Receive a cost of production analysis specific to your dairy farm

Jan 30, 2024

Do you know the cost of producing milk at your farm? Is your farm profitable? Sustainable?

“A goal of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation is to support farmers to be sustainable and profitable,” says Pauline Van Biert, research analyst with the Alberta government. “The Economics Section offers the Dairy Cost Study program which provides the participating dairy farmers with valuable information on the cost and returns of milk production at their farm. In times when inflation in all areas of life is top of mind, it is good to have as much information as possible at one’s fingertips to help in making decisions and starting conversations.”

Open to all dairy farmers in Alberta, applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Dairy Cost Study program. The program is offered at no charge and is designed to help dairy producers understand the cost of producing milk at the farm. If you are interested, it is not too late to have your cost analysis done for 2023. Farm data can be provided on an annual basis.

“The dairy cost study business analysis is a valuable resource. You may already have reports on your farm’s performance, but this analysis is another perspective and way of looking at your numbers. Having your own numbers in front of you helps assess your farm management options. Tracking cost of production quickly provides information to determine how/if costs are changing over time and effect on milk production and revenue.”

Van Biert says there are several reasons to participate in the Dairy Cost Study:

Build a better understanding of your current dairy business.
Be better prepared to handle time of flux and stress.
Make decisions based on your own farm’s performance.
It is a necessity in your management cycle of measure, analyze, plan, implement and measure again.
Identify opportunity or flexibility to make changes to get closer to net zero.
Empower yourself by being informed.

“The dairy cost study has been in existence for more than 50 years and has a proven track record of providing credible information. Many producers have benefitted from being on the program,” says Van Biert.

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Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Precision livestock farming data can support producers, veterinarians, certifiers, and consumers by enabling improved monitoring, prediction, and decision-making across the entire production system.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.