Wielkość stada krów a koszty i dochodowość produkcji mleka

The paper presents the differentiation of milk production profitability and its relationship with dairy herd size. All analysed farms were specialized in dairy production and form a well-run group in four EU countries (Germany, Poland, Great Britain and Netherlands). The study includes analysis of costs of milk production and its variability in 2006-2010. On the basis of results of the executed analysis it is visible that three types of costs determine its level. This was a feed costs, maintenance of machinery, vehicles and buildings (with depreciation) and land, labour and capital inputs. In all group of farms only gross agricultural income show a profitability of dairy production. When the costs of milk production included depreciation and opportunity labour costs only large farms with herd size above 300 cows were profitable.