To satisfy dual goals of profitability and sustainability, Australia's grazing industries need to implement more refined nutrient management that draws on the most up to date research and knowledge about optimum pasture nutrition and production and the risks of nutrient losses to the environment. The ‘Better Fertiliser Decisions' project is developing a nutrient loss risk assessment tool to identify where and when risks of phosphorus and nitrogen losses from farm management zones to waterways and the atmosphere occur. Risk assessment approaches have been developed in Australia for strategic phosphorus and nitrogen management in the sugar and grain industries, but have not been yet been developed and integrated into nutrient management practices within the grazing industry. The Farm Nutrient Loss Index is being developed using a range of approaches such as participatory technical workshops, Delphi and analytical hierarchy processes, empirical data, and N and P loss modelling. A series of field assessments and participatory workshops were used to harness the knowledge and experience of 90 experts across the dairy, beef and sheep grazing regions in Australia. The combination of scientific and experiential technical input will add scientific rigour to the risk outcomes, and weightings and ratings of factors included in the Index. In order to make the Index useful and practical the format and content is being developed in close consultation with a range of these nutrient management practitioners. The Index is being developed into decision support tools that can be used by fertiliser advisers, consultants, extension officers and environmental agencies to assist farmers to tailor their nutrient management practises, boost productivity and manage potential environmental impacts.