Dairy farmers could reduce the damaging effects of volatility in the marketplace – both in terms of ex-farm milk prices and input costs – by concentrating more on milk solids.

According to a new report from Kite Consulting, some herds are already achieving or approaching 1000kg of milk solids per cow per year which offers benefits to meeting market demands while also reducing the carbon footprint of dairy.

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In the report, it was found that some farms could not operate to unobtainable standards due to high levels of investment or business structure. They were, however, all efficient, well-run units where the right kind of investment had been made for the long-term sustainability of the herd.

Notably, it was found that genetics were responsible for up to 50% of the cow’s milk solids performance.

Co-author Rose Jackson from Kite Consulting said this was a significant percentage, particularly considering the relatively low investment required to improve herd genetics.

“All farms in the report are far exceeding their genetic prediction for total solids production, with the average ranging from 890kg-1060kg of combined fat and protein/cow/ year. This highlights the impact of controlling the cow’s environment and nutritional factors,” she said.

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The report, Efficiently Achieving 1000kg – Maximising Milk Solids for Sustainable Dairy Production, was supported by National Milk Records (NMR). Ben Bartlett, NMR marketing director, said some common themes were relevant.

“Evidence provided by the farms in the study demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved through careful planning, focussed on market needs, and backed up by well-informed decisions based on robust cow data.”