Book of Abstracts
11th IFOAM
Scientific Conference
11-15 August 1996
Copenhagen, Denmark

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Economics of Organic Milk Production in Germany S25

Hansen, Juergen

Ökoring Schleswig-Holstein, D-24582 Bordesholm, Kieler Strasse 26

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Since four years, the dairy production of thirteen organic farms has been analysed economically. The author compared the expenditures and incomes in dairy production to be able to identify differences in production and in production efficiency.

Generally, the conversion to organic dairy farming has the following implications for farm management: 1) The beef-production is reduced. 2) The input of concentrates is lower. 3) The price for concentrates is higher. 4) The anual amount of milk per cow is lower. 5) The revenue per kg milk is higher. 6) The profit contribution per cow is higher. 7) The profit contribution per ha is lower.

The results for the period from 1991 to 1994/95 indicate a range of possible levels of efficiency. The main reasons for differences inefficiency are differences in yield per cow or ha and the marketing-situation on the farms.

The differences in production become visible- in milk per cow resulting from fodder crops,- in the yield of fodder crops,- in breeding calves, and- in rearing heifers

Data of different German regions were analysed and the results showed that regional differences in Germany are of minor importance. The analysis of the data showed the economic implications of different yield-levels and the increasing know-how in production over the last years. It also showed that farms which were able to establish a system of direct marketing are less efficient in production. In average, these farms have a lower amout of milk yield per year, the need of main forage area and the cost of the basic ration is higher. That is why the special costs are higher compared with the farms without direct marketing. This could be overcompensated by the proceeds in marketing and led to a better variable margin for the farms with direct marketing activities.

Hansen, J.; Hochmann, J. (1995): Milchviehhaltung im ökologischem Landbau (Milkproduction in organic farms) in: Rinder-Report 1995 Betriebswirtschaftliche Mitteilungen of Landwirtschaftskammer Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, p. 93 - 96.

Hansen, J. (1995): Wie wirtschaftlich ist die Milchviehhaltung? in:bio-land 3/95, Goeppingen, p.