Business Management
Solid business management skills are essential as the dairy cattle industry grows more competitive, complex, and challenging. Dairy producers will find information and tools to utilize in their daily routines, as well as opportunities to connect with other professionals and dairy experts. Find resources for running a dairy operation – from market trends and insights to resources management, dairy herd metrics, record-keeping, and cash-flow planning.
Dairy Farm Management
While raising cattle and managing dairy production, dairy farm owners and managers need to also stay informed and adapt to changing variables such as cattle feed prices, dairy market trends, and regulations.
In this section, you can access many other Penn State Extension resources on dairy farm management, such as our milk production record book to monitor herd productivity, and feeding records for monitoring feed intakes and forage dry matters.
Information is also available for entrepreneurial dairy producers interested in value-added dairy products, such as cheese, butter, and yogurt. From resource planning and management to production, marketing, they can access a variety of all Penn State Extension insights on value-added dairy production.
Tools and Apps for Dairy Producers
Useful tools for dairy producers are also featured in this section, such as the Penn State Dairy Herd Metrics mobile application and the Milk Production and Feeding Records app.
Calculation tools allow producers to get a clearer picture of their dairy expenses and income and how they relate to other farm expenses. Such useful tools are the Farm Margin mobile application for calculating a dairy's break-even cost of production, the DairyCents Mobile App for income over feed costs, and the CropCents Mobile App for actual costs to produce home-raised feeds.
Dairy producers can also find records management systems for determining the actual costs of raising replacement heifers, colostrum management, metrics for monitoring culling strategies, protein and phosphorus monitoring, and many more.
Risk Management for Dairy Producers
Risk management for dairy producers accounts for volatility in milk markets, farm costs, and other factors, so that an unforeseen setback does not cost you your business.
Make the best of Penn State Extension resources on managing risk for dairy operations. Topics include managing income over feed costs, tracking milk prices and feed costs, using milk futures to lock in profitability, risk management for reproduction programs, dairy margin coverage, as well as many others. In addition to these, you could see how to use the USDA Risk Management Checklist to develop or assess your risk management plan.
Dairy Farm Finances and Market Trends
A profitable dairy farm is sustained by adept business and financial management. Dairy producers are constantly monitoring production costs and staying informed of market trends and impending regulations.
Here you can find numerous resources to keep up with market information and help your business stay profitable. Penn State Extension is regularly publishing Dairy Outlook information with current market trends. The Dairy Sense series is also a useful resource for various business management topics.
In addition, producers can find advice and tools for dairy finances, such as these five steps to monitor the financial health of a dairy business. Tips on cash flow management are also available, and you can download our annual cash flow tool to identify cash inflows/outflows for the dairy enterprise.
-
WebinarsFree
Dairy Biosecurity Plan Development for Bovine Influenza A (HPAI)
When 04/24/2024Length 1 hourCraft your dairy farm's biosecurity plan with PA guidelines to combat Bovine Influenza A. Join our webinar for expert guidance. -
WorkshopsFree
Dairy Biosecurity Plan Development for Bovine Influenza A (HPAI)
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 1 hour, 30 minutesCraft your dairy farm's biosecurity plan with PA guidelines to combat Bovine Influenza A. Join our open-house event for expert guidance. -
ArticlesWhen Building a Barn or Building a Business, Plan for Success!
Take time to develop a plan for building your business. -
Online Courses$109.00
Using QuickBooks to Manage Your Farm Business: Instructor-Guided
Sections 6Length 4 hours, 30 minutesLearn basic accounting principles and QuickBooks to run your farm business. This course includes instructor interaction and webinars. -
WebinarsFree
Everyday Biosecurities
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Mar 27, 2024Learn about monitoring animal movements, contacts, and personnel and implementing cleaning and disinfection for animal and disease control. -
-
Workshops$15.00
Women Rooted in Agriculture: Central Wedge Cheese Shop
When 05/06/2024Length 4 hoursUncover cheese shop ownership, farm diversification, and Google Analytics insights. Don't miss this enriching event! -
ArticlesComparing 2017 and 2022 Pennsylvania Dairy Farm Census Data
The USDA conducts a Census of Ag every 5 years to collect comprehensive data on various aspects of farming. This article compares the data from the 2017 and 2022 Pennsylvania Dairy Farm Census. -
NewsDairy Producers Can Enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage
Date Posted 3/19/2024Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), is an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. -
ArticlesLease vs. Purchase of Ag. Equipment - Economic Evaluation
Three basic economic steps to evaluate whether leasing or purchasing farm equipment, including comparing lease payment to purchase price, after tax costs, and the effect of present value on future costs are reviewed. -
NewsPenn State Extension Dairy Team Welcomes Kasey Hower
Date Posted 2/22/2024Kasey Hower joins the dairy team as an educator based out of Berks County, PA. -
NewsNavigating the 2023 Tax Season: Reminders for Farmers
Date Posted 2/5/2024As the 2023 tax filing season approaches, farmers across the country are gearing up to tackle their tax obligations. -
WebinarsFree
Preventing Dairy Cow Ketosis: Nutritional Management during Transition
When Watch NowLength 1 hourRecorded Jan 25, 2024Join Dr. Robert Van Saun, Penn State Extension Veterinarian, to learn the latest about preventing ketosis in dairy cows—essential for pros, students, and farm staff. -
WorkshopsManagement Essentials for Dairy Success (MEDS)
Length Three sessions, each lasting for 6 hours, scheduled every two weeks.Explore essential topics for dairy managers: communication, trust-building, employee empowerment, performance management, motivation, coaching, and more. -
ArticlesDairy Sense: Rising Feed Costs Impact Dry Cows and Heifers
With rising feed costs, ensure that proper nutrition is maintained for growing heifers. -
Workshops$15.00
Women Rooted in Agriculture: Goot Essa Cheese Tour
When 05/02/2024Length 4 hoursTour Goot Essa's cheese-making facility and sample handcrafted, European-style cheeses! Attendees will also learn about cheese-making and value-added dairy products. -
VideosStandard Operating Procedures for Dairy Farms
Length 6:17Standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensure procedures are done correctly and consistently. Learn how to effectively develop and implement SOPs on your farm. -
ArticlesNew Year, New Goals
Developing big goals for your dairy this year might just move you leaps and bounds ahead. -
ArticlesYear-End Tax Planning for Farmers: A Thorough Guide
As the fiscal year comes to a close, it's essential to evaluate your farm's financial situation and make strategic decisions to minimize your tax liability. -
WebinarsFree
Finding and Keeping Great Workers for Dairy Processors
When Watch NowRecorded Oct 18, 2023During this informative webinar, you will learn about the current labor demand and create some new methods to staff your organization. -
NewsDairy and Crop Insurance: Can I Insure Rainfall?
Date Posted 9/27/2023Drought conditions continue to impact many fields across the state. Some widespread rains in late July and early August provided relief but may have been too late for some corn. -
ArticlesManaging Income Over Feed Costs
To remain profitable, producers should be monitoring and making decisions based on their herd's "income over feed costs" (IOFC). -
NewsTim Beck Retires after 40 Years at Penn State
Date Posted 9/7/2023His value to Penn State Extension and to the producers he has worked with cannot be overstated. -
ArticlesMid-Year Financial Check-In
Performing a mid-year check up can help you stay on track for achieving your financial goals. -
ArticlesNatural Ventilation for Dairy Tie Stall Barns
Tie stall barns require a ventilation system that allows close control of air exchange and temperature to prevent the barn from reaching freezing temperatures.
