The Canadian supply managed dairy sector is likely to face more competitive pressure from challenges through the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the changing global trade environment. Therefore, it is highly prudent for Canadian dairy producers to focus their concern on their level of competitiveness and how to improve it. This study investigated the competitiveness of Ontario dairy sector based on a sample of farm level data with a Box-Cox transformed econometric cost model. The data were gathered by the Ontario Dairy Farm Accounting Project, for the years 2005, 2006, and 2007. The impacts of output, yield per cow and several farm-specific characteristics on the average cost of milk production were examined. Results support the presence of significant size economies and yield economies within Ontario milk production. Minimum costs were achieved for farms with approximately 125 cows. The results also indicated that some farm-specific characteristics, breed and region, also had significant impacts on the cost of Ontario milk production. However, it appears that Ontario farms may find it difficult to survive if they are forced to face international competition. Even at their minimum, average costs were above an indicator international dairy price.

Increase in profits corresponding to a one unit increase in Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for 3 production traits and for 21 type traits were estimated from 31,123 merged "Official" first lactation records, type records and Estimated Breeding Value (EBVs) records of Canadian Holstein cows using multivariate REML and a mixed model accounting for herd and year of calving effects. The same regression model was used to estimate the same profit increases corresponding to a one unit change in EBVs from 336 merged "Non-Official" first lactation records, type records and EBV records of Canadian Holstein Cows to investigate whether purebred breeders are selecting their animals according to type and production performances while commercial producers are selecting animals that maximize their milk profits. Finally, the usefulness of DHAS cow records for increasing milk profits was investigated by comparing the average profit level of cows with "Official" milk records and their time of registration under the DHAS scheme. / Size had the largest negative impact on profits, with estimates ranging from $-$41.70 $ pm$ 6.60 to $-$26.62 $ pm$ 5.91. Chest width and fore attachment had the largest positive impact on profits, with estimates ranging from 4.30 $ pm$ 5.94 to 16.82 $ pm$ 6.00 and from 4.71 $ pm$ 3.52 to 14.57 $ pm$ 3.97 respectively. Grade cows were found to have on average lower EBVs for most type and production traits than purebred cows. However, grade and purebred cows generated similar milk profits. Finally, the efficiency of using information provided by DHAS to increase profits did not increase with the number of years of participation with DHAS.

Thesis (M.Sc.) -- University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 1999. / Thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Science. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-131).

Thesis (doctoral)--Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 128-140).

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The purpose of this paper is to study the application of HACCP principles in dairy production systems for mitigation of potential water related hazards by control measures and legislation applicable at farm level. HACCP logical sequence approach including some principles of environmental risk assessment was the method used for the present study (FAO/IDF, 2004;Horchner et al., 2006). Literature review, farms visits, interviews, informal questionnaires and confirmation on site of the gathered information were the prerequisites of the study. Four flow diagrams in SA and three in Benin were drawn to describe the 11 steps relating the activities of the seven types of dairy farming systems recorded altogether in these countries (FAO/IDF, 2004,McCrindle, 2007). From the flow diagrams, almost three groups of 30 potential hazards were identified. Biological, chemical and physical hazards were characterized and their effects described according to the source, pathways, mechanisms, of water pollution. It was noticed that water use during farming activities is linked to the number of animals and is an important factor to qualify the magnitude of the risk of water pollution. Critical Control Points (CCPs) were identified. In SA, national legislation includes legal prerequisites for commercial dairy farming systems (SA GOVERNMENT 2005, 2006, 2007). Although water resources policies, strategies, legislation and management are strongly established, their implementation does not clearly include dairy by-products. In Benin dairy production strategy and development started in 2000. Basic legislation relating water resources is being updated. In commercial farming systems (F1 and F2 in SA), F7 in Benin, biological and chemical potential hazards are the main threat to water quality. Direct or indirect source of contamination due to manure, feces, urine, chemicals and stock remedies, waste water, occurs through husbandry practices (milking), pasture and housing. In SA, farmers are aware of International dairy standards, norms and practices such as GAP, GMP and GHP even if the practices are not completely respected. HACCP is not well yet well implemented at producer level althougth some commercial dairy processors have started the implementation of the system (FEDICS, 2004, CEBENOR, 2007). Environmental care (CCP11 and CCP12) are the main critical control points recorded which are not mitigated by the national legislation in both countries. In regard to traditional farming systems (F3, F4) and in SA, (F5, F6) in Benin, national legislation does not include prerequisites for biological and physical hazards; these are the main threat of water pollution and are due to direct or indirect contamination through drinking and grazing. Chemical hazards are not important because inputs of stock remedies are low in these systems. Farmers are not aware of International dairy standards, norms and practices such as GAP, GMP and GHP which are fairly respected. HACCP is unknown at producer level. CCPs relating animal treatment and care are partly mitigated by the national legislation. Stock remedies, drugs residues and Pharmaceuticals are controlled in both countries although Benin faces the introduction of uncontrolled veterinary drugs through illegal frontiers. The majority of the CCPs are not completely mitigated by national legislation for traditional dairy farms in both countries. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

Stearns County, Minnesota is the number-one dairy-producing county in the number-one dairy-producing region--the Midwest--in the country. The area has been home to German-Catholic immigrants from the Rheinland region of Germany since the mid- to late-1850s, when they traveled across Canada and the northeastern United States before finally settling on homesteads in Central Minnesota. 150 years later, the descendants of these settlers still live and farm the same area. Through it all, these farmers have kept a similar schedule: six days of fieldwork, Sunday for rest. And, nearly since the day they arrived in the area, that day of rest has featured one sacred leisure activity: baseball. The state of Minnesota boasts over 250 amateur baseball teams, the most of any state in the country. In the summer of 2012, I moved to Spring Hill, Minnesota, a town of 85, to play for the Spring Hill Chargers and work on the farm. My thesis lies at the intersection of farming and baseball, showing the reader both how little and how much has changed for these men who still farm their land of their forebears and still play America's game. A Summer in the Land of Milk tells my story of living and working in a rural area where the past hangs like a shadow and the future is frighteningly uncertain.

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Seventy-seven randomly chosen herds were personally surveyed for management information. Dairymen were questioned for 1.5 hours about milking systems and practices, feeding, reproductive and genetic aspects of breeding, calf raising and finances. Seventeen non-DHI herds were included. Objectives of the study were to assemble data that described farm management practices not found in DHI records and to relate these data to four measures of profitability. Type of milking system accounted for production differences of 680 kg less milk for herds milking in flatbarns in contrast to parlors. Parlor type had no effect. Dry cow treatment reduced mastitis. A count of six recommended milking practices showed an annual increase of 246 kg milk. per cow per practice implemented. Optimal ages of first calving were found for average production, net cash income per cow and profit per cow. These were 35,29 and 26 months, respectively. Genetic indices failed to explain differences in production or profitability. Feeding programs accounted for the largest portion of expenses and were of great importance to profitability and production. Income over feed cost and feed cost as a percentage of total expense were most important, with major forage fed and degree of crop analysis having significant effects on profits. Models using investment per cow, debt per cow, average interest rate and net income per cow were good predictors of profitability (R² = .29 to .52). DHI herds were 383 kg superior to non-DHI herds in annual milk per cow, had 15 more cows and $81 more net cash income per cow, none significant. Higher production per cow led to more net cash income per cow except for medium-sized herds. / Master of Science