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.
2025 COP RESULTS
Findings from Previous Year
The year 2025 (2024/25 for DE, UK, FR) was highly profitable for many EDF farms due to high milk prices, with Entrepreneur’s Profit averaging 11.3 ct/kg ECM across conventional EU+UK farms.
However, Total Costs averaged 55 ct/kg ECM — a massive +13 ct/kg increase over seven years driven by global disruptions (Covid, wars in Ukraine and Iran). The Break-Even averaged 42 ct/kg, though highly efficient Danish (high-output) and Irish (low-input) farms break even at 36–37 ct/kg.
For 2026, milk prices are projected to drop by about 10 ct/kg, while costs will rise to at least 57 ct/kg. Consequently, Total Returns will fall sharply and Entrepreneur’s Profit will approach zero, even with direct payments. Projected productivity gains (towards 11,000 kg/cow) cannot offset these costs.
Dairy farming has become expensive and highly resource‑intensive, placing growing pressure on cows and farmers to compensate. How far can we go?
This is what your individual EDF Farm Book could resemble!
We ❤️ Cows. We ❤️ Farming. We ❤️ Figures.You too? Join the project!