Dairy cattle farm count in Thuringia is declining. - Dairy farm count in Thuringia declines
Decrease in Thuringia's Dairy Farming Sector
Thuringia, a region in eastern Germany, has experienced a significant decline in the number of dairy farms over the past ten years. According to the Thuringian Ministry of Economics, there were only 280 dairy farms left in 2023, compared to 500 ten years ago.
Simultaneously, the number of dairy cows has not decreased as sharply, with approximately 24% fewer cows in 2023, which amounts to 82,900 animals.
This trend is reminiscent of a national phenomenon, as many farms either abandon dairy farming or invest in larger facilities and technology to compensate for a shortage of skilled agricultural workers. This shift leads to an increase in the number of animals and milk production per farm. Andreas Ritter, a dairy specialist from the Thuringian Farmers' Association, explained this trend to the German Press Agency.
In 2023, Thuringian dairy farms in traditional agriculture produced 770,000 tons of milk according to figures from the Federal Statistical Office. Unsurprisingly, almost no role is played by ecological dairy farming for organic products in Thuringia. In 2023, only 20 of the 4,890 organic farms nationwide had dairy cows. This number has remained relatively stable over the past decade.
The small number of dairies in the region is a significant factor in the limited growth of organic dairy farming, as they must maintain strict separation between conventional and organic production.
The decline in dairy farms is part of a broader challenge facing agriculture across Europe, including economic pressures, regulatory frameworks, an aging farmer population, and environmental concerns. The impact on milk production, market structure, and growth opportunities for organic farming offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of these factors.
- In an effort to combat the decline of the dairy farming sector in Thuringia, it might be beneficial for community aid to provide financial assistance for the production of milk, enabling smaller farms to implement necessary technological advancements and compensate for the shortage of skilled agricultural workers.
- As the dairy industry continues to adapt and consolidate in Thuringia, it could potentially contribute to the increased production of milk and milk products, creating potential opportunities for investment and growth within the sector.
