production earlier."

The calculators can be found on the NSW DPI web sites silage and hay page: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/field/pastures/silage

The website page also has a range of information of interest to silage and hay producers, including details on upcoming Topfodder Silage courses.

The informative 400-page book "Successful Silage" can be downloaded from the website free-of-charge, or purchased as a book plus DVD from the I&I NSW bookstore on 6391 3100.

Media contact: Phil Bevan, I&I NSW 6626 1350 or 0429 458 053