What is the process of completing the DFBS?

Cornell Cooperative Extension educators work with New York State dairy farmers to enter the necessary data into the DFBS web-based computer program. An 18-page DFBS and analysis is calculated and printed. Dairy farmers may also access the program on their own.

Individual farm data are reviewed in the Department of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University before calculation of individual, regional, state, large herd, small herd, grazing, and renter summaries.

“To succeed in a volatile dairy economy, producers must have a good understanding of their cost of production. The DFBS is a valuable tool for analyzing the dairy's profitability, and the DFBS Benchmark comparisons highlight areas for improvement.”

-- Jan Bitter, First Pioneer Farm Credit, Homer, NY.

The following information is needed to participate in the DFBS:

• Cash receipts and expenses

• Accounts payable and receivable

• Assets and liabilities

• Land resources and use

• Livestock and business description

• Feed and supply inventory

• Livestock inventory

• Machinery and equipment inventory

• Labor inventory

A more detailed list of information needed to complete a DFBS is here.