The practicality and profitability of feed inputs on the Stratford Demonstration Farm

2005 ◽  
pp. 53-60
Author(s):  
G.D. Pitman
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Economic Result ◽  
Lactation Length ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Buying In ◽  
Jersey Cows

A four-herd dairy farm farmlet trial was carried out on the Stratford Demonstration Farm in Central Taranaki for four seasons (2001/2002 to 2004/2005). This trial examined the profitability and practicality of different feed input systems including on-farm forage cropping and the use of new pastures. The farmlets included: 1. A self-contained control group moderately stocked at 3.3 Jersey cows/ha. 2. A group with the same stocking rate (SR) but using high quality silage made on the farmlet to allow milking for a long lactation (280 days/cow) and feed purchased to balance the winter feed budget (MPF). 3. A group, high stocked at 4 Jersey cows/ha to allow direct grazing of the grass by milking cows with minimal supplements made but feed purchased (grass silage and hay, maize silage, winter grazingoff) to allow a moderate to long lactation length (270 days/cow) and to balance the winter feed budget (HPF). 4. A group also at the moderate SR and self-contained but with 12% of the farmlet cropped with summer turnips and Triticale cereal silage crops to increase total feed production, as well as introduce the use of higher quality pasture cultivars (crop). Increased milk production was achieved by the increased inputs with a response rate of 142 g milksolids (MS)/kg dry matter (DM) from buying-in feed to extend the lactation and 84 g MS/kg DM from buying-in feed to run a higher SR. The cropping and regrassing system also resulted in a 4.9% increase in MS production, but crop yields were much lower than expected, significantly affecting the results. The MPF group with purchased feed to extend the lactation produced the best economic result under the costs and milk payouts used. The HPF group produced the most variable and lowest economic result. The extra milk production from this group was sufficient to cover the extra feed costs but not the cost of running the extra cows. The extra milk production on the cropping farmlet covered the cost of the cropping and allowed a high level of regrassing at no net cost, but minimal economic benefit. The value of the new pastures in the system, however, improved each season. Labour costs, feed costs and milk payout are critical factors in the differing economic results. These vary greatly from farm-to-farm, and year-to-year and differences here can change the relative economics of each system. Keywords: economic farm surplus, feed input systems, milksolids production, profit

scholarly journals 110 Managing Feed Efficiency to Improve Dairy Farm Margin

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Micheal J Brouk
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Cost ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Animal Reproduction ◽  
High Feed ◽  
Efficiency Factors ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Made In

Abstract Dairy farm margin has continued to be a challenge for the dairy industry. Several years of challenging milk prices with limited relief from high feed costs and increasing production cost have continued to erode the net margin of US dairy farms. As dairy producers continue to operate in a challenging economic environment, discoveries are being made in various farm efficiencies to improve farm margin. Increased management intensity on all aspects of the dairy farm is resulting in the discover of and improvement of many individual efficiency factors. Key areas of economic efficiency include feed, animal reproduction, replacement animals, labor and resource allocation. Often the answer to improved efficiency involves more than just reduced production cost, but also in the improvement of production to reduce the cost per unit of milk produced. Identifying and focusing on the important factors that can improve overall farm efficiency will enable producers to weather the economic challenges. For dairy producers, one of the complications is the biology of the dairy cow and understanding how to utilize the biology correctly for improved efficiency of milk production. Improved efficiency of milk production requires attention to details in many areas of the dairy. Identifying the correct areas of deficiencies, establishing corrective plans of action and then careful evaluation of the impact of changes are all key to the overall success of improving dairy farm margins and efficiencies.

Results of experimental work on the application of the aquacrop rotation practice in fish ponds in Iraq

2021 ◽  
pp. 56-67
Author(s):  
Farhan Yasin Hamed Farhan Yasin Hamed ◽  
Lydia Mikhailovna Vasilyeva ◽  
Natalia Viktorovna Sudakova ◽  
Ali Attala Muheisin ◽  
Adelia Zakirovna Anokhina
Keyword(s):  
Crop Rotation ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Fish Farming ◽  
Fish Ponds ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Fish Breeding ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Fish Productivity

