Beyond feed: an alternative safety net for Midwest dairies through non-feed cost reduction
This research explores a key challenge facing Midwest dairy farms: even when milk prices are stable, many farms—especially small and mid-sized operations—still struggle financially because of rising non-feed costs like labor, equipment, and overhead. Current federal safety net programs focus mainly on feed costs, overlooking these larger expenses. As a result, many farms cannot cover their total costs, contributing to ongoing consolidation and the loss of smaller dairy operations.
The project aims to design a new, farmer-informed safety net that better reflects the full cost of running a dairy farm. By gathering input directly from farmers and analyzing their preferences, the study will help develop policy solutions that improve profitability while also supporting environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability. Ultimately, this work seeks to strengthen the future of Midwest dairy farming by keeping more farms viable, supporting rural communities, and informing more effective agricultural policy.
Principal Investigator: Kelvin Amon
Amon is an assistant professor of dairy business and economic development in the School of Agriculture at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and a Dairy Innovation Hub–funded faculty member. He earned his PhD in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, where he specialized in applied microeconomics, farmer decision‑making, and the economics of pest and disease management. His research focuses on developing resilient economic strategies for dairy farms, particularly small and mid‑sized operations facing tight margins, rising costs, and technological uncertainty. Through research, teaching, and outreach, Amon works to support farm profitability and long‑term sustainability within Wisconsin’s dairy industry
amonk@uwplatt.edu
https://www.uwplatt.edu/profile/amonk