Description
Key Points
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The increased interest in pasture-based systems of milk production in recent years has been largely generated through lower product prices and rising costs of production.
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Pasture based systems of milk production decrease unit production costs, through lower feed and labour expenses, and reduced capital investment.
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Systems utilising grazed pasture will be optimised in regions where pasture production potential is high, variability in seasonal pasture supply and quality is low, manufacturing milk accounts for a large proportion of total production, and where large areas of land are available at relatively low cost.
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Pasture based systems may allow greater global sustainability (through reduced use of fuel, herbicides and pesticides), increased product quality, improved animal welfare and increased labour efficiency.
Citation
Dillon, P.; Roche, J. R.; Shalloo, L.; and Horan, B., "Optimising Financial Return from Grazing in Temperate Pastures" (2023). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 9.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/20/satellitesymposium4/9
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Optimising Financial Return from Grazing in Temperate Pastures
Key Points
-
The increased interest in pasture-based systems of milk production in recent years has been largely generated through lower product prices and rising costs of production.
-
Pasture based systems of milk production decrease unit production costs, through lower feed and labour expenses, and reduced capital investment.
-
Systems utilising grazed pasture will be optimised in regions where pasture production potential is high, variability in seasonal pasture supply and quality is low, manufacturing milk accounts for a large proportion of total production, and where large areas of land are available at relatively low cost.
-
Pasture based systems may allow greater global sustainability (through reduced use of fuel, herbicides and pesticides), increased product quality, improved animal welfare and increased labour efficiency.
