Milk Bulletin 30 June 2017

Brothers Melt and Johannes Loubser run a fifth generation dairy operation with their three other brothers in South Africa that includes fluid milk and yogurt processing.

Half a world away, on the Western Cape of South Africa there’s a dairy that isn’t too different from many progressive U.S. dairies.

The Loubser family has been farming 22 miles from downtown Cape Town, South Africa since 1875 and dairying for the past 70 years. Fair Cape Dairies—as the operation encompassing the milking herd and processing facility is known—has been in business since 1995.  To read more, click HERE.

Prominent experts in the African Agri sector are set to address a delegation of over 600 key stakeholders at the second annual African Agri Investment Indaba to be held in November this year (www.agri-indaba.com).

The speakers will discuss real market opportunities across the various African regions, Africa’s role in global food security, agriculture at the core of the economic diversification agenda and improving the investment environment for African agriculture.

Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from over 40 world-class agri experts.  To read more, click HERE

On 20 June, the NAMC held an induction for its newly appointed Council. The induction comes after the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Senzeni Zokwana appointed 10 new members to the Council after the previous board term expired.

The new NAMC board consists of agribusiness specialists and entrepreneurs, most of whom have served at various industry boards bringing along high-level experience and expertise to the NAMC.  To read more, click HERE

Kaap Agri is the seventh company to list on the JSE this year.  In so doing, Kaap Agri aims to reach its target of a minimum annual growth of 15% in headline earnings per share over the next three years. The listing will enable Kaap Agri to increase its market exposure and brand awareness. To read more click HERE

IBM Research and Cornell University have teamed up to help improve the safety of the global milk supply through genetic sequencing and big data analytics research.

To read more, click HERE

This document aims to provide assistance on improving biodiversity management by using measurable biodiversity indicators.

With a growing global population and an increase in demand for food worldwide, world production of dairy products is expected to further increase. However, all food production, including dairy production, can impact on biodiversity. Similarly, a lack of biodiversity—ranging from bacteria in the soil to bees that pollinate crops—can have an effect on food production. That is why protecting wildlife and their habitats is so crucial for the long-term sustainability of agriculture. To read more, click HERE

Balancing career and family is hard for any professional, but producers often find themselves in an especially pressurised situation. With farm work literally surrounding you, what are the best ways to ensure the things that matter get the time they deserve?

One axiom in the world of precision ag technology is, “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” To read more, click HERE

Helene Pheiffer, training manager at the MPO, urges milk producers to schedule their dairy farm training as soon as possible. The Institute for Dairy Technology is continuously updating its schedule of training programmes for 2017. Their courses are aimed at dairy farm workers and supervisors. Click HERE for details of the training programmes offered. Please contact Jas Wasserman at 012 843 5743 or 082 490 2465 for assistance and/or to book a five-day course.

The MPO’s Institute for Dairy Technology offers a five-day training course on the occupational health and safety code of best practice for dairy farmers. The course is practical and equips participants with the knowledge they need to comply with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Training is conducted on-farm in the language of preference. Dairy farmers who need assistance in complying with the Department of Labour’s health and safety requirements on their farms are encouraged to contact the Institute to schedule a training programme. The Institute is currently scheduling its training programmes for 2017. Click HERE for details of all the training programmes offered. Please contact Jas Wasserman at 012 843 5743 or 082 490 2465 for assistance and/or to book a five-day course.

Do you know how much milk was supplied in South Africa in April 2017? Put your knowledge to the test and stand a chance to win. A winner will be announced every month and there are several prizes to be won. After 12 draws, a national winner will be announced at the MPO’s 2018 gala dinner. Click HERE for more information and instructions on how to enter.

“Not many days go by that do not bring obstacles and challenges to the dairy farmer.” It is essential to maintain a positive outlook on life and to plan ahead in the good times so that hurdles, whether mere bumps in the road or seemingly insurmountable mountains, can be successfully faced and overcome.  To read this article about resilience and survival, turn to page 53 of the June issue of The Dairy Mail. To read the digital copy of TDM, go to www.agriconnect.co.za.

Save the date for the annual MPO Gauteng Dairy Day, which will take place on 9 August at Belnori Boutique Cheesery in Bapsfontein, Gauteng. Rina Belcher has an interesting programme planned for the day, which includes a hoof cutting and dehorning demonstration. For enquiries, please contact Rina at 082 377 5698 or send an email to belnori220@gmail.com