French dairy farms grow in size

French dairy farms are expanding, with the average number of dairy cows per farm rising from 38 in 2005 to 74 today. This growth is driven by factors such as automation and the use of salaried labor.

Expansion trends and historical context

Over five years, the number of dairy cows per farm increased by 12 percent, and milk production rose by 22 percent. Large farms with 250-300 dairy cows are becoming more common, especially after the removal of milk quotas, which previously limited farm sizes.

Comparison with European neighbors

Despite this growth, French dairy farms remain smaller than those in other European countries. Farms with more than 500 units of grazing land (UGB) average 142 dairy cows, compared to 439 in other European countries. This gap highlights France’s relatively modest scale in dairy farming.

Drivers of growth and production changes

Automation, particularly milking robots, and the use of salaried labor are key factors in the expansion. These changes have increased production capacity by about 2,000 liters per cow compared to traditional methods. This growth aims to offset lower prices and profit margins through increased volume and better quality of life for farmers.

Workforce and structural changes

The replacement rate of dairy farmers has decreased from 44 percent to 36 percent, partly due to the rise of salaried labor. Between 2020 and 2024, the sector created 6,800 salaried jobs, showing a shift in how farms are managed.

Limitations and challenges

A significant challenge is the "glass ceiling" at 400 dairy cows, with only about fifteen farms in France exceeding this number. This is due to administrative and environmental regulations, as farms with 400 cows require special permits. Additionally, societal acceptance limits growth, with self-imposed restrictions observed after 1,000 cows.