Sowing cheap seed, or seed of questionable origin, risks large losses in income. In these examples $270/ha is saved at sowing but $1690/ha is potentially lost in a ewe breeding enterprise, or $1470/ha in lamb finishing profit over the next four years.

 

We compare Trojan with NEA2 endophyte (AGRICOTE treated), versus Nui, over four years. The first example runs more ewes; the second finishes lambs faster. Trojan is assumed to yield 3 t DM/ha more than Nui, which is conservative, based on trial information. Production annually is estimated to drop 5%. (Nui would probably have a greater drop due to its poor persistence).

 

Example: Breeding ewe system

 

Example: Lamb finishing system