Balancing Ventilation Costs and Milk Production Losses on Wisconsin Dairy Farms

Introduction

Heat stress is a growing concern for dairy farmers in Wisconsin. Rising nighttime temperatures and reduced wind speeds from rural development have increased the need for mechanical ventilation in dairy buildings. While ventilation fans help maintain cow comfort and milk production during heat-stress events, they also significantly increase electricity costs. This fact sheet discusses the balance between the economic benefits of mechanical ventilation and its associated costs, using the weather data collected over the past five years in the Madison (Wisconsin, US) area.

Temperature-Humidity Index

The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) is often used to assess the impact of heat stress on dairy cows [1]:

• THI <68: No stress; normal cow behavior.
• THI 68-72: Mild stress; slight milk yield reduction.
• THI 72-78: Moderate stress; noticeable milk yield reduction.
• THI >78: Severe stress; significant milk yield reduction.

Based on THI data from the past five years in the Madison area, there was an annual average of 83.4 days with no heat stress, 45.6 days with mild heat stress, and 23.2 days with moderate heat stress. Severe heat stress was rare. No severe stress days were recorded from 2020 to 2022, and only two severe heat stress days were observed in both 2023 and 2024.

Economic Impacts

In this study, since the number of severe heat stress days was limited, we assumed that the main impact of heat stress was on milk production and feed intake. Mild, moderate, and severe heat stress were considered to cause 5%, 10%, and 15% reductions in milk production, respectively.

Milk margins vary each year based on the changes in milk prices and feed costs. All milk prices (USD/cwt) and feed costs reported by the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program were obtained from the USDA Farm Service Agency [2]. Milk margins above feed costs were calculated by subtracting the DMC feed costs from the all-milk price.  The estimated reductions in milk income over feed costs for the past five years are presented in Table 1.

Milk income over feed prices in 2021 was the lowest of the past five years, largely due to global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest milk income was recorded in 2024.

Electricity Costs

Ventilation fan electricity costs were estimated based on the assumption that an airflow rate of 1,000 to 1,500 cfm per cow was needed when ambient temperatures exceeded 20°C. Rural electricity rates were obtained from the US Energy Information Administration. Assuming 16 cfm/Watt fan efficiency, the estimated fan electricity costs per cow are shown in Table 2.

Comparison of milk production and electricity costs

While electricity costs remain relatively stable, milk margins vary significantly. In years without severe heat stress, depending on milk and feed prices, the potential reduction in milk production due to heat stress may be comparable to the cost of operating ventilation fans.

It is well known that the effects of heat stress extend beyond feed intake and milk production. However, since this study focused on the Madison area, where summers are relatively cooler, we limited our analysis to reductions in milk production and the associated income losses.

The goal of the study was not to quantify the overall economic impact of heat stress, but rather to highlight the importance of properly selecting and maintaining ventilation fans to maximize their benefits. Otherwise, poorly performing ventilation fans could easily reduce the profitability of dairy farms.

When milk income drops, reducing operating costs becomes essential to remain profitable. Following feed costs, one of the main expenses on dairy farms is electricity costs, including ventilation fan electricity costs.

Recommendations to Improve Profitability

Following best management practices in mechanically ventilated barns helps reduce operational costs:

• Choose high-efficiency fans: Fan efficiency significantly impacts electricity costs. Selecting a 15% more efficient fan can save approximately $1,200 per year for a 700-cow operation.
• Size air inlets properly: Small air inlets increase static pressure, reducing fan efficiency. Properly sized air inlets maintain optimal airflow and reduce energy usage.
• Do regular maintenance: Dust and debris on fans decrease efficiency by up to 30%. Regular cleaning (at least once a year) and maintenance ensure fans operate efficiently and economically.
• Use variable-speed fans: Allow seasonal adjustments in airflow rates, reducing energy consumption.