Synthesis of Optimum Forage Handling Systems for a One-Man Dairy Farm

Abstract

Summary Linear programming techniques were used to select the forage-handling practices that would yield maximum family income from a dairy farm operation under corn belt conditions and to consider their effect on the entire farm organization. A high level of management and dairy production was assumed. Most phases of the dairy farm organization that could affect or be affected by the forage-handling practices were considered. Optimum farm organizations were developed restricted by the family labor available and selected amounts of capital. The total acreage in the farm was found to be primarily a function of the available capital. Maximum family income was realized when the number of cows was at the maximum permitted by the labor available on the farm. Generally, cows contributed more to net farm income than production of grain or hay for sale. A ration with a high proportion of grain was found to provide the most economical source of nutrients on farms with large areas of land. About the same number of cows was kept on the small as on the large farms but the small farm operators used more forage in the dairy ration. A rotational grazing program was found to be economically desirable. Further improvement in income could be obtained by adding first a hay conditioner and second a mow dryer. With a good yield of high-quality hay, silage was economically feasible only if a silo was already on the farm.