Improved labor efficiency, employee retention and communication were among the benefits for two Pacific Northwest dairy farms that upgraded their milking parlors from the traditional herringbone and parallel models to a rotary and an automated milking system, respectively.

In 2024, dairy farmers may be looking to stabilize their income and navigate the unpredictable market by enrolling in the Dairy Revenue Protection (Dairy-RP) program. One of the distinguishing features of the Dairy-RP program is its adaptability to the specific needs of each dairy operation. This program takes into account regional pay structures and the operation’s environment.

Is a $15 breakeven possible for a dairy farming business in 2024, given increases in input costs and inflation? Others may have their doubts, but I am a firm “yes.”

As the newest member of my company’s youngstock nutrition team and the most recent returning member to my family dairy, I value the efforts taken by my supervisors to identify and apply my skills and strengths effectively to get the job done.

The operation has grown to 400 Holstein cows milked with six robotic milking systems, as well as a new retail store where they also sell local products from their community. The farm has a beef community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and also provides hay wagon tours and farm tours throughout the spring and summer and four weeks of Kids Farm Camp.

A thorough understanding of production costs allows the opportunity to secure margins and ensure profitability. Employing multiple risk management tools in conjunction can provide solid milk price protection, making milk price risk management more critical than ever.