The dairy sector accounts for around four percent of all global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) according to a new FAO report. This figure includes both emissions associated with the production, processing and transportation of milk products as well as emissions related to meat produced from animals originating from the dairy system. Read more . … Continue reading
Category Archives: Dairying
Africa / Animal Feeding / Animal Products / Dairying / East Africa / Fodder / Kenya / Livestock
Fodder shrubs deliver dairy success in Kenya
In this pictorial essay, 10 farmers in Kenya explain how fodder shrubs have increased their incomes and enabled them to diversify their livelihoods. In addition to better earnings and increased milk production, fodder shrubs have helped to increase the confidence and status of women. Read more … (New Agriculturist) Continue reading
Non-market values of cattle ‘crucial’ to smallholder dairy farmers in Zimbabwe
When the smallholder dairy farmer looks at a cow, he sees more than just a simple economic asset whose value is reckoned in terms of the milk it produces. What he sees is an asset endowed with an assortment of attributes ranging from the production of milk, manure to fertilize crops, insurance against unforeseen contingencies … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Feeding / Dairying / Feeds / Livestock / South Africa
Feedlots can be environmentally friendly
Koos Coetzee of South Africa’s Milk Producers’ Organisation argues that intensive livestock-production systems can be sustainable for people and the environment. He argues: “It’s erroneously believed that low-input production systems hold the key to sustainable dairy production” “We need efficient high-input production systems that use technology to produce enough food for our growing population. Farmers … Continue reading
Global dairy agenda for action on climate change
In September 2009, the worldwide dairy industry agreed the ‘Global Dairy Agenda for Action’ on climate change – a statement of commitment by the dairy supply chain to take action to address climate change. Alongside the agenda for action, a ‘Dairy Sustainability Website‘ has been set up to share best practices, promote environmentally focused initiatives … Continue reading
Prize breeding cow fetches $1.1 million at auction
Anyone who was wondering what a million-dollar cow looks like need only feast your eyes on Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, or just “Missy” — a testament to everything a cow can be and more. Missy sold for $1.13 million at auction in Toronto, and already has $3.23 million in contracts, including 25 embryos and six … Continue reading
Milk improves orphans’ nutrition in Mozambique
Land O’ Lakes reports how the Maforga Christian Mission in Mozambique has improve the nutritional intake of the orphans through a dairy demonstration project. As of December 2009, the Mission’s lactating cows were producing more than 50 liters of fresh milk per day. From August to December, total production reached 5,076 liters of milk. This … Continue reading
Animal Products / Asia / Dairying / India / Livestock / Markets / South Asia
Indian farmers preferring to rear livestock for meat
India’s almost-indelible perch atop global milk-producing nations is showing the first signs of cracks, with farmers increasingly preferring to rear livestock for meat, lured by lucrative prices and a friendly government policy. Read more … (Economic Times) Continue reading
Africa / Dairying / East Africa / Markets / Uganda
Milk: Keep the taps on as EAC realigns itself in 2010
Uganda’s dairy industry is one sector likely to cash in on the limited trade barriers as the East African Community integrates further. The country is expected to exploit its wealth of resources to upstage its neighbours in winning over new markets. There continues to be fears that the launch of the uniform East African Customs … Continue reading
Dairying / India / Livestock / Markets / South Asia
Make dairy farming commercial activity to achieve surplus production
Dr Rajinder Pal Singh, an Indian-Australian farm economist working with international agricultural research bodies — CIMMYT and IRRI — has studied dairy farming , a traditional activity in Punjab. He has concluded that as a supplementary source of income, dairy is not financially viable for farmers. Dr Rajinder Pal believes that the venture should be … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 