L.EVA.2001 - Update of the R&D evaluation model

Summary

This project saw the development of an excel spreadsheet evaluation model used to estimate the farm-gate benefit of improving on-farm productivity.

The MLA on farm sheep model estimates the individual farm as well as industry-wide economic benefits of an output (product) from inputs (project investments) funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Outputs (products) are broadly defined as any product, practice change or on farm intervention that has attributable adoption (outcomes) and impact (productivity gains or cost reductions). The research will help MLA prioritise expenditure to maximise its benefits to industry.

The main target audience of the research is MLA staff and consultants conducting evaluation of proposed and current products. The estimates produced by the model will be input into MLA’s GMIIF model and will inform MLA’s project investment prioritisation.

Objectives

The objective of the project was to update and improve the previous version of MLAs on farm model. Specifically to:

• Simplify the model’s user interface
• Update the industry and business-level data
• Connect the model to MLA’s research evaluation framework
• Split the cattle model into three systems (from two)
• Allow for decay in the adoption of products.

Benefits to industry

The model provides an up-to-date system for evaluating MLA’s project investments at the farm level in a simple and consistent way that will provide reliable evaluations. This will give MLA confidence in making decisions about projects. Therefore, the model provides indirect benefits to industry by maximising the industry benefits of MLA’s project investments.

Future research

The model uses data from the ABS agricultural census (2016), MLA price data and ABAREs farm survey data. The model needs be updated periodically to reflect industry changes.