Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we have compiled a list of FAQs, based on the most common enquiries that we have received in the past.
FAQs
1. Management Blocks
Q. What is a management block?
A. A management block is a management unit on the farm which is different from another management unit. This may be because of one or more reasons [e.g. but not limited to, different fertiliser application rates, animal stocking rates, stock species grazing (e.g. deer only, beef only etc), pasture species, slope, aspect, dairy effluent application, soil test results, supplements fed on this block only].
Q. How many blocks should I set up?
A. You can set up a maximum of 30 blocks within any one OVERSEER file. This is, however, a lot of individual blocks! It is recommended that you set up enough blocks to accurately reflect your farm.
Q. In the block setup pane there is the option to enter the ‘Total farm area’. This is not a compulsory entry so should I enter an area here?
A. The purpose of this text box is for entry of the legal area of the farm. Often recorded areas of individual blocks do not add up to the actual legal area of the farm. Once you have entered the individual blocks and their areas the sum of the block areas should add up to the legal area of the farm. When you enter the legal farm area, any areas not already accounted for will be captured. However, if the legal area of the farm is less than the sum of the block areas then you will need to reduce one or more block areas to account for this or delete the legal block area. However, this area is not a compulsory field because there may be occasions when you wish to look at scenarios or perform some other operations where the total farm area is not required.
2. Stock
Q. Which stock entry method should I use to enter my stock data into?
A. There are several ways that you can enter your stock data into OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets; the Monthly stock reconciliation form, the Breeding/trading stock form or you can enter total relative stock units (RSU) for each stock species and in the other stock types form. Other stock types can also be entered via the Monthly stock reconciliation form. The Monthly stock reconciliation form will collate your stock data on a monthly basis and will most accurately reflect your farm. This is the preferred option. The RSU option assumes an average annual RSU has been estimated taking into account animal productivity and changes in animal numbers throughout the year and a typical intake distribution.
Q. I entered my stock data into the advanced dry stock calculator in OVERSEER and now I have re-entered it in to the Monthly stock reconciliation form and I get different outputs. Why?
A. The data required by the different input methods is different and therefore there are differences sin the underlying assumptions made by the model. The basic underlying assumptions are the same. Generally the MSR provides a better estimate of stock numbers and hence is the preferred method.
Q. I filled in the Monthly stock reconciliation form and then clicked out and have lost all my data. What has happened?
A. If you have clicked or selected ‘CANCEL’ to get out of the monthly input pane then all data entered since entering this pane will be lost. To ensure that newly entered data are saved, ensure that all error messages are resolved first or delete the offending column and click OK to exit, then save the file.
Q. I filled in the Monthly stock reconciliation form and then clicked clear (or clear all) by mistake and have lost all my data. Can I get my data back?
A. Usually no, but if you have not yet exited the Monthly stock reconciliation form by clicking OK you can click Cancel. Clicking Cancel will take you out of the Monthly stock reconciliation form and restore the data in the Monthly stock reconciliation form to what it was before you entered it and made changes. However, it is strongly recommended that you create a copy of all your OVERSEER files before you begin editing any of your files.
Q. Why is the Monthly stock reconciliation form asking for a lambing/calving/fawning %, but I buy in my lambs/calves/fawns?
A. You may have selected the wrong stock class for sheep, cattle or deer. This message is activated once you select and enter numbers of female breeding stock. If you have selected female breeding stock and have not entered lambs weaned then the model will be looking for a weaning percentage. You can correct this by changing your breeding stock to a no breeding stock class.
Q. When should I select finishing for cattle and deer?
A. The finishing stock check box indicates that a higher proportion of product is sold for a given stock unit sold. You should therefore select finishing if the majority of your stock sold is grown on faster and sold on. This can be entered on a block by block basis as finishing stock are often grazed on the higher quality blocks to grow them faster.
Q. How important is it to select the correct animal breed and or class when entering data into the monthly stock calendar?
