Grazing vs. Confinement

Intensive Grazing versus Conventional Confinement on Small Dairy Farms in Maryland

Development pressures on land values and environmental constraints are making it increasingly difficult to produce milk economically in Maryland. Expanding the farm or replacing depreciated facilities is not an option for most small dairy farms. Unless economical alternative methods of production are implemented, many dairy farms will cease operation.

Data collected from conventional confinement and intensive grazing dairy operations provides evidence that intensive grazing may be a profitable alternative to help small dairy farms stay in business. Maryland Cooperative Extension is conducting research and education programs to analyze and improve intensive grazing methods and to educate farmers in improving production.

For the detailed information on this subject, including financial comparison of confinement and intensive grazing, follow this link.

For more information, contact Jeff Semler

Last updated: 04/22/2008