Operating costs slashed in scheme
Contrary to the widely held belief that economy of scale can offer the greater potential for savings, the best improvement was achieved on smaller farms.
Ger Courtney, in charge of the Teagasc/Kerry joint programme, said: "Improvements were due to a combination of increased output in 2003, as well as a greater focus on cost reduction. The challenge in setting the budget for 2004 is to at least maintain output, while placing greater emphasis on reducing the cost of running the farm."
