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Study finds grassed-based dairy farmers optimistic



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.