A. This is very important as the animal breed and class drive the growth rate calculations within OVERSEER.
Q. The breed of sheep/cattle/deer that I have is not one of those on the list to be selected from. What should I do?
A. This may occur when you have a less common breed or a cross of two or more breeds. Select a breed which best matches the mature weight and size of the actual breed that you have.
Q. I dry my cows of at different times of the year. Can I enter separate drying off times?
A. Yes you can. Enter this data into the (Calving times (multiple) pane. This can be accessed via the Monthly stock reconciliation form or the Stock production pane. Firstly, if you have one milking herd and drying off occurs over up to a six (6) week period, then use the average lactation period or median drying off time, or leave blank. However, if you have more than one distinct milking herd with separate drying off times or lactation lengths, these can be entered separately. For stock entered into the Monthly stock reconciliation form open it and click on Calving times (multiple) link in the Dairy pane. For stock entered directly into Peak cow numbers in the Stock numbers pane then go to the Stock production pane and click on the Calving times (multiple) link. Read the instructions in this pane, then enter the median calving date and average drying off date for each milking herd (Note: up to three distinct milking herds can be accommodated).
3. Animal excreta distribution
Q. Which option should I choose for the Relative productivity assessment?
A. The relative productivity assessment method is a measure of how annual animal intake or pasture production differs between pastoral blocks. The No difference between blocks option is the default option and would typically apply to most farms and assumes that there is no difference in pasture production between the individual blocks. The Relative yield (from soil, fertiliser inputs) option is a guide only and assumes that the soil fertility status is the only limiting factor. The Relative yield option is based on user assessed relative yield of pasture from input data for individual blocks. The Grazing days option is based on user estimated grazing days of all animals on each block. The Pasture assessment option is user assessment of how much pasture is grown, includes supplements made and accounts for pasture utilisation. The Animal assessment option is based on how much each animal eats and ignores any supplements removed from any block. Please refer to the manual for further information on selecting the ‘Relativity productivity assessment method’.
4. Soil description
Q. Should I choose soil order or soil group when entering data in the soil screen?
A. Unless you are sure of your soil group it is preferable to enter soil order. There are many processes within the soil group option which require data entry. If you know the main soil type on each block it would be a may be useful to enter it. Note that, depending on the soil order or soil group chosen, extra information is sometimes required on subsoil texture (heavy, medium or light).
Q. My farm has several soil groups on it. Which soil group should I enter?
A. You can either differentiate individual blocks based on soil group OR you can select the soil group which best represents that block.
5. Soil tests
Q. I don’t have all my soil test values. What should I do?
A. First, enter all the soil test values that you have for each block. Then click on Click to replace missing soil test data with typical values. All cells that are required to have data will then have typical soil test values for your region, soil group and farm type inserted.
Q. I have data for Organic S, Total S and MAF Quick test SO4. Which data should I enter for sulphur?
A. Enter either organic S or total S, or if neither of these are available then sulphate S test. The model estimates organic S from the sulphate S test for the block. Note: Use the sulphate S value with caution, especially if the soil sampling was undertaken within six months of sulphate fertiliser application or after heavy rain.
6. Pasture
Q. In the list view under the pasture for a block there are several pasture types listed. How important is it to select the pasture type?
A. The pasture type affects ME and pasture N content hence N leaching. Therefore it is very important to select the correct pasture type for the block. It is important to differentiate between lucerne and other pasture types. Differences between other pasture types for N leaching is less pronounced as there is a rebalancing between lower quality pasture, low N content but higher intake.
Q. Is it reasonable to have different pasture utilisation on each block on my farm?
A. Yes but be sure that the average annual utilisation for the block is entered. Changing the utilisation will have only a small effect on the model outputs.
