Dairy farm count dwindles in Thuringia - Dairies in Thuringia facing decline in numbers
Decline in Thuringia's Dairy Farming Sector
Thuringia's dairy farming industry has experienced a significant decline over the past decade, as per the latest figures from the Thuringian Ministry of Economics. The number of dairy farms in the region has dropped from 500 a decade ago to just 280 in 2023.
Simultaneously, the number of dairy cows has not decreased at the same pace, with a 24% drop, leaving approximately 82,900 animals in 2023, compared to 109,000 in 2013.
This trend is not exclusive to Thuringia, as it mirrors a similar pattern observed nationwide. The shrinkage can be attributed to various reasons, such as farms ceasing dairy production, investing in larger stables, and increased automation. These changes are driven, in part, by a labor shortage in the agricultural sector.
Despite the reduced number of dairy farms, Thuringia's milk production has not seen a corresponding decrease. In fact, it has remained fairly constant at around 770,000 tonnes annually, as reported by the Federal Statistical Office.
Organic dairy farming plays a minor role in Thuringia, with only 20 out of the approximately 4,890 organic farms having dairy cows in 2023. This figure has barely changed over the past ten years despite the general increase in organic farming nationwide. Thuringia currently houses 1,800 dairy cows on its organic farms due to limited local dairies that require strict segregation of conventional and organic production.
The decline in dairy farming has several implications, including job losses, rural depopulation, and increased concentration in the industry. However, it also presents opportunities for technological advancements and potential improvements in productivity and animal welfare. These changes will shape the future of Thuringia's dairy sector and have broader implications for the region's economy and environment.
Community aid is being sought to support the declining dairy farming industry in Thuringia, particularly in the production of milk and milk products. To revitalize the industry, finance from various sources is essential, considering the decreasing number of dairy farms and labor shortage in the agricultural sector.
