Abstract

In order to predict future management needs the dairy industry needs to constantly assess the past and the current status of the industry. The objectives of this study were to: (1) Identify the past changes and current status of large well-managed dairies, (2) To provide management goals and identify areas of concerns for dairies that are stable or expanding, worldwide (3) assist in identifying and developing areas for future research to increase the efficiency and sustainability of the dairy industry worldwide. The data for this study were questionnaires from 17 dairy producers in Roosevelt and Curry Counties, the twenty-second and thirtieth largest United States dairy counties, respectively. The questionnaires were mailed to dairy farms throughout Roosevelt and Curry Counties in February of 2006. The respondents’ herds account for 38% of the dairy cows in Roosevelt and Curry Counties. The average herd size of respondents was 2,926. Respondents were asked to answer questions pertaining to their dairy farm management practices and concerns about the industry. Reproductive performance was found to be a top reason for culling while, the main health concern for producers was mastitis. Therefore reproduction and mastitis are two areas for future research and further improvement.

Key words: Dairy producer, survey, management, large dairy herd.