Q. There is the option for changing the clover content of my pasture. How do I know what value to enter?
A. Select the average clover proportion in the pasture over a year. In most cases, it should be “medium”. Only choose “low” (or “very low”) in cases where the clover has failed to establish or is regularly scarce e.g., due to low fertility or insect damage. Choose “high” (or “very high”) for developing pastures that are regularly high in clover. Note that the effects of N fertiliser on clover growth and N fixation are already accounted for by the program (even under moderate to high N use) so don’t try to factor them in here yourself. Given the sensitivity of outputs to clover content, considerable care has to be used when setting up an Overseer input file, and there has to be good evidence for using any value other than ‘medium’. For further information refer to the manual.
7. Fertilisers
Q. Which fertiliser input system should I use?
A. Either is suitable to use, but be sure to enter the fertiliser details only once or you may overestimate inputs.
Q. My fertiliser data are in several forms. Is it okay to enter my fertiliser data in the soluble fertiliser only column, the nutrients by form pane and fertiliser list?
A. Yes, but ensure that you do NOT enter any fertiliser details twice or you will overestimate inputs.
Q. My farm imports chicken manure. How do I deal with this?
A. Go to the ‘fertiliser, lime and organic inputs pane and select ‘Organic’. Beside ‘Type’ from the drop down list in the pane that pops up select ‘Other organic material’ and fill in the details of the chicken manure (or other organic material here. Other organic fertilisers not included in the ‘Organic’ list within OVERSEER may also be entered here. Please be aware the model only approximates the inputs from organic fertilisers so use this data with caution.
Q. My farm applied a fertiliser that is not in the fertiliser database. How do I deal with this?
A. You can either convert your fertiliser details to a nutrient rate applied and enter into the nutrient rate or nutrient form panes or create a user-defined fertiliser in the user defined database. To create a user-defined fertiliser, go to the ‘fertiliser, lime and other inputs’ pane and select Fertiliser product. Then click on ‘Click to see user-defined fertiliser database’. In the pane that pops up, enter your fertiliser details. Then click OK to return to the fertiliser product pane. You then select User-defined from the drop down list under category. Your product can then be selected under from the drop down list under Fertiliser name and the rate applied under Amount. Be sure to use the correct units of amount when entering data here. Other individual fertilisers not included in the fertiliser database within OVERSEER may also be entered in the user defined database. Note: you can use this user-defined fertiliser for other files on the computer that it was created on. But, if you open your file on another computer the data used for your user-defined fertiliser is not available for use with another file although the details will be retained in the current file to ensure calculations are correct. Also a permanent record of all fertiliser data should be retained and can be entered in the notes pane under the ‘Notes’ dropdown menu.
Q. In the previous version of the model you used to have to enter the N added in May, June and July and the P added in high risk months?, but you cannot do this now. Why?
A. Yes this is correct. It is because all fertiliser inputs now require a month of application to be entered as well as the fertiliser details. The model then uses the time of application to allocate N and P to the high risk months of N leaching and P runoff.
Q. I have managed to buy some fertiliser which is considerably cheaper than normal and wish to compare costs of applying the fertiliser. How can I do this?
A. This is not currently an option within OVERSEER. Your fertiliser representative may be able to help with this.
8. Supplements
Q. Why can’t I enter a user-defined supplement in the supplements made on farm pane but I can enter a user-defined supplement for supplements purchased?
A. Typically supplements made on farm are made from pasture or lucerne and hence are typically hay, silage or balage. In addition a variety of fodder crops can be grown. Thus OVERSEER does not allow a user-defined supplement database for supplements made on farm.
Q. My farm imported a supplement that is not in the supplement database. How do I deal with this?
A. To enter this supplement into OVERSEER you must first enter your supplement into the user-defined supplement database. Go to the ‘Supplements imported’ pane and click on ‘User-defined supplement database’. In the Pane that pops up you can enter your supplement imported details. Then click OK to return to the Supplements imported pane. Next select ‘User-defined’ from the drop down list under ‘Category’ and your product can then be selected the ‘Type’ drop down list. Continue to enter the details of the imported, (e.g. amount, as a dry weight or not, destination, and animal type fed to or block fed on) in the Supplements imported pane. Other individual supplements not included in the supplement list within OVERSEER may also be entered in the user defined database.
