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.

Annual Comparison

EDF members annually submit economic and technical farm data from the financial statements.The data is recorded, standardized, and reported through our CoP web application.

+300 Participants

Every year, over 300 dairy producers from more than 20 national EDF groups take part in the comparative analysis of their farm performance.

Comparable KPI's

For over 35 years, EDF has conducted the CoP, developing a standardized approach to collect and process real-farm data. This enables comparable KPI benchmarking within our group.

EDF STAR

The CoP Benchmark, facilitated by the EDF STAR network, benefits from a comprehensive, skilled, and robust foundation, enabling high-quality results and ongoing development.

CoP Discussions

All participants are provided with their own results and those of their national or benchmarking group. These results are analyzed and discussed in both national and international workshops and farm tours.

CoP Evolution

Our decades of experience in CoP comparisons allow us to examine both recent and historical trends, highlighting key developments over time.

2024 COP RESULTS

Findings from Previous Years

Last year, we celebrated record-high Entrepreneur’s Profits for 2022 (or 2021/22). While this year’s results are less euphoric, with profits halved to 5.4 cents/kg ECM, they remain positive. Due to regional variations in milk price peaks, performance differs across EDF farms and groups.

Lower revenues (-1.9 cents/kg) and higher costs, especially for feed, labor, contractors, services, and interest (+3.7 cents/kg), led to reduced profits. The average Break-Even point has risen to over 40 cents/kg, reflecting the significant increase in Total Costs per cow (up 30-40% in 4 years).

To maintain competitiveness, farms are intensifying production, with many EDF groups now averaging over 10,000 kg ECM per cow. But is this sustainable? Are we risking a return to low profits and pressure to produce more?

EDF Benchmark

WHAT WE DO

Benchmarking Dairy Performance

Empowering Dairy Farmers and Fostering Global Knowledge Exchange

Findings from Previous Years

This is what your individual EDF Farm Book could resemble!

Sign up our newsletter to get update information, news, insight or promotions.

Quick Links

Policy

Contact Details