Converting an existing dairy to a 75-cow intensive rotational grazing dairy

"Original authors: Joe Horner, Ryan Milhollin, Stacey Hamilton, Wayne Prewitt and Tony Rickard, University of Missouri.""This guide examines the financial feasibility of converting an existing conventional dairy to a 75-cow intensive rotational grazing dairy in Missouri. Data presented here reflect costs and conditions as of June 2020. This model was developed using assumptions, costs and benchmarking information from existing Missouri pasture-based dairies and dairy industry experts. While this farm was customized specific to Missouri, it could be adapted to conditions elsewhere. The model assumes the farm buyer is able to purchase a dairy without paying anything extra for the fact that it contains an obsolete double-4 herringbone parlor. Using a low-cost retrofit parlor, the new dairy producer is able to increase labor efficiency without committing a large amount of additional capital. This model allows the new dairy producer to overcome the capital threshold that is a barrier to entry for most new smaller dairies."--First page.Revised by: Joe Horner (State Specialist, Agricultural Business and Policy Extension), Ryan Milhollin (State Specialist, Agricultural Business and Policy Extension), Stacey Hamilton (State Dairy Specialist)New 7/11; Revised 7/2