FQ 4. Describe the system of dairy farming

A system includes inputs, processes, outputs and feedbacks.

This is a generic system diagram for dairy farming. You need to use specific information from your farm to get Merit and Excellence.

Inputs

• Natural

- rainfall
- sunshine
- fertile volcanic soils
- rolling relief

• Cultural

- labourers
- tractors
- cows
- grass
- fertiliser
- herringbone milking shed


Processes

• These are all the activities that occur in the annual farming cycle

Outputs

• Negative

- pugging
- waste
- unused effluent, plastics, spray cans

• Positive

- milk solids
- silage
- hay
- calves
- profit

Feedbacks

• Profits reinvested
• Effluent used as fertiliser
• Heifers used as replacement cows
• Silage and hay used as suppliement feed