SOME FACTORS AFFECTING THE OUTPUT OF STARCH EQUIVALENT FROM GRAZING LAND ON UPLAND DAIRY FARMS

Grazing records and cost records have been analysed from 19 dairy farms, all situated at least 400 feet above sea level, in order to determine the effect of height and of increased expenditure on the level of output of starch equivalent, and to investigate whether these farms have special problems not met with on lowland farms. The analysis shows a very marked influence of height on output and a low, statistically non-significant, correlation between costs and yields. The low correlation between costs and yields is reviewed and reasons are suggested why a higher correlation was not found. Finally the fall in output with increasing height of farm is related to costs in order to quantify the economic disability of the upland dairy farm.