The Dairy Profitability and Enhancement Team Grant project has been in existence since 1996. The program runs as mandated in Minnesota Laws 1997, Chapter 216, Section 7, Subdivision 4 which states:

"To expand the one-on-one educational delivery team system to provide appropriate technologies, including rotational grazing and other sustainable agriculture methods, applicable to small and medium sized dairy farms to enhance the financial success and long-term sustainability of dairy farms in the state. Activities of the dairy profit teams must be spread throughout the dairy producing regions of the state. The teams must consist of farm business management instructors, dairy extension specialists, and dairy industry partners to deliver the information and technological services."

Three programs were funded in 1996. The program expanded to five regional programs in 1997 with additional dollars going to the Sustainable Farming Association. Currently, the six original regional programs are still in existence with additional dollars going to smaller, more specialized state projects.

A total of $1.9 million has been appropriated for this program. Of that amount, a total of $1,706,500 has been granted out to various grant projects.

In 1999 there were 807 dairy farms participating in this program statewide. Of this total, 687 farmers were enrolled in the six regional projects with the remaining 120 dairy producers working with the organizations related to sustainable and grazing techniques.

As a gauge to the success of this program, the Department initiated a survey to all participants in 1999. 83 dairy producers (10%) have responded with the following preliminary findings.

One question the Department asked participants to answer was in what areas did they see improvements after having a Profit Team on their farm. Fifty producers saw improvements in the physical dairy facility. Other improvements were:

1. 41 saw increased milk production.
2. 36 reported herd health improvements.
3. 33 saw communications among farm/family members and with dairy consultants they work with improve.
4. 32 had a better attitude about the dairy industry and their individual dairy business.
5. 29 increased milk quality.
6. 27 developed business plans.
7. 19 addressed and corrected environmental issues.
8. 17 addressed labor management issues.
9. 17 were able to have more time for family/more personal time.

Besides these improvements, one farmer wrote that he saw improvement in the thinking process and ideas one can incorporate into one's thinking. Another producer saw networking with others as an accomplishment of working with his dairy profit team.

The Profit Team process can and does work for producers who are looking to make some changes in their operations. Whether it is improving production, quality, facilities or financial position the customized one on one education helps to troubleshoot bottlenecks in dairy producers operations. Eliminating or removing these bottlenecks helps producers accomplish their goals of their operation and thereby revitalize the rural economy.

The Dairy Profit Teams Form (PDF: 9 KB / 1 page) is a form for producers or agricultural professionals to fill out to admit producers into the Dairy Profit Team program. Completing the form is one of the first steps to improving the productivity, efficiency and profitability of the participating dairy farm. Without this form completed the enrollment may be delayed and the potential for lost increased profit postponed.