Q. When I set up some user-defined supplements for a supplement imported, will I get different results from the farm file when I run it on a different computer?
A. User defined files are specific to the computer that are they created on and not available on a different computer. However, the details are retained in the OVERSEER file if you open it on another computer, even though an error message is displayed warning that the supplement is not in the user-defined database on this computer. To use the same user-defined fertiliser on a new computer then it must be re-entered into the user-defined database for the new computer.
Q. I have deleted a block that previously had supplements (silage) imported fed on it. I now get the error message ‘Supplements imported: Supplements are being fed out on a non-existent block for Pasture average quality silage on row 1’. What do I do to fix this?
A. Go to the Supplements imported data input pane and click on the ‘B’ button under the ‘Block fed on’ column and reselect the appropriate block/s on which you wish to feed the supplements. Note: To avoid this error message ensure that you set up all your blocks before entering you supplements details.
Q. I have changed the name of a block that previously had supplements imported fed on it. I now get the error message ‘Supplements imported: Selected block name does not match a current block name – check block selections for supplements brought in for Pasture average quality silage on row 1’. What do I do to fix this?
A. This error message has been added as a check to ensure that the selected block is the intended one. To fix this, go to the Supplements imported data input pane and click on the B button under the Block fed on column and reselect the appropriate block/s on which you wish to feed the supplements.
Q. I have deleted a block that previously had supplements (hay) which were made on farm fed on it. I now get the error message ‘Supplement removal: Selected block name does not match a current block name – check block selections for supplements brought in for supplement Hay on row 1’. What do I do to fix this?
A. Go to the Supplement removal data input pane and click on the ‘B’ button under the ‘Block fed on’ column and reselect the appropriate block/s on which you wish to feed the supplements.
Q. I have changed the name of a block that previously had supplements which were made on farm fed on it. I now get the error message, ‘Supplement removal: Selected block name does not match a current block name – check block selections for supplements brought in for supplement Hay on row 1’. What do I do to fix this?
A. Go to the Supplement removal data input pane and click on the B button under the Block fed on column and reselect the appropriate block/s on which you wish to feed the supplements.
9. Versions of OVERSEER
Q. If I uninstall an old version of Overseer, will I lose my farm data files?
A. No, as long as you uninstall the older version of OVERSEER using the uninstall tool and do NOT delete any of your farm files (.ovc, .ovp, .ovh, .ovr). In addition the user-defined databases are not over written. However, when running old files created in a previous version of OVERSEER, some notifications and error messages may appear on the screen when you open up your old files in the new version. This is because, although new versions of OVERSEER are backwards compatible, there may be slight differences in the data requirements or data structures between versions. They can be resolved by attending to the instructions within the notification of error message. Often clicking OK is all you need to do.
Q. I have downloaded the new version of OVERSEER from the web and my outputs are now different. Why is this?
A. OVERSEER is a continually evolving program. This means that as new and or updated data relevant to the model becomes available improvements will be included in any future upgrades. Some of these changes may mean that some outputs are different from a previous version. Release notes with each version will summarise the main changes.
Q. When I open OVERSEER files created in an older version I get an error message ‘Differences between saved values infiles and data base files were found for: Pasture Fertiliser: Superten 7K (15% potash superten)’. What does this mean? Can I trust the results or do I have to re-enter the fertiliser details?
A. This message occurs when a specific fertiliser’s details have been changed by the Fertiliser Company, which has resulted in changes within the OVERSEER database. Although these changes have been made, the original fertiliser data has been retained in the file and it will run successfully. However, if you change the details in the fertiliser input pane then the updated details will be used and the old details lost. It is recommended that any changes made to a file are made to a copy of the original file and that the original file is retained unchanged.