The use of the crop rotation method in fish farming makes it possible to increase fish productivity and crop yields in ponds. In the countries of the Middle East, in recent years, the Aqua Crop rotation practice has been developing, in particular, the consistent cultivation of fish and rice in fish ponds, which allows eliminating the contradictions between these crops and increasing production efficiency. In Iraq, an experiment was carried out on the variable cultivation of rice and carp in fish ponds for four years, with the aim of introducing this practice into the country’s agriculture. Four ponds, each with an area of 7.5 hectares, were involved. The research was carried out in two variants: in experiment No.1 rice was grown in the first year, fish in the second, then rice again and in the fourth year — fish, in the second experiment, on the contrary, at the beginning of the fish, then rice, etc. The fish-breeding season lasted 9 months (March to November). Fish-breeding indicators were studied in detail: survival rate, feed costs, fish productivity, the results of rice cultivation were judged by yield. In addition, indicators of economic efficiency were determined according to a simplified scheme. The results indicate that, in general, fish-breeding indicators turned out to be higher when growing fish in ponds after rice, so fish productivity increased by almost 30% with an average value of 3.9 t/ha, feed costs decreased, while rice yield increased by 15–16% and averaged 3.6 t/ha. The best fish-breeding indicators were obtained in the second experiment after rice was grown in the ponds for two years. Economic calculations confirmed the advantages of using the aquacrop rotation practice, so in the second experiment the cost of marketable fish decreased by 10%, and the profitability increased by almost 30%.

Pengaruh penggunaan ramuan herbal sebagai feed additive terhadap in come over feed cost ayam broiler

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-105
Author(s):  
Ferdianus Nono ◽  
Dyah Lestari Yulianti ◽  
Aju Tjatur Nugroho Krisnaningsih
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Feed Additive ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Cost

  ABSTRAK Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari penggunaan ramuan herbal terhadap income over feed cost  ayam broiler. Materi  yang digunakan pada  penelitian ini adalah: ayam broiler DOC. Penelitian ini dirancang dengan menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari 4 perlakuan dan masing-masing perlakuan terdiri dari 4 ulangan. Perlakuan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penggunaan ramuan herbal dalam air minum dengan level penggunaan sebagai berikut : P0: tanpa penambahan ramuan herbal, P1:air + 10 % ramuan herbal, P2: air  + 15 % ramuan herbal, P3: air + 20% ramuan herbal. Variabel yang di amati  dalam penelitian ini adalah konsumsi pakan, biaya pakan, dan income over feed cost ayam broiler. Data yang diperoleh (income over feed cost) di analisis dengan menggunakan analisis ragam dengan rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa biaya pakan tertinggi terdapat pada kelompok perlakuan P3 diikuti berturut-turut oleh P1, P2, P0 dan yang terendah adalah P0. Sedangkan pada P0 biaya pakan paling rendah karena tidak ada penggunaan ramuan herbal. Berdasarkan data penerimaan, penerimaan tertinggi terdapat pada kelompok kontrol P1 Rp 31.430,6  sedangkan penerimaan terandah terdapat pada kelompok P0 sebesar Rp 24.814,8.100 Rendahnya penerimaan dalam penelitian ini disebabkan oleh rendahnya bobot badan ayam broiler selama penelitian. Income Over Feed Cost selama penelitian yang tertinggi terdapat pada kelompok P3 (3.568), dan terendah terdapat pada perlakuan  P1 (979) P0 (1.964), P2 (1.937) karena biaya pakan lebih tinggi dari pada penerimaan.Ini berarti bahwa penggunaan ramuan herbal  dalam air minum berpengaruh sangat nyata (P< 0,01) terhadap Income Over Feed Cost. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan ramuan herbal sebagai feed additive  memberikan pengaruh sangat nyata terhadap IOFC ayam broiler.   Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using herbal ingredients on income over feed costs of broiler chickens. The material used in this study was: broiler DOC. This study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and each treatment consisted of 4 replications. The treatment used in this study is the use of herbal ingredients in drinking water with the use level as follows: P0: without the addition of herbal ingredients, P1: water + 10% herbal ingredients, P2: water + 15% herbal ingredients, P3: water + 20% herbal concoctions. The variables observed in this study were feed consumption, feed costs, and income over feed costs for broiler chickens. The data obtained (income over feed cost) is analyzed using a variety of analysis with a completely randomized design (CRD). The results showed that the highest feed costs were found in the P3 treatment group followed by P1, P2, P0 and the lowest was P0. Whereas at P0 the cost of feed is lowest because there is no use of herbal ingredients. Based on acceptance data, the highest revenue was in the P1 control group of Rp. 31,430.6 while the lowest acceptance was in the P0 group of Rp. 24,814.8,100. The low acceptance in this study was caused by the low body weight of broiler chickens during the study. Income Over Feed Cost during the highest research was found in the P3 group (3,568), and the lowest was found in the treatment of P1 (979) P0 (1,964), P2 (1,937) because the cost of feed was higher than acceptance. drinking water has a very significant effect (P <0.01) on Income Over Feed Cost. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the use of herbal ingredients as additive feeds has a very significant effect on IOFC broiler chickens.

