A survey of production characteristics, ownership and extension needs of the Alberta dairy industry

All dairy producers in the province of Alberta were mailed a questionnaire to determine current production and management practices. Eight hundred and two producers (55.7%) responded. The average herd size was 67 ± 39 cows and milking cow production was 21.9 ± 4.7 kg d−1. A large proportion of farmers owned their land and the farm mainly supported one or two families. The principal operators worked full time on the farm and few sought outside employment. About 28% of farmers owned personal computers but were slow to take advantage of this technology. Farmers received extension information primarily from veterinarians and other dairy producers, while the Alberta Dairy Producers newsletter was the primary medium of receiving information. Over 90% of the producers surveyed either planned to maintain present levels of production or expand. Milking cow production was influenced by operator experience and level of education. Those respondents who planned on maintaining or expanding their production had significantly (P < 0.05) larger herds. Key words: Survey, production, dairy, Alberta, management