10. General
Q. I am not sure which region to choose as I am close to the boundaries of two regions. What should I do?
A. The region is selected to define the animal and climatic default values which OVERSEER uses. You should select the region with climatic conditions you feel best reflects your farm or you can select your nearest town. However, ensure that the nearest town that you select also best reflects the region and climatic conditions that you are in.
Q. Does it matter if I choose the region or nearest town?
A. No it does not, as by choosing the nearest town you are by default choosing your region.
Q. Does it matter which region or nearest town that I choose?
A. Yes it does, as there are several default values embedded within OVERSEER that are specific to each region. Therefore, changing a region may in some instances alter outputs.
Q. Can I enter a different rainfall value for each block?
A. Yes. Each block can have different rainfalls. This may occur where you have lowlands and highlands/plateaus within a farm or have a runoff block some distance from your main farm.
Q. Some areas of my farm are ryegrass/white clover and some are browntop. What pasture type should I select?
A. These differences will often result in differences in nitrogen fixation by the legumes within the pasture, nutrient cycling, pasture quality and pasture productivity. You should create different blocks to reflect the dominant pasture species present.
Q. When I first open up OVERSEER I can either select ‘Nutrient budgets’ or ‘Small block’. What is the difference between these two models and which one should I choose?
A. OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets is a full farm scale model and can be used for Pastoral farming (sheep, beef, deer and dairy and for cropping (vegetable arable and fruit). The Small block model is for sheep, beef and deer operations only and does not support the cropping the options (vegetable arable and fruit). The Nutrient Budgets model requires detailed data and provides a more accurate assessment of nutrient flows than the Small block model. If you are a commercial operation and/or require output data for consent purposes and/or have blocks which are cropped then you should use this model. If you are a small block owner (e.g. lifestyle block) and are not a commercial operation and do not have blocks which are cropped then the Small block model will give a reasonable indication of nutrient flows. However, the outputs from the Small block model are not suitable to be used for consent requirements.
Q. When I open a pane to enter data there are often data entry options which have the text ‘a blank input box, Use default’ or Unknown’ in them. What does this mean?
A. If ‘a blank box’, ‘Use default’, or ‘Unknown’ is presented then this is a field which does not require data entry for calculations. If a blank box is selected then no value is entered. If ‘Use default’ is selected the model will estimate default values from selections already made (e.g region, soil group) and these will be displayed in the defaults report. If ‘Unknown’ is selected the model will not include this aspect in the calculation. Generally, effects are minor or alternative calculation methods are available.
Q. When I set up some user-defined inputs, will I get different results from the farm file when I run it on a different computer?
A. User defined files are specific to the computer that are they created on. However, the data are retained in the OVERSEER file and still used even though an error message is displayed warning that the fertiliser is not in the user-defined database on this computer. To use the same user-defined fertiliser on a new computer then it must be re-entered into the user-defined database for the new computer.
Q. Why do I need to enter the distance from the coast?
A. As you move further from the coast the concentration of sulphur (S) and potassium (K) in the rainfall decreases. Therefore, the distance from the coast in the direction of the prevailing wind will influence the amount of S and K deposited annually in the rainfall. It is important to choose the distance of the prevailing wind as this is the direction where the majority of the rainfall comes from.
11. Farm dairy effluent
Q. There are four options for application of farm dairy effluent, but my system is not there. What should I do?
A. Choose from the drop down list the system which is closest to your system and use that one, but use the data outputs with caution. Once you have chosen a system there are several additional management options for the effluent. By selecting the appropriate options here you may better reflect your system.
12. Fodder crops
Q. I can’t enter my fodder crop area into the block areas input box. Why?
A. The fodder is defined as a crop that rotates through one or more pastoral blocks. Therefore the area of the fodder crop is not entered here but is entered in the block information pane for that fodder crop. The blocks that the fodder crop rotates through are selected under the Pastoral block name under the ‘Tree view’ in the Pastoral pane in the ‘List view’.