Measuring Dairy Farm Efficiency in the Republic of Kazakhstan

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 967
Author(s):  
Aida BALKIBAYEVA ◽  
Zein AIDYNOV ◽  
Ayagoz ORAZBAYEVA ◽  
Yuliya SHEIKO ◽  
Dina AIKUPESHEVA
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Dairy Farms ◽  
National Committee ◽  
Reference Distribution ◽  
A Value ◽  
Efficiency Factors ◽  
Farm Efficiency ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Cost

Study was conducted in the area of comparative dairy efficiency and finding the most effective farms that can be used by less effective farms and new dairy farms to increase their outputs and use inputs in more productive ways. We used the data of dairy farms for 2015 provided by National Committee on Statistics of Kazakhstan upon our request to perform this research and applied Data Envelope Analysis (DEA).  The closest to the efficiency boundary was the dairy farm with a value of 0.66 (milk production 3 573 tons per year with the following top expenses: feed $400K; depreciation $200K and salary $142.424). Based on super-efficiency factors farm No 3 which produced 762,1 tons of milk  per year with the cost closest to min mean was found as the most effective one among others. The least efficient was farm No 1 produced the most amounts of milk but with higher than average expenses. Based on the literature-based review the concept of dairy efficiency was developed, showing the linkage between inputs such as feed, salary, depreciation, energy and others. Further analysis can show the geographic and climatic similarity or the identity of the management system of reference, distribution of feed and tied inefficient pre-regions. Proceeding from this, it is possible to develop and make management decisions that allow inefficient enterprises to become effective companies

scholarly journals A study of the incidence of milk fever in Jersey and Holstein cows at a dairy farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe

2017 ◽  
Vol 88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Chiwome ◽  
Erick Kandiwa ◽  
Borden Mushonga ◽  
Shepherd Sajeni ◽  
Gervais Habarugira
Keyword(s):  
Prospective Study ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Milk Fever ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Jersey Cows

A 3-year prospective study investigated the incidence of milk fever in Jersey and Holstein cows at a commercial dairy farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe. The overall incidence of milk fever at the farm was 7.98%. Incidence of milk fever in Jerseys (14.78%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Holsteins (4.82%). Incidence of milk fever in Jerseys beyond their fourth parity (24.85%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Jerseys in their second (5.90%), third (6.49%) and fourth (8.73%) parities. Incidence of milk fever in Holsteins beyond their fourth parity (8.29%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Holsteins in their second (1.43%), third (1.82%) and fourth (2.91%) parities. No significant difference existed in milk fever incidences between the second, third and fourth parities in either Jersey or Holstein cows. Incidence of milk fever in Jersey cows producing over 6114 litres per 305-day lactation (27.07%) was significantly higher than that in Jerseys producing less than 6114 litres of milk per 305-day lactation (p < 0.05). Incidence of milk fever in Holsteins producing more than 9149 litres per 305-day lactation (10.49%) was significantly higher than that in Holsteins producing less than 9149 litres of milk per 305-day lactation (p < 0.05). No significant difference existed between incidences of milk fever between the first, second and third quartile producers (p > 0.05) in either Jersey or Holstein cows. This study confirms that the risk of developing milk fever is higher in Jerseys and also increases with increasing parity and higher levels of milk production in both breeds, thus advocating for special considerations when dairy cows fit these criteria.

scholarly journals Инновационные направления основа повышения эффективности производства продукции растениеводства

2019 ◽  
pp. 56-60
Author(s):  
L.A. Khomutova ◽  
L.M. Isaeva
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Potato Yield ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Current State ◽  
Fodder Crops ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Competitive Products

