Herd size and milk production level effects on profitability and phosphorus loading with management-intensive grazing

Declining profitability and accumulating excess soil phosphorus (P) are simultaneous concerns for the Northeast's dairy industry. Management-intensive grazing (MIG) with spring calving is a strategy that can address both concerns. A representative 200-acre Pennsylvania dairy farm of this type was simulated over 25 years of weather to determine the effects of herd size and milk production level on profitability and P loading. The results indicate that a 100-cow herd producing 17,000 lb milk per cow can achieve a net return of $64,000 while maintaining a long-term P balance on the farm.