Key drivers of milk production costs in dairy systems
The rate of increase in the average unit cost of producing milk in Ireland has accelerated markedly in the last 2-3 years. While much of this is attributed to unit cost inflation on inputs such as feed, fertilizer and energy, analysis of farm financial data shows significant variation in the relative impact on farms of similar type. Clearly then, there are numerous farm-level factors to be considered when assessing options for controlling costs and protecting margins.
This session featured a presentation from David Beca, Red Sky Agri Consulting, Australia. He developed Red Sky, an agricultural business analysis and benchmarking software application that has wide use across Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. David has specialised in identifying and reporting on the primary drivers of productivity and profitability in grazing systems.
Joe Patton, Teagasc, presented some key trends in cost structure on Irish dairy farms, and highlighted the value of dairy cost benchmarking as a business development practice.
Emma Louise Coffey caught up with David Beca, Red Sky Agri, Australia at the National Dairy Conference.
Download the presentations
- David Beca - Key drivers of milk production costs in dairy systems
- Joe Patton - Trends in Dairy Farm Costs and Inputs 2019-2022