AUM Analyzer
What is the AUM Analyzer?
The AUM Analyzer helps determine the amount of the forage produced and the increase in stocking rates as a result of weed management, or other rangeland improvement. It provides a step-by-step description of site selection, a method for estimating forage production and for converting the production data into the number of animals you can feed.
Why use the AUM Analyzer?
The decision to spend money managing rangeland weeds is difficult. To understand the economic benefits, you must know the amount, duration and quality of the livestock forage resulting from weed control compared to no weed control.
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Who should use the AUM Analyzer?
The AUM Analyzer should be used by livestock growers considering large-scale weed management for the purpose of forage production. It can also be used to balance stocking rates with forage production.
How does the AUM Analyzer work?
The AUM Analyzer compares the forage production and stocking rates of areas where weeds have been controlled to weed-infested areas. The increase in usable forage is converted into the number of animals you can raise. You can determine the value of controlling weeds by comparing the numbers of animals that you can produce from both areas.
What materials are required?
Material needs are simple. You will need:
- Hoop
- Grass Clippers
- Hand-held spring scale that weighs in grams. A 500-gram scale works best.
- Small to medium-size grocery bags.
Make a hoop from 1/4-inch coated cable available at most farm and ranch supply outlets for about $5. Purchase about 93 inches of cable and fasten the ends to each other with a 1/4-inch cable ferrule. The cable is clamped in the ferrule with a chisel or heavy screwdriver and hammer.
A 500-gram scale can be purchased from forestry, animal health or surveying companies for approximately $40.
Selecting sites to clip
