Typology for dairy farms in mountain areas

Based on single farm data, we apply the cluster analysis in order to build a typology for dairy farms of the Swiss canton of Fribourg. The three resulting farm groups are then assessed with regard to their dynamics i.e. their ability to adapt. The largest group of dairy farms is highly dynamic. They have increased their size in the past and plan further expansion in the future. Although the farms of the second group are in rather good structural condition, they show limited dynamics. Most of them pasture their cows on alpine farms in summer. An extremely limited dynamics characterizes the third group. Consequently, the future raw milk price reductions will represent a serious challenge for them.