Key points

• Feed budgets can be used to help improve animal performance and profitability.
• They enable farmers to plan for impending feed shortages and surpluses.
• Key parts of the budget are calculations of feed available and animal requirements.
• Feed budgets can be done on a whole farm and/or a paddock-by-paddock basis.
• An expert should be consulted for training when starting out.
• A computer makes the job a lot easier and quicker.