The computerised spreadsheet model which forms the basis of this study, describes two representative Welsh Dairy farms. Its purpose is to critically evaluate the economic effects of technological and management changes within the Welsh dairy sector, and to assess their applicability at a farm level.To provide the physical and financial parameters for the model, a statistical analysis of the physical and financial data on Welsh dairy farms held on the Welsh Farm Management Survey Database was performed. From this information two representative farms were modelled. Farm Type 1 (S) is a 32ha holding with a milk quota of 129,000 litres, and Farm Type 2 (L) a 67ha holding with a quota of 407,840 litres. Both rear their own heifers as well as some store cattle, and have small flocks of breeding ewes. Farm type 2. also grows feed barley for use on the farm.
Spreadsheet analysis of a hierarchical control system model of behavior
