Dairy farms in Thuringia witness decrease in their numbers. - Dairy farms count dwindles in Thuringia
Decade-Long Decline of Dairy Farms in Thuringia
Thuringia, a German state, has witnessed a significant decrease in the number of dairy farms over the past ten years. According to recent data from the Thuringian Ministry of Economy, there were only 280 dairy farms in 2023, a decrease from 500 ten years prior. Concurrently, the number of dairy cows has fallen by nearly 24 percent to 82,900 animals.
The trend of declining dairy farms is not unique to Thuringia. Many farms across Germany, and indeed Europe, are either downsizing or abandoning dairy farming in favor of larger, more automated facilities. This shift is attributed to a scarcity of skilled workers in the agricultural sector and the associated high costs of operation.
Andreas Ritter, a milk specialist at the Thuringian Farmers' Association, explained this development. He emphasized that this trend is observable nationwide, with farms often expanding their operations or giving up animal husbandry altogether. This consolidation results in fewer farms but more animals and milk per farm, leading to an overall steady production of milk.
Despite the decrease in the number of conventional dairy farms, organic farming of dairy cows plays a minimal role in Thuringia. Data from the Federal Statistical Office shows that only 20 of approximately 4,890 organic farms in the state were involved in dairy farming in 2023. This figure has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade, despite the nationwide trend. Thuringia's organic farms currently maintain approximately 1,800 dairy cows.
The low number of dairy plants in the state is a significant factor in the limited presence of organic dairy farming. According to Ritter, these plants must strictly separate conventional and organic production, which adds operational complexity and cost.
The decline in dairy farms in Thuringia is influenced by economic pressures, structural changes, an aging farmer population, and increasing regulatory and environmental requirements. While milk production may remain stable or increase due to farm consolidation, this shift has implications for rural communities and biodiversity. Organic farming faces similar challenges, but it can benefit from niche markets and policy support, provided specific barriers are addressed.
The decline in traditional dairy farming in Thuringia has led to an increased need for community aid, as smaller farms struggle to cope with rising costs and complex regulations.
Industry experts suggest that financial support could help sustain the production of milk and milk products within the region, thereby preserving milk production and safeguarding rural livelihoods.
