Forage resource management: what decision support tools are available to dairy farmers?

Forage management is complex. To tackle this issue many decision support tools (DSTs) have been developed. The objective of this synthesis is to propose a method of categorization of DSTs that address the use of forages in dairy farming in order to guide farmers and their advisors towards the type(s) of DSTs most adapted to each situation. The level of action (grazing, forage system, feed, herd, techno-economic and farming system) addresses the different stages that have a direct or indirect influence on the use of forages. The horizon of management approaches decision support in a predictive (Forecast), retrospective (Control) and, in the longer term, strategic (Rethink) manner. Finally, the level of technicity (indicator, programme, automated tool) describes different degrees in the development of an advice as well as the level of involvement of the farmer in the decision-making process.