OVERSEER and HerdHomes® shelters
In order for modelling programmes to be effective, data not
only needs to be correct, but the way in which it is entered needs to be right.
Unfortunately, wrong data can be gathered through misleading questions. Rather
than expecting all model operators to know our product inside out, we have
created a set of guidelines for them to use to ensure our clients get accurate
nutrient budgets created.
Entering HerdHomes® shelters correctly into OVERSEER is
crucial for getting the most accurate representation of your farming system in
your nutrient budget. Here is a step by step process of how to enter a
HerdHomes® shelter farm correctly (note this only applies to HerdHomes® shelter
properties. This doesn’t apply to any other standoff facility):
Select under Farm Scenario, Structures:
Wintering
pad, animal shelter or housing
Under Structures select:
Covered
wintering pad or animal shelter
(due to a HerdHomes® shelter having a roof)
Bunker lining material:
No
lining material
(no lining material is a bare concrete
bunker, reference OVERSEER Best Practise Data Input Standards, page 19)
Bunker cleaning method:
Scraping
(no water), tick scraped material stored in stack
Concrete feeding apron:
Do not
tick
(yes, supplements are fed on concrete, but
the effluent is managed the same as the loafing area therefore no concrete
feeding apron should be selected. Reference OVERSEER Best Practise Data Input
Standards, page 19)
Solids management:
If
bunker manure is spread on selected blocks within the farm (i.e. not exported),
please note that currently the model is overestimating manure volumes on
several HHS client’s nutrient budgets. A quick way of checking this is through
exporting and reviewing the NPKS from the whole farm nutrient budget. OVERSEER
is aware there is a ‘bug’
With increasing environmental compliance, we strongly
recommend owners get their bunker manure tested and keep records of where this
manure is applied on or off farm. If for whatever reason your bunker manure has
not been tested yet, please get in contact and we will able to give you a
guide.