First factor is the decline of milk prices.
Milk prices are moving toward a world market price that is causing a continuing trend toward larger dairy farms concentrated in certain geographic locations. The cost of managing manure nutrients is being assumed by the farm owner. These two factors are colliding on traditional dairy production areas in ways that are having significant negative impacts on rural families and communities. Integrated research and technology transfer programs are needed discover how to better help dairy farmers manage their farms in a cost effective and environmentally acceptable manner, and in ways that comply with newly imposed farming regulations. Develop, evaluate and refine cropping, grazing, and feeding strategies to optimize the dairy farm system for nutrient utilization, environmental impact, and profitability.