Characteristics of top and bottom performing dairy farms

The study has a two pronged approach to identifying the key actions of top performers, a statistical examination of the Farm Business Survey and a case study analysis of a top and bottom performer. The study also offers a list of considerations for ways in which dairy farm businesses can improve.

There are eight key comparisons between top and bottom performing farms, with related case study examples from either quartile to provide real-life examples of actions farmers are taking.

A statistical examination of the Farm Business Survey data quantifies the differences between top and bottom performers across several key farm business variables.

What sets outstanding dairy farming businesses apart from the rest? While ranking common themes is difficult as impacts vary from farm to farm, we’ve identified key characteristics and related these to real-life examples.

We’ve come up with some suggested improvements that your dairy farm could make. While they might not all be appropriate for every dairy farm, if each idea made a small improvement to the farm business, then the collective impact of several improvements would be considerable.