EDF Benchmark
A unique international Cost of Production Comparison to analyse efficiencies of production systems across national borders.
WHAT WE DO
Benchmarking Dairy Performance
We conduct a comprehensive economic and performance analysis of over 300 individual dairy farms across Europe and internationally, including countries such as Canada and the US. Our analysis relies on the annual accounting data gathered through our Scientific partners. Using this data, we calculate various metrics such as cost of production, break-even-point, entrepreneur’s profit, and other operational figures for each farm’s dairy enterprise. The cost of production is determined by considering full economic costs, encompassing expenses for family labor, farm-owned land, farm-owned milk quota, as well as the capital invested in the dairy enterprise, both owned and indebted.
WHY WE DO IT
Empowering Dairy Farmers and Fostering Global Knowledge Exchange
As EDF, we strive to facilitate international knowledge exchange among dairy farmers. We leverage a standardized database and the collective expertise of our members and scientific partners to achieve this. Our Cost of Production Comparison provides comparable operational metrics, allowing farmers to benchmark their performance globally and identify areas for improvement.
These insights fuel discussions at EDF events, where we delve into topics such as farm performance, competitiveness, sustainability, strategies, and regional conditions worldwide. We’re committed to understanding the ever-changing dynamics of dairy production costs.
Through ongoing research and analysis, we provide our members with essential information to make informed and strategic decisions for their operations.
Empowering European Dairy Farmers to Thrive in a Dynamic Industry
We want to be a club of most innovative and progressive dairy enterpreneurs in Europe.
EDF offers a unique platform for learning and inspiration through its network and CoP Benchmark.
We want to be a club of most innovative and progressive dairy enterpreneurs in Europe.
Empowering European Dairy Farmers to Thrive in a Dynamic Industry
We want to be a club of most innovative and progressive dairy enterpreneurs in Europe.
2024 COP RESULTS
Findings from Previous Years
Last year, we celebrated record-high Entrepreneur’s Profits for 2022 (or 2021/22). While this year’s results are less euphoric, with profits halved to 5.4 cents/kg ECM, they remain positive. Due to regional variations in milk price peaks, performance differs across EDF farms and groups.
Lower revenues (-1.9 cents/kg) and higher costs, especially for feed, labor, contractors, services, and interest (+3.7 cents/kg), led to reduced profits. The average Break-Even point has risen to over 40 cents/kg, reflecting the significant increase in Total Costs per cow (up 30-40% in 4 years).
To maintain competitiveness, farms are intensifying production, with many EDF groups now averaging over 10,000 kg ECM per cow. But is this sustainable? Are we risking a return to low profits and pressure to produce more?
This is what your individual EDF Farm Book could resemble!
We ❤️ Cows. We ❤️ Farming. We ❤️ Figures.You too? Join the project!