Рассматриваются результаты анализа современного состояния отрасли растениеводства в Костромской области и основные направления её инновационного развития. Отрасль характеризуется низким уровнем интенсивности ведения производства, нестабильным уровнем рентабельности и низким показателем товарности. Неэффективные технологические процессы в отрасли не могут обеспечить производство конкурентоспособной продукции. Одной из причин неэффективного развития отрасли растениеводства региона является нерациональное использование сельских территорий, их природного, демографического, экономического потенциалов. В последние годы сократились площади посева под зерновыми (на 7,5 тыс. га, или на 19,6) и кормовыми культурами (на 4,8 тыс. га, или на 4,1), но наблюдается увеличение площади посадки картофеля (на 102 га, или на 12). Применение экстенсивных технологий не позволяет обеспечить высокую урожайность сельскохозяйственных культур. Она колеблется по зерновым культурам в пределах 11 16 ц/га, картофелю 179 220 ц/га, сену 16 17 ц/га, зелёному корму 72 225 ц/га. Повышение эффективности развития отрасли растениеводства возможно за счёт внедрения инновационных направлений: системы семеноводства сельскохозяйственных культур, организации интенсивного производства и освоения новых и усовершенствованных индустриальных технологий, использования биоклиматического потенциала, научно обоснованного размещения производства отдельных сельскохозяйственных культур. Расчёты показали, что при внедрении инновационных технологий урожайность картофеля может увеличиться на 59,7 ц/га, или на 27,1, а зерна на 16 ц/га, или на 114,3, при снижении себестоимости на 28,5 и 18,4 и увеличении рентабельности в 3,3 и 2,8 раза соответственно. Рост урожайности зелёной массы и сена однолетних и многолетних трав в 2,6 раза приведёт к снижению себестоимости их производства на 41,5 и 23,2 соответственно и снижению доли затрат на корма в структуре себестоимости продукции животноводства.The results of the analysis of the current state of the crop production branch in the Kostroma region and the main directions of its innovative development are considered. The branch is characterized by a low level of intensity of conducting production, an unstable level of profitability and a low rate of marketability. Ineffective technological processes in the branch cannot provide the production of competitive products. One of the reasons for the inefficient development of the crop production branch in the region is the irrational use of rural territories, their natural, demographic, and economic potentials. In recent years planting acreage under grain crops have been reduced (by 7.5 thousand ha, or 19.6) and fodder crops (by 4.8 thousand ha, or 4.1) but there has been an increase in the planted area of potatoes (on 102 hectares, or 12). The use of extensive technologies does not allow for high crop yields. It varies between 11 16 kg/ha for crops, 179 220 kg/ha for potatoes, 16 17 kg/ha for hay, and 72 225 kg/ha for green fodder. Improving the efficiency of the development of the crop production branch is possible through the introduction of innovative directions: a system of seed farming of crops, the organization of intensive production and the development of new and improved industrial technologies, the use of bioclimatic potential and the scientifically based distribution of production of individual crops. Calculations showed that with the introduction of innovative technologies the potato yield may be increased by 59.7 kg/ha, or 27.1, and grain by 16 kg/ha or 114.3 while reducing the cost by 28.5 and 18.4 and an increase in profitability by 3.3 and 2.8 times respectively. Increase in the yield of green mass and hay of annual and perennial grasses by 2.6 times will lead to a decrease in the cost of their production by 41.5 and 23.2, respectively and a decrease in the share of feed costs in the structure of the cost of livestock production.

scholarly journals Silicon-based natural zeolites in feeding store pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 935 (1) ◽  
pp. 012019
Author(s):  
A Yu Lavrentev ◽  
N V Evdokimov ◽  
G A Larionov ◽  
E Yu Nemtseva ◽  
L R Mikhaylova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mixed Feed ◽  
Group A ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
Mixed Feeds ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Silicon Based

Abstract To realize the genetic potential of pig productivity and balance diets, it is perhaps to use various additives, including silicon-containing zeolite trepel. The novelty of the work - the use of zeolite in feeding as a preventive and therapeutic additive allows you to increase productivity and reduce the cost of feed and feed costs compared to similar additives. For the experiment, 4 recipes of mixed feeds were developed: one without the content of zeolite trepel and 3 with 3, 4, 5% of this additive. It is proved that the best dose of this drug is 3% of the mass of feed. It was found that the body weight gain in II group increased by 13.5%, in III group by 7.2%, and in IV group decreased by 4.41% compared to the control group. The addition of silicon-containing zeolite in the II and III experimental groups did not affect the consumption of mixed feed, and in the IV experimental group, a decrease in the consumption of mixed feed was observed. Feed consumption in the I, III and IV experimental groups decreased by 12.1%, 6.7% and 0.3%.

scholarly journals Effect of UMMB Supplementation during Winter on the Milk Production and Its Composition and Infertility in Dairy Cattle in Hill Management Production System

1970 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chet Raj Upreti ◽  
Bashanta Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Binaya Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Rice Straw ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Management System ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Net Income ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Jersey Cows

