New York Dairy Farms’ Adoption of Management Tactics During the 2009 Economic Slowdown

Abstract

New York dairy farmers’ adoption of management tactics to reduce the impacts from the economic downturn
was studied using survey data collected from 101 dairy operations in 2009. A Canonical Discriminate Analysis
was used and results indicate that managers who practice more management tactics tend to operate a larger herd,
hold a leadership position in dairy organizations, and feel pressure from the adverse economy. Prevailing tactics
dairy farms have practiced to lower production costs include: reduce feed spoilage (90%), control utility costs
(89%), reducefeed protein and additives (72% and 71% respectively), and cull cows (67%). Farm managers who
have small acreages and feel financial pressure have actively sought help from various agricultural assistance
programs, whereas larger operations have not.