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Study finds grassed-based dairy farmers optimistic
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Subject: Study finds grassed-based dairy farmers optimistic
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From: Sam Brungardt <sbrungardt@mes.umn.edu>
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Date: 5 Dec 1996 23:56:35 GMT
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Article: 17163 of alt.sustainable.agriculture
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Newsgroups: alt.sustainable.agriculture
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Organization: Minnesota Extension Service
I'm sure some of the subscribers to this news group will be interested in
the following release about a new bulletin that is now available.--Sam
Brungardt, Minnesota Extension Service, Univ. of Minnesota
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New Study Finds Grassed-Based Farmers Optimistic
Minnesota dairy farmers who graze their herds are optimistic about the
future of the state's dairy industry, according to a bulletin that
summarizes the findings of a study of 29 grazing operations
Numbers of Minnesota dairy herds have been declining for more than 25
years. And since 1985, total milk volume produced in Minnesota has
declined. So, in addition to fewer dairy farmers in rural communities,
job in industries related to dairying, such as milk processing, are
expected to disappear.
"For some farmers who are grazing their herds, the future of the dairy
industry is not as dismal as recent milk production and farm numbers might
imply," the 30-page bulletin, "Knee Deep in Grass," says.
Management-intensive grazing (MIG) techniques are rapidly being adopted in
parts of Minnesota. "Knee Deep in Grass" summarizes interviews conducted
in 1994 with 29 Minnesota dairy farm families who were using MIG
practices. The farms were typical midwestern dairy farms; almost all were
single-family operations averaging 58 cows and about 300 acres of land.
The families said their quality of life had improved after they adopted
MIG, since they shifted from repetitious tasks, such as baling hay and
repairing equipment, to duties such as pasture and business management.
And, graziers with seasonally freshened herds reported even more time
savings, especially during the dry period.
Profits on farms using MIG improved because the farms drastically reduced
purchases of inputs, such as feed and fuel. Many people support the idea
that MIG can slow the demise of Minnesota dairy farms and reduce further
rural degradation. MIG helps maintain profits on small- to mid-size
family dairies, preserves existing community jobs and encourages farm
children to continue farming.
MIG may also help midwestern dairies compete with large, western dairies.
Charlie Opitz, a large-scale Wisconsin dairy grazier, says, "If the
Midwest realizes that grazing is the cornerstone of dairying here,
California can't touch us."
"Knee Deep in Grass" is available at county offices of the Minnesota
Extension Service. Or, you can place a credit card order for the 30-page
bulletin by phoning the MES Distribution Center at (800) 876-8636 or (612)
624-4900 and asking for item BU-6693-EM4. The bulletin costs $5
plus shipping and tax (where applicable).
"Knee Deep in Grass" was published by the Minnesota Institute for
Sustainable Agriculture and the Minnesota Extension Service. Authors are
Brian Loeffler, Earl Fuller, Dennis Johnson and Helene Murray.