Developing decision-support systems for pasture and rangeland management

Publication date: 27/04/2020
Extent: 32 pages

Contributions by: Callum Eastwood and Brian Dela Rue, DairyNZ, New Zealand

Chapter synopsis: Although there have been several decades of development of decision support systems (DSSs) for pasture and rangeland systems, there is limited uptake of such tools in these farming systems. Historically, there has been confusion between use of DSS tools for either farmers, or for learning and research purposes, which has impacted their applicability for farmers. It is highly important to focus on, and involve, the end user early in the development process. Existing DSS development has focussed on relatively static models, that require manual or semi-automated inputs, often needing more time investment from farmers. Opportunities for improvement will be focussed on the automation of real time data streams into farm system DSSs, linkages to smart middleware and using advanced analytics. Greater consideration is required regarding social implications of more widespread DSS use, including the implications of technologies such as DSSs on animals, farmers, employees, and farm advisory services.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2020.0069.23