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Title: DAFOSYM FOR WINDOWS: A TEACHING AID IN FORAGE SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

Author
item Rotz, Clarence - Al
item GUPTA, UMA - MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: American Forage and Grassland Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/13/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: DAFOSYM is a simulation model of the dairy forage system. The model was written as a research tool for evaluating and comparing alternative technologies for the dairy farm. A simulation over 25 years of weather provides a prediction of the long term performance and economics of a dairy farm system. By simulating more than one system for the same base farm and weather data, performance and economic results can be compared to determine the best system. A Windows version of the model is now available that provides a teaching aid for use in classrooms and Extension workshops. The model illustrates the complexity of the many interactions among components of the dairy farm. By working with the model, the user can learn how changes in forage production impact other components of the farm and the overall performance and economics of the farm. For the experienced user, the model may also provide information useful for strategic planning of dairy farms. DAFOSYM is published and distributed by the USDA's Agricultural Research Service. The model is available without charge through the World Wide Web from the home page of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center (http://www.dfrc.wisc.edu).