High input/output not for average farmer
High input/output systems of dairying are rare in Ireland. However, if practised at a very high level of management, and with the right type of cows, they can be successful, especially in liquid milk situations. Look out for the regular Irish Holstein Friesian Association farm walks on high-output farms.
While the inputs per cow might be regarded as high on these farms, the input per litre of milk is generally relatively low due to excellent high yielding cows, excellent grassland management, and even more importantly, excellent overall farm management, resulting in high profitability. This system is not for the average farmer. Herd averages are generally around 2,000 gallons per cow and despite high levels of concentrate feeding, the profit margin over purchased feed is generally high.