Two groups, each containing 10 lactating cross bred Jersey cows were used to evaluate their feeding response on their milk production level and its quality in the mid hill’s livestock production and management system. Ten infertile Jersey cows were also selected for infertility study. The objective of the study was to evaluate on the response of Urea Molasses Mineral Block (UMMB) feed supplements in two management systems on the milk production, composition, and correction in infertility problem. Two sites of different management system, namely Saaradabatase and Naala in Kavrepalanchok district, were used to conduct the research for two years. Research was conducted during winter from February to April 2007 and 2008 for 60 with 7 days adjustment period in each site. Ten lactating dairy cows were supplemented with UMMB and ten without UMMB for 30 days. In each location, both groups were recorded for their milk yield and milk quality (milk fat and SNF %). After 30 days, group A was stopped to offer block group and B was started to supplement UMMB for 30 days. Two kg blocks were fed in UMMB feeder (wooden made) to control the intake. In Ugrachandi Nala site i.e site A 25% green grass was offered. But in Saaradabatase, site B, rice straw was used as basal diet with or without small amount of green grass as per availability. Among the total 8 repeatedly breeding Jersey cattle, 25% i.e. 2 animals, came into heat and conceived due to the positive effect of UMMB. Body condition score was improved from 3.5 to 4 due to the effect of UMMB supplementation. A simple economical calculation was done to find out the net income. A net daily profit of NRs 10.77 per animal in Saaradabatase and NRs 5.96 in Nala was recorded with the UMMB fed group compared to control group. Study has concluded that UMMB as a feed supplement in the mid hill management is economical for winter feeding. UMMB supplementation is one of the means to correct infertility problem and for better condition score in dairy cattle. Key words: infertility; management system; milk production; rice straw; UMMB DOI: 10.3126/njst.v11i0.4126Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 11 (2010) 71-78

scholarly journals Development of competitiveness and its determinants in Slovak dairy farms

2014 ◽  
Vol 60 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 82-88
Author(s):  
M. Michaličková ◽  
Z. Krupová ◽  
P. Polák ◽  
L. Hetényi ◽  
E. Krupa
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Effective Utilization ◽  
Unit Costs ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Cattle Farms

The competitiveness and its determinants for Slovak dairy cattle farms during the years 2007 to 2011 was analysed. The economic database of the Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra was used as the basis. The profit in milk production with including the direct subsidies was assumed as the main parameter of the dairy farm competitiveness. The influence of the individual cost items and milk yield on the competitiveness was quantified using the multivariable linear regression model. Our results indicate that the farms were competitive in milk production only in 2007 and 2008. The highest profit (0.026&nbsp;&euro; per 1 kg of milk) was reached in 2007. It was mainly determined by the level of the milk price (+9%) and unit costs (&ndash;10%) in the evaluated period. The negative regression to the competitiveness was observed for the feed costs, labour costs, repairs and services, depreciations, other direct costs and overheads. On the other hand, the statistically positive impact of the milk yield was found. Generally, the effective utilization of the production potential of animals should be recommended as the main factor of the unit costs reduction as well as for the improvement of the dairy cattle farms profit. &nbsp;

A constant goal, changing tactics: The Krusenbaum dairy farm (1996–2005)

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua L. Posner ◽  
Gary G. Frank ◽  
Kenneth V. Nordlund ◽  
Ronald T. Schuler
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Herd Health ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Feed Costs ◽  
Environmentally Sound

AbstractThis case study documents the trajectory of a successful alternative dairy farm in southeastern Wisconsin. The 1990s were a difficult period for dairying and the Krusenbaum family entered this shifting field in 1990 with a 37-cow Holstein herd in a stanchion barn, 88 tillable hectares and a vision to gradually develop a biodynamic dairy. Low milk prices and the unrelenting workload associated with conventional dairying forced the family to look for alternative strategies. By 1995 they had converted all their land to 47 rotationally grazed paddocks, increased herd size to 70 cows and their annual net farm income had grown to a solid $54,000. The workload remained very heavy, and during the next few years they introduced a swing-16 milking parlor that approximately doubled their milking efficiency and allowed them to again increase herd size, implemented seasonal dairying and constructed an outwintering shed (1997) that greatly facilitated animal management during the winter. By 2002 the farming system had been, by and large, consolidated and by not focusing solely on milk production and crossbreeding with non-Holstein breeds, the herd benefited from improved reproductive vigor. They were then able to synchronize annual calving and the herd's maximum nutritional needs with the spring flush of their pastures, which resulted in lowered purchased feed costs per cow. By this time, annual milk production was fairly constant [around 7400 kg rolling herd average (RHA)], herd health was good and annual net farm income had grown to $75,600. In 2003, the farm became certified organic. With this change the value of the milk increased dramatically from $0.31 liter−1 to $0.45 liter−1 ($14.27–$20.24 per hundredweight), but feed costs climbed sharply due to the high cost of organic feed, as did labor costs due to the decision to train new farmers in grass-based dairying rather than simply hire employees. Due to very sound farm management, good money management and an entrepreneurial philosophy, this farm, by most performance standards, is now both highly profitable and environmentally sound and the families living on it have a good quality of life.

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