US dairy farm size set to maintain an upward trajectory

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 ...