The industry is approximately 85 percent self-sufficient in forage. The production of grain, alternative forage species, cereal silage and adoption of crop management systems can improve feed self sufficiency. There may be a limited opportunity for milk produced from goats and sheep. Fresh milk consumption only about approximately 75 percent of the national average per capita. The School Milk Program has generated increases in consumption by school children from just under 100,000 litres to over 1,000,000 litres annually.
Continued growth is anticipated.
Secondary processing of cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream and fresh cream. Challenges Net exporter of fluid milk in 1999. Very high start-up costs for quota, land, cows, barns and equipment. An in-depth knowledge of dairy management, animal husbandry, forage production, harvesting and storage with a good handle on the operation and maintenance of various types of equipment. And of course a love of working long hours with little time off.