Description and validation of the Teagasc Lamb Production Model

Abstract

A stochastic budgetary simulation model of a sheep farm was developed to investigate the effects of changes in lamb production systems on farm profitability. Model inputs included: land, labour, capital, animal numbers, as well as, input and output prices. Model outputs were simulated on a monthly basis and included: flock sales and purchases, net energy demand, grass supply and demand, lamb growth and slaughtering pattern, as well as, land and labour utilization. Grass growth, ewe and lamb mortality, fertiliser and concentrate price along with lamb and mutton price were all included in the model as stochastic variables. Farm earnings before interest and tax and net profit, both including an..