Project Overview
A new dairy production system is rapidly emerging in Missouri using large-scale intensive-rotational-grazing and minimal grain usage. Since 2004, more than $75 million of capital has poured into these new dairy startups pioneered by New Zealand dairy investors partnered with locals. This system is profitable and environmentally sustainable. Further growth and diffusion of this model is hampered by a shortage of skilled grazing dairy managers in the U.S. One method used extensively in New Zealand to overcome this human resource barrier is the concept of sharemilking as the first stage of a dairyman’s career path. Careful alignment of interests via sharemilking contracts provides a means to overcome barriers to entry for younger and minority dairymen while overcoming management shortages for existing dairies. This proposal seeks to fund workshops and the development of a sharemilker’s web-based resource featuring sample sharemilking contracts, decision tools, educational resources and case studies.
Number of Participants: 3861
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.