Calculate pasture renovation costs including seed, fertiliser, spraying, and cultivation. Estimate return on investment for pasture renewal.
Quick answer: Full renovation: $500-1,000/ha. Direct drill: $350-600/ha. Oversowing: $200-400/ha. Yield increase 30-100%. Payback typically 2-4 years. ROI 200-400% over 10 years.
🔄 Calculate Renovation Cost
Total hectares
Estimated current production
Realistic target
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Total Renovation Cost
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Extra DM per Year (t)
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Extra Feed Value ($/year)
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Payback Period (years)
📐 How ROI Is Calculated
Extra DM = (New yield − Current yield) × Area Extra value = Extra DM × $200/t DM (feed value) Payback = Total cost ÷ Extra value per year
📊 Worked Example
50ha pasture, current 4 t DM/ha, new 6.5 t DM/ha. Full renovation $750/ha.
Extra DM = (6.5−4) × 50 = 125 t/year Extra value = 125 × $200 = $25,000/year Total cost = 50 × $750 = $37,500 Payback = 1.5 years
Excellent investment — pays back in 18 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Full renovation: $500-1,000/ha. Direct drill: $350-600/ha. Oversowing: $200-400/ha. Components: Seed $150-300, Fertiliser $150-250, Spray $50-100, Cultivation $80-150.
Autumn (March-May) for most regions — good moisture, less weed competition. Spring (August-September) in colder areas. Avoid summer and heavy frost periods.
Renovated pasture produces 30-100% more dry matter. At $800/ha cost, 50% increase = extra 2 t DM/ha worth $200-400. Payback 2-4 years. ROI 200-400% over 10 years.
Perennial ryegrass + clover: $150-250/ha. Lucerne: $300-500/ha. Cocksfoot + sub-clover: $200-350/ha. Include 20% legumes for nitrogen fixation.