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Title: Evaluation of grassfed dairy management practices and producer perceptions on milk production in the United States

Author
item SNIDER, MIRIAM - University Of Vermont
item ZIEGLER, SARA - University Of Vermont
item DARBY, HEATHER - University Of Vermont
item Soder, Kathy
item BRITO, ANDRE - University Of New Hampshire
item BEIDLER, BRENT - Consultant
item FLACK, SARAH - Consultant
item GREENWOOD, SABRINA - University Of Vermont
item NILES, MEREDITH - University Of Vermont

Submitted to: Proceedings of American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2020
Publication Date: 11/4/2020
Citation: Snider, M., Ziegler, S., Darby, H., Soder, K.J., Brito, A., Beidler, B., Flack, S., Greenwood, S., Niles, M. 2020. Evaluation of grassfed dairy management practices and producer perceptions on milk production in the United States{abstract}. Proceedings of American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. P. 1.

Interpretive Summary: No Interpretive Summary is required for this Abstract Only. JLB.

Technical Abstract: Grassfed livestock production systems are growing in prevalence in the United States due to consumer demand. For the purposes of this study, grassfed dairy is defined as dairy production relying on forages, sans grains, to meet nutritional needs. While grassfed dairy is expanding faster than many other dairy sectors, there is limited research outlining management practices, perceptions that drive these practices, nor their combined influence on milk production. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate demographics, current production practices, and producer knowledge; 2) identify agronomic and social factors that may influence milk production; and 3) identify knowledge gaps in grassfed dairy systems. A survey was sent to 351 grassfed dairy farms throughout the United States with a response rate of 46.7%. Producers were asked questions regarding demographics, management practices, self-perceived knowledge, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed using Stata 16.0 with Pearson’s correlation coefficients and multivariate analysis. Geographically, most farms were located in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and managed by producers who belong to the plain community. Milk production was greater on farms comprised of Holstein cattle. Furthermore, farms that utilized intensive pasture rotation also experienced greater milk production. Regarding respondent perceptions, producers (71.8%) indicated they were at least “somewhat satisfied” with their milk production. However, producers that reported a higher knowledge base about grazing management practices and reproductive performance reported higher satisfaction with milk production. This suggests that producers may be prioritizing other production practices not related to milk production, including animal welfare, health, and land management. These results indicate that there is a research need to create financial and production benchmarks for grassfed dairy producers, and identify areas for improvement through management changes for greater viability.