Dairy farm size in the United States (US) looks set to increase further during the period ahead, as economic pressures within the sector grows.
This is according to Nathan Thomas, who milks both pedigree Holstein and Jersey cows close to the village of North Lewisburg in Ohio.
He has officiated at shows across north and South America, as well as Mexico, Australia and Europe.
Thomas judged all the competition classes at the 2024 Royal Ulster Winter Fair.
“Milk prices have held up quite well in the US during 2024. However, over the long-term, margins per cow are falling. As a result, those farmers who want to stay in milk have no option but to increase cow numbers,” he said.
Dairy farm size
According to Thomas, US dairy farmers are producing milk for both home and export markets.
“Climate is not an issue that is impacting directly on dairy farming operations at the present time.
“However, manure management is. In response to this a significant number of dairy farmers in the US have recently invested in anaerobic digestion operations,” he added.
Dairy breeding trends are also fast-changing in the United States.
“The trend is to breed a more moderate sized cow that has an inherent ability to produce large quantities of high quality milk. Good feet and legs are important, as is fertility and overall resilience,” Thomas said.
Prior to judging the Winter Fair, the Ohio-based dairy farmer had visited a number of dairying operations across Europe.
However, he was particularly impressed with the dairy stock that he had seen in Ireland.
“Many of the cows taking part in the Winter Fair would have competed extremely well at comparable events in many other countries,” he continued.
Meanwhile, recent months have seen farm gate milk prices in Northern Ireland rise significantly.
This reflects the strengthening market for dairy products plus the winter milk bonuses available from all the dairy processers operating in the north.
There is a cautious optimism that dairy markets will remain firm into 2025. However, all the processers represented at the Winter Fair made the point that investing in added value products is the future.
Commodity markets are far too unpredictable. Delivering sustainable prices for the future at farm level is the number one priority.
Flattening the production curve within the dairy sector is another priority for milk processers. If this can be achieved, it will allow for the more efficient use of the processing capacity that is currently in place across the sector.
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