Dairy Farm Management: Business Summary New York 1974

Farm business management projects are a basic part of the management extension program in New York State. The College and the County Extension staffs cooperate in sponsoring these projects. In 1974, about 750 dairymen participated in these management projects. Each dairyman kept farm business records which were submitted to the College for summary and analysis. These projects provide the basis for extension educational programs and also data for applied research studies. The Extension agents were responsible for organization of local groups and collection of the records. Regional summary reports were prepared for use by the agents in winter meetings with farmers. Each cooperator received a summary and analysis of his business and a regional report for use ?in studying his operation. The aim of these extension activities was to help the dairyman develop his managerial skills and solve his business management problems. The records from all regions of the State have been combined for use in an applied research study of the factors affecting dairy farm incomes. This research provides current farm business data for use by dairymen, Extension agents, teachers, agribusinessmen, policy makers, and others concerned with the New York dairy industry. A total of 628 farm business records have been included in the general dairy summary and analysis for 1974. These 628 farms do NOT represent the "average" for all dairy farms in the State. Participation was on a voluntary basis so not all areas were equally represented (see page 2). The 628 farms do represent a cross section of better than average commercial operators in the State.