Use of total mixed rations (TMR)
TMRs are a mainstay of confinement feeding systems for dairy cattle. As expected, Confinement
farmers reported the greatest use of TMR’s (67 percent). Whereas less than half the Intensive Grazer
and Moderate Grazer farmers (49 and 43 percent, respectively) use TMRs in daily feeding of the milking
herd. However, all three groups plan to increase their use of TMR’s within the next three years.
DHIA records
Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) records are used by more than one-half of all farms.
Three-fourths of the Confinement herds and around 60 percent of the Moderate Grazer and Intensive
Grazer farmers use DHIA records. None of the respondents plan to dramatically increase use of DHIA
records. The increase in on-farm computer use and the availability of dairy management software may
provide a partial explanation for lack of interest in future use of DHIA records.
Bovine Somatotropin (BsT) use
Twenty percent of the respondents reported adoption of Bovine Somatotropin (BsT). The use of BsT in
Confinement herds (26 percent) is almost twice that in Intensive Grazer and Moderate Grazer herds.
Each of the groups plans to increase its use of BsT within the next three years.
Written farm plans/goals
Respondents were asked to indicate if they use systematic planning for the future of their businesses, that
is, if they had a written farm plan and/or goals. More than one-third (36 percent) of the Intensive Grazer
farms reported having a written plan or goals. Around one-quarter of the other two groups reported
having a written farm business plan or goals. Respondents’ indicated that they plan, over the next three
years, to increase the development of written business plans and/or goals for their farm businesses.
Computer use
Computers are used on 40 percent of all dairy farms in this survey, four times the rate of computer usage
by the average Virginia farmer (NASS, 1997). Of the three groups, Intensive Grazer farmers employ
computers most frequently (48 percent) followed closely by Confinement farmers with a 40 percent rate
of adoption. Moderate Grazer farmers show a slightly lower adoption rate (37 percent).
Nutrient management plans
Nutrient management planning is critical for the profitable and environmentally safe use of commercial
and animal nutrients. About 60 percent of the Confinement and Intensive Grazer farmers reported
having nutrient management plans. However, 46 percent of the Moderate Grazer farmers reported
having a plan. Farmers in all groups expect to upgrade their nutrient management plans within the next
three years.