A decision support approach for the beef cattle industry of tropical Australia

Decision support is an approach to modelling used to evaluate alternatives and to arrive at decisions. This approach recognises that the owner of the problem is responsible for decisions, and that modelling is used to assist with computation.\ud \ud Using a set of hypothetical data we illustrate how the approach has been used to analyse future options in the development of specific beef properties in northern Australia. The options which we have considered are (a) increased branding resulting from supplementary feeding of cows and early weaning, and (b) pasture improvement using tropical legumes for grazing by steers.\ud \ud The results obtained are specific to the input data and parameters, and are discussed. The approach has been very useful to property owners who wish to embark on a programme of development and who have a range of options to consider. The approach could also be used by research workers to evaluate the impact of new technology on the whole farm system; it can also provide a medium for communication between research workers and grazing families