News Roughage Tour 2022
Dairy farmers: 'It is impossible to increase milk production'
The Dutch milk supply fell by 2,7% in January compared to the first month in 2021. While the prices for meadow milk in the Boerenbusiness Milk price comparator are now around €45 per 100 kilos. But more milking is really not possible, a tour of the dairy farmers who participate in the Boerenbusiness Roughage Tour 2022.
The dairy farmers say that it is simply not possible to milk more. "We always feed optimally", answers one of the participating dairy farmers. The milk production of the dairy cattle is determined for 60 to 70% by the roughage present. Due to the quality of the roughage obtained last year, it is difficult to increase milk production. In many places the amount of wood dust in the extracted roughage is on the high side. As a result, cows can absorb too little to get the necessary substances. Simply put: the cows are full too quickly.
Correct balance in the ration
Another participant answers with a comparison with pigs. With the pigs it is easier to feed them on the feed conversion, where 1 kilo is equal to a certain growth. In the case of dairy cows, 1 kilo of concentrates more does not equate to an increase in production of 2 liters per day. "Everything falls and stands with the right balance in the ration. If there is no more in it, then so be it."
Milk production can also be compared to a wooden water barrel. The shelves are the nutrients that determine how much water can be put in the barrel or how much milk a cow can produce. The shortest plank determines the amount of water. This year the pits are the most decisive for the milk production of the dairy cows. But not in every region the dairy farmers have to deal with lower quality roughage. For example, Silvain Kusters, dairy farmer in Guttecoven, is satisfied with the quality and quantity of the roughage obtained. This was also confirmed when he became the winner of the Topkuil competition in the province of Limburg.
Continue to feed optimally
Although feed prices have risen sharply in the past year, the Roughage Tour participants continue to feed at an optimal level. "We simply feed what is needed. Too little feeding and therefore loss of production costs a lot more with this milk price. With these prices, it is true that processing roughage is the most important thing. It is not easy to add an extra kilo of concentrates if that is not the case." will be visibly refunded," says one of the participants.
Within the group it is noticeable that the dairy farmers are looking for alternative crops to grow their own concentrates from their own land. Most participants started this about two years ago, by growing fodder beets or field beans. Due to the persistently high prices, they are further expanding the acreage. The dairy farmers notice that more and more colleagues want to grow concentrates from their own country.
De Boerenbusiness Roughage Tour 2022 will officially start next month.
Ronald Smit
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