DairyTalk 409: More cows, same problems: why expansion often amplifies structural weaknesses - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · May 3, 2026 · 20m

This episode builds on a technical article examining the strategic trade-off between herd expansion and operational efficiency in dairy farming. It argues that simply increasing cow numbers often magnifies existing system weaknesses rather than resolving them. The key factor is not herd size, but the performance of the entire farm system, including workflow stability and animal quality. The analysis highlights why investments in technology and genetics only pay off when the underlying management system is robust. This leads to a critical question: is growth the driver of success - or the…