An inventory of the most promising tools, techniques and strategies for resource management

Pilot Farms and Operational Groups will identify ‘hotspots’ in the whole-farm nutrient cycle and the priority areas to be targeted for further improvement. This will reflect a range of production systems, from high-input indoor systems, to low-input pasture based production. Regional differences in approaches to forage production, including variations in crop rotation, types of forages grown, fertilizer policy and harvesting methods will provide a range of experience and measured performance levels which can be shared more widely. New technologies may also be implemented on a selection of pilot farms. Scientific information will be accessed through local Knowledge Transfer Centres, from expertise within or signposted from the Work Package delivery team, and from the open learning platform and information provided by WP 8 (Production and communication of end-user materials). This scientific information will be co-mingled with end-user input, and combined with input from other relevant contributors to arrive at practical, implementable solutions. Overall measures of resource efficiency e.g. N and P balances, and carbon foot print, will be supported by a range of Key Performance Indicators providing specific reference points for further improvement.