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The next chapter in cheese
In anticipation of the 30th anniversary edition on the World Cheese Awards today the Guild of Fine Food, has invited some of its top judges to nominate cheesemongers, cheesemakers, cheese farmers, affineurs, authors, consultants, educators and importers who are “set to shape the next chapter in cheese.”
The 15 judges all put forward the names of individuals they view to be succeeding in the cheese landscape. Rina and Norman Belcher of Belnori Boutique Cheesery are the South African representatives among this selected group of 30 “architects of tomorrow’s cheese landscape” from countries across the world. They were nominated by well-known cheese consultant Kobus Mulder. The MPO congratulates Rina and Norman on this outstanding achievement!
Many of the nominated individuals or stars of the next chapter in cheese will be joining the judging panel for this year’s World Cheese Awards, which will form part of Taste of London Festive Edition at Tobacco Dock. It’s the biggest cheese event in the world, attracting over 3 001 entries from 35 different countries, which are to be judged by 230 experts from six continents and 29 different countries. To read more, click HERE.
Norman and Rina Belcher of Belnori Boutique Cheesery |
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Woodlands Dairy now member of international Alliance for Water Stewardship
Eastern Cape milk processor Woodlands Dairy has become a member of the International Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). According to Sue Viljoen at WWF-South Africa “membership of AWS doesn’t mean Woodlands Dairy has been certified or accredited yet, but they are well advanced on their journey preparing for certification. If successful, they will be the first dairy in Africa to be accredited with AWS.”
Woodlands Dairy sustainability manager André Adendorff is at the helm of the company’s water stewardship journey with the aim of obtaining certification against the AWS Standard. Adendorff says: “We are working hard beyond the factory fence line to have a greater positive impact.” He adds: “Our year-on-year average water usage per litre of milk produced has consistently declined from 2011”.
Woodlands Dairy has been actively measuring and monitoring their water usage per volume of product produced since 2013 and has future plans for decreasing their water demand by implementing rainwater-harvesting methods. To read more, click HERE. |
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| Water & Waste Information Day for KwaZulu-Natal farmers
Dairy farmers in KwaZulu Natal are invited by the MPO and WWF to a Water & Waste Information Day at the Association Hall on Thursday, 30 November from 09:30 to 13:00.
The programme includes step-by-step guidance to slurry dam registration and a practical guide to selecting and installing water meters. Click HERE for the programme.
RSVP to Sue Viljoen by 24 November at sviljoen@wwf.org.za or 033 343 1464. For more information, contact Barbara Bieldt at barbara@mpo.co.za or 012 843 5600. |
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| Cabinet approves B-BBEE sector code for agriculture
Cabinet approved the proposed amendments to three B-BBEE sector codes, including the one for agriculture on 1 November. The three amended sector codes will be gazetted by the Minister of Trade and Industry shortly.
It is expected that the sector codes will become effective as soon as they are gazetted regardless of the period being measured. To view the Agri B-BEE sector codes, click HERE. |
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Good response to MPO statutory census
Milk producers responded well to the MPO’s request for information on milk production and the structure of their dairy herds, sent out in October. However, many milk producers still have to return the questionnaires. MPO economist Dr Koos Coetzee once again requests producers to complete and return the questionnaires to the MPO.
The MPO administers this statutory measure in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (47/1996), which requires milk producers to register with the MPO and provide records and returns to the organisation. The information is needed to enable the MPO to provide milk producers with timeous and accurate statistics on the primary dairy industry. For further information contact Dr Koos Coetzee at koos@mpo.co.za.
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DFA opens new plant to meet demand for US dairy
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), in collaboration with 12 dairy farm members, opened a new dairy-processing facility in Kansas to meet the demands of the region’s growing dairy industry and the increasing demand for US dairy. The DFA Garden City facility produces fat- free, skimmed and full-cream milk powder and cream. Kansas Governor Sam Brown said: “Dairy is a growing and thriving industry for the state of Kansas. With this new plant, Kansas will play an even bigger role in helping to feed the world.” To read more, click HERE.
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| Dairy Crest revenues rise by 16%
Dairy Crest in the UK ‘s published interim results for the six months to 30 September 2017 show an increase in revenue of 16% compared to the same period in 2016. According to chief executive Mark Allen the company’s profit grew despite the record high cream price, which impacts on the input costs for butter and spreads. Allen said: “We expect to accelerate sales of demineralised whey and GOS (a prebiotic; a non-digestible food ingredient that stimulates the growth of specific, health-promoting bacteria in the digestive system) in the second half of this year. In conjunction with our partner, Fonterra, we are making good progress in developing sales channels for our products.” To read more, click HERE.
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| Improve immunity to improve reproduction
At the recent Cornell Nutrition Conference Peter Hansen of the University of Florida stated that the link between improved reproduction and improved immunity will be emphasised in future. During his introduction to his presentation on immunity’s interaction with reproduction he said: “I’d like to suggest the next major increase in fertility will come from enhancing dairy cow health.” He based his presentation on three main issues ‒ healthy cows are fertile cows, sick cows are often sick because they have poor immune function, and improving immune function should improve fertility.
Can farms improve immunity to improve fertility? To read more, click HERE. |
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| Succession planning is vital
Succession planning or planning before you need to is vital to avoid the consequences of not having a plan. This is especially true for young farmers who typically have higher debt-to-asset ratios, along with young dependent children. To get started, build a family and farm business profile and start discussions with stakeholders who would be affected in the event of your absence. It is important to take the initiative and do your homework before making decisions. For a useful checklist in this regard, click HERE. |
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Schedule your dairy farm training now
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, some of which form part of Milk SA projects, are aimed at dairy farm workers and supervisors. Click HERE for details of the training programmes offered. Please contact Chantel Joubert at 012 843 5747 or send an e-mail to chantel@mpo.co.za or Jas Wasserman at 082 490 2465 or send an e-mail to jas@mpo.co.za for assistance and/or to book a five-day course. |
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Take part in our competition
Do you know how much milk was supplied in South Africa in September 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.
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Sizing milking parlours
One of the benefits of a herd management system is that one can gain access to the magical world of cow information from the milk and weight data that are automatically collected daily. An appropriate analysis of the data supplied by your herd management system can identify issues that may affect your overall profitability. To read an interesting article by Georgie Muller, consultant, turn to page 64 of the November issue of The Dairy Mail. To read the digital copy of TDM, go to www.agriconnect.co.za.
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