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Publication Date
1981
Description
Over the last i0 years, dairy-farm enterprises have g:ro-wn in size, with an apparent increase in use of improved scientific feeding and management techniques. There in growing emphasis on automated feeding and milking and on management stcategies in an attempt to reduce labor needs and allow more cows/worker. The average herd size in the sample population was 76.8 cows. There was difficulty finding herds over 100 and under 40 head. It appears that the trend toward increasing growth will continue, as much as sufficient capital, management ability, and debt service capacity eJi:ist to permit the growth to occur. Forage management by Wisconsin dairy farmers also has changed over the last 10 years, with more emphasis on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a means of reducing purchased p:cotein feeds and controlling feed costs. This change has led to increased soil testing, forage testing, and forage fertilization. Low-moisture silage (LMS) as a means of reducing labor and preserving forage quality has increased and has resulted in g:rowing dairy-farm investments. Producers relate LMS forage systems to high· quality feed, lower costs of purchased feed, automated feeding, and increased profits.
Citation
Dornfeld, D D.; Rohweder, D A.; and Howard, W T., "Income, Costs, and Profits Associated with Feeding Selected Forages to Dairy Cows" (1981). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 2.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1981/section14/2)
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Archival
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Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Income, Costs, and Profits Associated with Feeding Selected Forages to Dairy Cows
Over the last i0 years, dairy-farm enterprises have g:ro-wn in size, with an apparent increase in use of improved scientific feeding and management techniques. There in growing emphasis on automated feeding and milking and on management stcategies in an attempt to reduce labor needs and allow more cows/worker. The average herd size in the sample population was 76.8 cows. There was difficulty finding herds over 100 and under 40 head. It appears that the trend toward increasing growth will continue, as much as sufficient capital, management ability, and debt service capacity eJi:ist to permit the growth to occur. Forage management by Wisconsin dairy farmers also has changed over the last 10 years, with more emphasis on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a means of reducing purchased p:cotein feeds and controlling feed costs. This change has led to increased soil testing, forage testing, and forage fertilization. Low-moisture silage (LMS) as a means of reducing labor and preserving forage quality has increased and has resulted in g:rowing dairy-farm investments. Producers relate LMS forage systems to high· quality feed, lower costs of purchased feed, automated feeding, and increased profits.
