Production

Question 1

Family owned us dairies

Answer 1

> 95%

Question 2

Limiters to # milking cows

Answer 2

Parlor capacity, waste permit, ability to borrow more capital, forage production, lactating cow housing, dry cow housing

Question 3

Constant flow pattern

Answer 3

Calve year round
More constant supply
Must combat weather issues

Question 4

Seasonal calvings

Answer 4

6wk window
Uneven cash flow
Excellent management required

Question 5

1lb more peak

Answer 5

250lbs more milk over full lactation

Question 6

Peak

Answer 6

1st lactation- 90-120 DIM, 80% of mature cow

2+ lactation- 45-90 DIM

Question 7

Culling decision

Answer 7

Springing heifer ready to take her place?

Question 8

Revenue

Answer 8

Fluid milk sale, market cow, genetics sale, calf sales

Question 9

Labor

Answer 9

Fixed or variable

2nd largest cost after feed

Question 10

Marginal feed cost

Answer 10

Cost for feed it takes existing cow to make more milk

Question 11

Determinants of herd size

Answer 11

Milking parlor capacity
Housing/feeding capacity
Waste permit allowance