Organic Dairy Performance and Profitability in 2014

This study analyzed and evaluated the performance and profitability of 31 organic dairies from 5 states using Dairy TRANS Financial Analysis software. The 2014 organic dairy data, with a few exceptions, shows profits. Profits earned have been deemed to be very competitive with the best of other dairy systems as well. Profitable organic dairying depends on many factors such as productivity of labor, land and cows, but labor efficiency may be the most important. Producers are also urged to consider using the Dairy TRANS Financial Analysis to analyze and further improve dairy profits regardless of the production system being utilized

The Economics of Low Cost Parlors

Many dairy producers ( \u3e 40+% in Iowa) are milking in stall barns or antiquated milking parlors which are achieving only 25 cows milked per person per hour. In comparison, other producers are achieving 75 cows milked per person per hour in well-designed milking parlors. This difference represents a person being three times more efficient with use of labor which translates into significant differences in farm profitability between these milking systems

Low Cost Parlors and Automatic Milking Systems On-Farm Education

Sixteen of 45 producers who received an individual farm visit follow-up responded to a post survey. 82% responded yes that as a result of Extension’s promotion, fact sheets, seminars, workshops, farm tours and/or individual consultation, they have made a decision to install (or not install) a low cost parlor or a robotic milking system. 46% have already installed; 33% are presently installing; and 21% will install in the future. 6 installed a robotic milking system; 8 installed a low cost parlor; and 3 installed an “other type” of milking system change. 7 producers felt the individual farm visits were worth an average of $49,549 due to profits realized from making changes to their operation

Hydroponic Fodder Systems for Dairy Cattle?

There is renewed interest in hydroponic fodder systems for dairy, livestock or poultry operations. The thought of putting one pound of seed into a hydroponic system producing 10 times its weight in fodder is appealing. However, the actual dry matter weight of the original grain to the fodder produced may or may not increase. Research reviews are very inconsistent in any dry matter production or animal performance benefits. The aim of this analysis is to assist producers weigh the high production costs of hydroponic fodder systems relative to any real or perceived nutritional benefits gained from feeding hydroponic fodder

The Economics of Organic Dairying

Organic dairy producers (and others who aspire to this profession) need sound economic data and analyses to make decisions. This study analyzed and evaluated the profitability of 10 organic dairies using Dairy TRANS Financial Analysis software. On average, these 10 dairies showed “good” profitability for 2013 but there was a wide range of results. It is hoped this study will assist current and aspiring organic dairy producers to both budget and benchmark their dairy operations to better plan for future profitability. Producers are also urged to consider using the Dairy TRANS Financial Analysis to analyze and further improve dairy profits regardless of the production system being utilized

Organic Dairy Profits in Iowa—2014

Organic dairy producers (and others who aspire to this profession) need sound economic data and analyses to make decisions. This study analyzed and evaluated the profitability of 15 Iowa organic dairies using Dairy TRANS Financial Analysis software. On average, these 15 dairies showed “good” profitability for 2014 but there was a wide range of results. It is hoped these ongoing studies will assist current and aspiring organic dairy producers to both budget and benchmark their dairy operations to better plan for future profitability. Producers are also urged to consider using the Dairy TRANS Financial Analysis to analyze and further improve dairy profits regardless of the production system being utilized

Sustainable economic development through organic and grazing dairy farm establishment and transition

This project aimed to increase the number of grass-based and organic dairies in Iowa. However, progress was stymied by the severe 2008-09 economic downturn that kept beginning dairy farmers from getting into the business, and also forced some current producers who were candidates to transition to alternative methods to exit the business

Making Successful Decisions on Robotic Milking Technology

Automatic Milking Systems (AMS) are milking cows on over 2,500 farms around the world. There are over 150 farms in the US and over 350 in Canada using AMS. AMS has been growing exponentially since 2000. Decreased labor and increased quality of life can override the high investment costs of AMS. AMS increase management ability by collecting individual cow milk production, milk conductivity, milk clarity, cow activity and rumination data. AMS are a high level management system, not just a tool to milk cows. The increased management ability may be more important than the milking technology. The high initial capital input and high management abilities to successfully operate these systems make it imperative that dairy producers and their agri-service providers, especially lenders and bankers, have excellent education and training materials and opportunities. One objective of our ISU Dairy team is to provide the leadership and expertise in delivering and providing these materials and programs. These programs are an addition to a larger very successful ongoing program on risk management for dairy producers deciding on what milking technology best fits their farm and financial future

Manure Management Systems-Iowa Dairy Producer Surveys

Nutrients present in manure are increasingly receiving attention for environmental, production, and financial reasons. Dairy producers continue to strive for better ways and educational opportunities to improve profits by evaluating fertilizer and value of manure to their operation and to protect the environment. These farming decisions which help producers stay economically viable also support and stimulate their local economy, which promotes a more vital rural community. This project encompassed surveys of manure management systems and nutrient management practices on 22 Iowa Dairy Farms, including economic costs and returns. The results served a large educational role by providing industry benchmarks as well as an “Economics of Manure Management” spreadsheet tool to determine cost of handling, storing and applying manure, less the cost of the nutrients gained in the manure for other dairy producers and dairy professionals