Kovács, KrisztiánShkodra, Reuf2018-05-032018-05-032018-04-26http://hdl.handle.net/2437/250813This thesis is conducted with a sample of dairy farmers in Central Kosovo, respectively in the region of Pristina, beneficiaries of direct payments for milk quality. It is aimed to provide a better understanding of the operations of those farm, and also to measure their competitiveness with profitability ratios, and technical efficiency, using Data Envelopment Analysis. In Kosovo the average production goes up to 3050l, while in the sampled farms the average was 4480l. Holstein Frisian and Simmental are the most used cow breeds in Kosovo, and also in this study. Sample is derived from list of beneficiaries farms of direct payments for milk quality in the Central Kosovo, respectively region of Pristina. Results showed that mid-size farms (10-25 heads) and large farms (25< heads), tend to have the higher profitability and efficiency then small farms (1-10 heads). Generally, all farms had low labour productivity, and low asset turnover. Feed cost has the highest share in total cost (up to 72%). With given cost of production (av. 0.25 Euro), and selling price (av. 0.30 Euro), direct payments contribute with 21.4% in incomes from milk sold. Furthermore, under Data Envelopment Analysis, under VRS is shown that large farms have highest technical efficiency (1.000), followed by mid-size (99.6) and then small farms (89.3). In addition, it is shown that educational level, does not affect farm efficiency, but feeding system does. In this respect, seasonal grazing farms not just have healthier and happier cows, but also scored better technical efficiency than farms who used to keep their cattle permanently closed. Recommendations are mainly on proper feed management, and a complete diet for each lactation stage is given. However, labour productivity, data recording, and proper investments, are highlighted, as well.80enDairy FarmingCentral KosovoTechnical EfficiencyDEADEENK Témalista::Közgazdaságtudomány