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United States Dairying: Changes and Challenges

University of Wisconsin Madison 53706 and W. D. Hoard and Sons Co., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538

Abstract

Surplus milk is the major headline for the dairy industry in 1982. Increasing production and decreasing demand, especially on a per capita basis, has occurred during the last 25 yr. Government programs have played a major role in determining the supply and price of milk during this period. At present the surplus exceeds 10% of total production and cost of buying surplus cheese, butter and non-fat dry milk is currently of great concern. Changes in diets and substitutes for dairy products have decreased demands while production has steadily increased and accelerated more rapidly in the last three yr. The increased production has occurred even though cow numbers and farm numbers declined sharply. However the increased production per cow and per man has been even more dramatic. Breeding, feeding and management of dairy cows and management of dairy farms have changed rapidly in the last 25 yr. More mechanization and specialization of farms and improved genetic ability of cows have resulted in new questions, new problems and new directions of research for teachers, extension and research workers. Technology has advanced rapidly both in research laboratories and on farms. Trends of increased production per cow and increased size of herds will continue. More efficient milk production will continue to challenge the dairy producers while balance of supply and demand will challenge the total industry and governmental policies. Providing adequate food for a growing population without destroying environment and future productivity of natural resources provides both an opportunity and a challenge for the dairy industry.

Key Words: Milk Cows • Milk Utilization • Dairy Farming

¹ Dairy Science Dept., Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.

² Managing Editor, Hoard's Dairyman.