Q. My fodder crop/mix is not in the database. What should I do?
A. Select a similar crop type from the dropdown list and enter your estimated yield. Then go to the Notes pane in the Notes drop down menu on the menu bar and make a note as to the actual crop type that you grew for future reference.
Q. My fodder crop policy covers more than one year, but the fodder crop module only covers one year. Can I accommodate my fodder crop policy?
A. Yes the Fodder crop module does cover a 12 month period only. You could consider entering your fodder crop into the cropping block option. This module covers a 24 month period and may be more suitable for your system.
Q. I have entered a crop area which is greater than 25% of the pastoral area that a fodder crop can rotate through and I get an error message and cannot proceed any further. Why can’t I enter an area greater than 25%?
A. Typically a fodder crop rotates around a pastoral block and is not grown on the same area several years in a row. If you have a fodder crop area greater than 25% you could consider entering your fodder crop into the cropping block module.
Q. Why do you enter a final grid month, what does this mean?
A. The final grid month is used to define the end of the crop rotation. The month selected allows the flexibility in defining crop management options. Typically the final grid month selected for a fodder crop should be the month of resowing back into pasture for grazing.
13. Irrigation
Q. The irrigation system that I use is not listed in the ‘Irrigation method dropdown box’. What should I do?
A. You can enter the rate of irrigation applied and choose the default (leave blank) or the irrigation method which best suits the system that you use to irrigate with. The irrigation method has only a minimal effect except for border dyke irrigation systems.
14. Animals on block
Q. I have several blocks on my farm. These blocks are not all grazed by the same stock species. Can I account for this in OVERSEER?
A. Yes you can. For each block estimate the % of time each stock species spends grazing on that block relative to other stock species. Then go to the Animal excreta distribution pane under the current farm list view and unselect the Distribution of animal classes within blocks. Next go to the Animals on block pane in the list view for each individual block and enter these percentages for each block into the appropriate cell. Note that zero (0) is a valid option so long as all your inputs for your stock classes add up to 100%. You can also select the months that each animal type grazed the block within the monthly grazing option by clicking on Click to set monthly grazing (optional).
15. Fruit crops
Q. The fruit crop that I have is not in the drop down list under Crop. Why is this and what should I do?
A. Currently OVERSEER only supports five fruit crops (kiwifruit, apples, grapes, avocados and peaches). As more data becomes available for other fruit crops these may be added to the available list. Meanwhile, you can choose a crop from the current list which best approximates the fruit crop that you grow, but use the output that OVERSEER provides for your crop with caution. Note: add a note in the notes pane (Under Notes on the menu bar) for future reference.
Q. I have entered the reject rate for my crop and the nutrients removed as product have increased. Why is this?
A. When you enter the reject rate the model assumes that this amount of product lost through rejection is in addition to the amount that has been entered under product yield. If the amount entered under product yield is the amount that leaves the block then set the reject rate to zero.
16. Arable crops: - Crop details
Q. The crop that I have is not in the drop down list under Crop type. Why is this and what should I do?
A. OVERSEER supports an extensive range of crops. However, not all crops are within the OVERSEER database, but as more data becomes available for other crops these may be added to the available list. Meanwhile, you can choose a crop from the current lists which best approximates the crop that you grow, but use the output that OVERSEER provides for your crop with caution. Note: add a note in the notes pane (Under Notes on the menu bar) for future reference.
17. Cut and Carry
Q. The crop that I cut and carry is not in the drop down list under Perennial crop. Why is this and what should I do?
A. Currently OVERSEER only supports six Perennial crops for a cut and carry system. As more data becomes available for other Perennial crops these may be added to the available list. Meanwhile, you can choose a crop from the current list which best approximates the Perennial crop that you cut and carry, but use the output that OVERSEER provides for your crop with caution.
