Build the seasonal requirement first
Set the herd and winter period before adding purchase assumptions. The duration of the plan drives how long each feed rate is projected.
Add current inventory
For hay and each supplement, enter the inventory already available. The planner can then separate total seasonal need from the amount that still needs to be purchased.
Package sizes
Products such as cubes, pellets, tubs, mineral, or salt are purchased in discrete packages. Enter package size and cost so the planner can convert projected use into whole package counts.
Supplier lead time
Lead time shifts the date at which a reorder warning should appear. A longer lead time means the reorder milestone must occur earlier relative to projected depletion.
Review the schedule
Use weekly/monthly projected usage and reorder milestones as a planning schedule. Actual consumption, weather, inventory shrink, and supplier availability should be monitored during the season.
