Methodological approaches to assessing the nutritional value of fodder crops and the economic efficiency of their use in milk production are considered. The production and economic state of dairy cattle breeding in the agricultural organizations of the country is analyzed. The results and identified patterns of development are used to substantiate indicative reference indicators for the evaluation of feed. A system of indicators of nutritional value and economic efficiency of fodder use has been developed and proposed, a practical approbation of the methodology has been carried out, and an algorithm for assessing the economic efficiency of the production of certain types of grassy fodder has been presented.