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Management Practices and Net Returns in Milk Production in Washington¹

Departments of Agricultural Economics and Dairy Science, State College of Washington, Pullman

ABSTRACT

The dairy farmer is being encouraged to spread the milk production of his herd as evenly as possible throughout the year. This is being done through such schemes as seasonal pricing plans, base-quota plans, fall premium pricing plans, and education to even out the freshening schedule of his herd. Dairy plants cannot handle and process this raw product most economically when there is a wide fluctuation in the flow of milk from producers in any given market—high spring and low fall production. Studies have shown that relatively even milk production throughout the year is associated with greater net profits to the dairyman (5, 7, 8). The purpose of the research reported in this paper is to present the relative influence of such factors as date of parturition, inherent productivity of the cow, and feeding practices on dairymen's profit.

RESEARCH PROCEDURES

This study was based on the individual lactation records of cows freshening throughout the year in western Washington—the main dairying area in the state.

¹ Scientific Paper No. 1231, Washington Agricultural Experiment Stations, Pullman. Project No. 965 and 1014.