Top money-saving practices on Missouri dairy farms (2015)

Abstract

The dairy industry continues to be an important component of Missouri's economy. According to University of Missouri's "Dairy Resource Guide" as of December 2012, Missouri had 1,348 permitted dairy operations. Of these operations, 950 were Grade A dairies while the remaining 398 were manufacturing dairies. According to the USDA's "Milk Production Report of 23 Selected States," Missouri's milk production in July 2013 averaged 109 million pounds. Dairy operations use a substantial amount of energy to move and cool milk. However, substantial energy and monetary savings can be realized by implementing energy-efficient measures recommended in an energy audit.