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DairyWise, a whole-farm dairy model
R L M Schils1, M H A de Haan, J G A Hemmer
1Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands.
Journal of Dairy Science
|October 24, 2007
Summary
The DairyWise model simulates dairy farm operations, assessing environmental and financial impacts. This tool accurately predicts key farm metrics, aiding in sustainable dairy management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Farm Management
Background:
- Dairy farming involves complex technical, environmental, and financial processes.
- Integrated models are needed to assess the multifaceted impacts of dairy operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate DairyWise, an empirical whole-farm dairy model.
- To simulate technical, environmental, and financial processes on dairy farms for scenario analysis.
Main Methods:
- Developed the DairyWise model, integrating DairyHerd, FeedSupply, and crop models.
- Incorporated submodels for nutrient cycling (N, P), emissions (NH3, GHG), energy use, and financial budgeting.
- Evaluated the model using 29 dairy farms across two datasets.
Main Results:
- DairyWise accurately simulated gross margin, concentrate intake, nitrogen surplus, nitrate concentration in groundwater, and crop yields.
- Model performance showed variance accounted for ranging from 37% to 84%.
- Mean differences between modeled and observed values were within -5% to +3%.
Conclusions:
- DairyWise is a validated tool for integrated scenario development and evaluation in dairy farming.
- The model supports scientists, policymakers, extension workers, teachers, and farmers in decision-making.
- Provides comprehensive farm plans detailing material/nutrient flows and their environmental/economic consequences.
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