Abstract
The main purpose of this paper is to clarify the economies of suckler cow farming.
The number of suckler cows in Norway has increased from 8000 in 1990 to about 23800 in 1996. According to the agricultural policy and from a governmental point of view, this interest is preferred. It is not clear, however, whether the economies in this production should justify such an increased attention.
In the first part of this paper important economic factors and results of this type of farming are identified on an empirical base. In the second part economical optimal plans for production are worked out for different farm sizes, crop yields and labour inputs.
Results to be mentioned:
• in general low income on small farms
• the profitability depends on fixed costs, labour requirements and access of extensive grassland
• more profitable than grain production at yields less than 3,8 t/ha