How much does a dairy farmer earn per hour on average in Switzerland?

Milk producers in Switzerland earn on average 8.30 francs per hour, according to data released on 13 September 2026 by a study by the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW), commissioned by the Faire Märkte Schweiz association. For suckler cows the gain drops to 4.30 francs per hour, while for the fattening of cattle it stands at 7.90 francs. The research shows that the dairy sector, which represents 35% of all farms in the country, is in an extremely difficult economic situation.

What are the most profitable plant crops compared to breeding?

The study highlights a clear gap between plant breeding and cultivation. The production of sugar beets allows a gain of 55.90 francs per hour, while rapeseed is even more advantageous with 73.60 francs per hour. FHNW economist Mathias Binswanger explains that these differences depend on work commitment and the possibility of automation, which is much higher in lowland plant cultivation than in the structural constraints of animal husbandry.

By how much should prices increase to ensure a fair income?

To guarantee farmers a salary comparable to other regional incomes, the study estimates that the price of milk should rise by 77%. For beef the necessary increase is 39%, while for suckler cows the percentage reaches 101%. These increases refer exclusively to the production price, whose final impact on consumers depends on the margins applied by processors and retailers in the supply chain.

Agricultural studies: low earnings for milk in Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 14 September 2026

Milk producers and Swiss agriculture according to the FHNW study

A recent FHNW study reveals that dairy farmers earn on average 8.30 francs per hour, compared to 73.60 francs for rapeseed.

Context

In brief

Milk producers earn an average of 8.30 francs per hour.
Rapeseed production yields 73.60 francs per hour, about nine times more.
35% of Swiss agricultural businesses operate in the dairy sector.
For a fair income, the price of milk should rise by 77%.

Key facts

Study: Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW)
Client: Faire Märkte Schweiz
Hourly earnings for suckler cows: 4.30 francs
Hourly earnings for beef cattle fattening: 7.90 francs
Hourly earnings for sugar beets: 55.90 francs
Necessary increase for beef: 39%
Necessary increase for suckler cows: 101%

A recent study conducted by the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW), commissioned by the association Faire Märkte Schweiz, has highlighted significant gaps in the hourly incomes of Swiss farmers. The data, released on September 13, 2026, show how milk production, which accounts for 35% of all agricultural businesses in the country, is in a state of extreme economic difficulty. Suckler cow breeders earn barely 4.30 francs per hour, while those dealing with beef cattle fattening reach 7.90 francs. The average for milk producers stands at 8.30 francs per hour, a figure that appears clearly lower compared to other agricultural sectors.

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Operational details

Income dynamics in the Swiss agricultural sector depend not only on operational efficiency, but also on exogenous variables that hit producers hard. Increasingly frequent extreme weather events directly affect fodder cultivation. This dependency creates a ripple effect that impacts milk and meat production, making it difficult for farmers to react to market price fluctuations. As Binswanger pointed out, the rigidity in the number of farmed animals prevents a rapid adjustment of supply, exposing businesses to constant financial risks that do not affect seasonal crops in the same way.

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Key points

The Confederation has recently responded to the difficulties of the agricultural sector, marked by a particularly complex summer, by allocating an additional 54 million francs in the form of immediate aid. These funds are designed to mitigate the impact of the heatwave and drought, which have severely affected agricultural yields. However, state aid represents a temporary measure to address emergencies, while the structural issue of production costs remains at the center of the national economic debate. Industry operators, when managing their accounting and planning future investments, must consider not only federal subsidies but also operating cost trends and long-term market prospects.

Procedures and tools for operators

Those operating in the agricultural sector or wishing to explore the economic impact of federal and cantonal decisions can consult various official resources to monitor their financial situation. It is advisable to pay attention to the management of tax deductions and social security contributions, which represent an important part of annual financial planning. Proper management of one's contribution position, which includes the payment of contributions for OASI/AVS and BVG/LPP, is essential to guarantee long-term social security coverage. In a context of price uncertainty, planning becomes a defense tool against market fluctuations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a dairy farmer earn per hour on average in Switzerland?: Milk producers in Switzerland earn on average 8.30 francs per hour, according to data released on 13 September 2026 by a study by the Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (FHNW), commissioned by the Faire Märkte Schweiz association. For suckler cows the gain drops to 4.30 francs per hour, while for the fattening of cattle it stands at 7.90 francs. The research shows that the dairy sector, which represents 35% of all farms in the country, is in an extremely difficult economic situation.
What are the most profitable plant crops compared to breeding?: The study highlights a clear gap between plant breeding and cultivation. The production of sugar beets allows a gain of 55.90 francs per hour, while rapeseed is even more advantageous with 73.60 francs per hour. FHNW economist Mathias Binswanger explains that these differences depend on work commitment and the possibility of automation, which is much higher in lowland plant cultivation than in the structural constraints of animal husbandry.
By how much should prices increase to ensure a fair income?: To guarantee farmers a salary comparable to other regional incomes, the study estimates that the price of milk should rise by 77%. For beef the necessary increase is 39%, while for suckler cows the percentage reaches 101%. These increases refer exclusively to the production price, whose final impact on consumers depends on the margins applied by processors and retailers in the supply chain.