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Grazing failed crops

Update prepared by Allan Herbert

On balance, it is suggested you work towards harvesting - and consider grazing as a last resort. If it is weed control you are chasing as a tactical move for next year's program, perhaps mechanical topping, green/brown manure or chemicals are a more reliable strategy - with less wind erosion risk. Making hay from poor crops may also be more profitable in years with high demand and low supply.

Reasons for harvesting:

• The yield of grain crops to break even on the cost of harvesting is quite low. Harvesting yourself might normally cost around $30/ha and for a contractor around $40/ha - although contract rates can be very competitive in adverse seasons as some farmers look to supplement incomes. With an APW wheat price of around $220/tonne ($165/t net on-farm) this year, you only need yields of around 250 kg/ha to cover your costs of harvesting.
• Do your calculations on the cost of harvesting vs your on-farm grain price. Establishment and growing costs are "sunk" costs - they are in the past and you can no longer do anything about them.
• Cash will be important in financing next year's program. The more cash you can bring into your accounts the less you will have to borrow next year. Even small amounts of cash from grain income after you have covered your harvest costs will assist. Grazing low yielding crops means that opportunity is lost and may only partially be made up by sheep/wool sales.
• A failed crop is not going to supply a lot of feed as a dry standing crop (unless it is very weedy). Selling sheep, even if they are not in great condition, will contribute to a better cash flow position. Reasons for grazing or not harvesting:
• Harvesting a very low yielding crop could be more expensive than normal. Consider possible damage/repair costs in picking up sand, rocks and stumps. Machine settings may need to be adjusted for low trash levels. There will most likely be high sievings which might require grading to obtain a deliverable sample. If harvesting costs are double normal plus you lose 50% of the yield by grading, you will still only need less than 1 tonne/ha (around 900 kg/ha) paddock yield to be in front.
• Wind erosion should be factored in to the equation. Sheep not only remove plant cover but also loosen the soil surface with their hooves as they move around the paddock. It would be a shame to reduce the paddock potential for next year's recovery crop.
• The crop is overrun with weeds and will not be a harvesting proposition.
• High value livestock need a temporary refuge.
• Value adding to livestock will be greater than harvest returns.

More information on dry season assistance is available by contacting your local Department of Agriculture and Food office, phoning the Seasonal Solutions Hotline on 1800 198 231

Page updated: 16 August 2006