Abstract
Traditionally, most dairy farms in the south-eastern United States confine cows to barns or on pasture lots year-round and feed stored forages and concentrated feeds (Fontaneli et al. 2005). Often, much of the feed is purchased; however, the cost of purchased feed and fuel has risen rapidly in the last 5 years (NASS 2009). In addition, a significant amount of capital is tied up in buildings, machinery and manure management systems on the farms. For these reasons, many dairy farmers have shown an interest in or started transitioning to pasturebased dairy systems (Ricks and Hardee 2012). The management practices and production results of pasturebased dairy farms in the south-east appear to vary widely (Macoon et al. 2011), but have not been described. The objective of this study was to document pasture and crop management, manure management and milk production on pasture-based dairy farms in Florida and Georgia.
Highlights
ResultsTraditionally, most dairy farms in the south-eastern United States confine cows to barns or on pasture lots year-round and feed stored forages and concentrated feeds (Fontaneli et al 2005)
Dairy farmers in Florida and Georgia were invited by telephone calls, emails and announcements in newsletters to participate
The survey was conducted on 23 dairy farms, involving approximately 29,000 cows and 17,000 heifers, about 15% of all dairy cows in Florida and Georgia
Summary
Most dairy farms in the south-eastern United States confine cows to barns or on pasture lots year-round and feed stored forages and concentrated feeds (Fontaneli et al 2005). A significant amount of capital is tied up in buildings, machinery and manure management systems on the farms. For these reasons, many dairy farmers have shown an interest in or started transitioning to pasturebased dairy systems (Ricks and Hardee 2012). The management practices and production results of pasturebased dairy farms in the south-east appear to vary widely (Macoon et al 2011), but have not been described. The objective of this study was to document pasture and crop management, manure management and milk production on pasture-based dairy farms in Florida and Georgia
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