18. Small Block
Q. When should I use the OVERSEER Small block model and when should I use the Main OVERSEER Nutrient budgets?
A. The OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets has been developed to accommodate small blocks (approximately but not restricted to 20 ha or less) with people living on the block. The Small block model has been designed for pastoral systems only and there is no provision for entering data on fodder crops, arable crops, fruit crops, cut and carry systems, riparian areas, wetlands or tree blocks. The Small block model also operates as a single block model with minimal inputs and is thus not as comprehensive as the Main OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets. The outputs from the Small block model are likely to be unsuitable for regulatory purposes. If you have a Small block and run a low intensive system and do not wish to include either fodder crops, arable crops, fruit crops, cut and carry systems, riparian areas, wetlands or tree blocks the Small block model may suit your needs. However, if you run an intensive system or are greater than 20 ha or wish to include either fodder crops, arable crops, fruit crops, cut and carry systems, riparian areas, wetlands or tree blocks then you need to use the OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets.
Q. I have more than one block on my Small block farm. Why can’t I enter them all into the Small block model?
A. The small block model has been developed as a tool to estimate nutrient flows on a small block (approximately 20ha or less), low intensive farming system. If you run a more intensive system then the OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets will be more appropriate for your needs.
Q. Why are the number of people living on the property and the sewage disposal method both required data bin the small block model but not the Main model?
A. This is because the impact on nutrient flows due to the number of people living on the property and the sewage disposal method is relatively greater in a small block than a large farm. However, for a large farm it is more complete to include the House block and enter the number of people living on the property and the sewage disposal method.
Q. My small block does not have a house or people living on it but the Small block model asks for the number of people living on the property and the sewage disposal method. How can I enter my farm data into the Small block model?
A. The small block model assumes that the farmer lives on farm. If this is not the case and there are no people on farm and or no house, then you will need to enter you data into the main OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets. You could also enter one (1) for ‘Number of people living on property’ and sewage disposal method as ‘Reticulated’ to minimise inputs.
Q. Why can’t I enter the supplements (Hay/Silage) that I made on the farm and fed on farm into the Small block model?
A. This data are not required because the model has only one block on farm all supplements made on farm and fed on farm are made and fed on the one block. Therefore there is no nutrient transfer off farm or between blocks.
Q. Why can’t I enter the supplements (Hay/Silage) that I made on the farm and held over and fed out in the next year into the Small block model?
A. This is currently not an available option for the small block model. If you make supplements and carry them over to the next year then you can enter them as sold off farm in the year that you made them (enter the amount in the input box ‘Silage/hay sold off farm’) and then bring them back onto the farm in the year that you feed them out as ‘Supplements brought onto farm’.
Q. I have entered my farm and block data into the small block model and wish to change to the Main model. How can I do this?
A. Click on the “Go to OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets’ Button on the input page. The model will then convert the small block model to the Main model. However, it assumes that there is only one block and no fodder crops o farm. If there are more than one block and or fodder crops and or any other differences then you will have to update the data in the main model to better reflect your farm.
Q. The error message at the bottom of the screen is obscured. How can i see this message more clearly?
A. Make the OVERSEER window full screen. If that does not work then click on the error message once and a pane with the message in should pop up.
Q. I have made maize silage on my small block and sold it off farm, but cannot enter it into this model. Why?
A. This is currently not an available option for the small block model. If you make any supplements on your small block other than pasture hay or pasture silage then you will need to use the main OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets.
Q. I have a small apple orchard on my small block which I harvest and sell the fruit from, but I cannot enter it into the small block model. Why?
A. This is currently not an available option for the small block model. If you grow and harvest any fruit crops on farm then you will need to enter your data into the fruit crop module in the main OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets. In addition any stock on farm will have to be entered into the main model as well.
Q. I have a small arable block on my small block which I harvest and sell the crop from, but I cannot enter it into the small block model. Why?
A. This is currently not an available option for the small block model. If you grow and harvest any arable crops on your Small block then you will need to enter your data into the Arable crop module in the main OVERSEER Nutrient Budgets. In addition any stock on farm will have to be entered into the main model as well.