A Regional Comparison Of Farm Costs And Returns Among Top Dairy Producers PDF Download

Organic milk production has been one of the fastest growing segments of organic ag. in the U.S. in recent years. Despite the growing number of organic dairy operations (ODO), the characteristics of ODO and the relative costs of organic and conventional milk production have been difficult to analyze. This study examines the structure, costs, and challenges of ODO. The analysis addresses economies of size, regional differences, and pasture use in ODO and compares organic and conventional milk production costs. The findings suggest that economic forces have made ODO more like conventional operations and that the future structure of the industry may depend on the interpretation and implementation of new organic pasture rules. Illustrations.