Feed Autonomy In Organic Cattle Farming Systems: A Technical And Economic Assessment

Summary

Increasing the level of feed autonomy (FA) is usually considered as a prerequisite for conversion of cattle farms to organic farming. This study aimed at generating references for organic dairy and beef cattle production through a technical and economic assessment of FA in commercial farms. Data were collected in 2014 and 2015 on 11 farms located in distinct agricultural regions of Wallonia, Belgium. Dry matter production, animal performances and all cash in- and outflows were recorded. Economic efficiency (EE) was computed as the share of the gross margin, i.e., the gross product (GP) minus the total feed and transformation costs, in the GP. The average level of FA was 94±6%. Total feed costs, including feed production and purchases, were negatively related with FA. Farms with FA ≥ 90% but one had an EE > 65%, suggesting that a 90% level of FA is necessary, but not sufficient, to be economically efficient in organic cattle farming. Three production systems with EE > 65% were finally described based on the observed crop rotations and levels of production.