The Dairy Mail Oct 2025

Vol 32 • No 10 • OCTOBER 2025

R46,50 incl VAT • ISSN: 1561-4301

Ons groet

GERDIE LANDMAN

ALTERNATIVE

WAYS to

fight mastitis

IN THIS ISSUE: GLOBAL AND LOCAL DAIRY OUTLOOK | SILAGE CROPS PART 4 |

| OORGANGSIEKTES | HEAT STRESS | BOKMELK – NISMARK |

B THE DAIRY MAIL • OCTOBER 2025

ON THE

by Neels Neethling, MPO vice chairperson

SOOS ONS DIT SIEN • AS WE SEE IT

DAIRY HORIZON

Running and managing a dairy farm

in South Africa today requires more

than just hard work – it demands

smart, forward-thinking management. Every

decision on the farm, big or small, can mean

the difference between profit and loss. Stay

ahead of the game by facing the challenges

that shape your herd, your land, and your

bottom line.

Many farmers are now dealing with

increased levels of mycotoxins in their feeds,

especially after the unusually wet season.

These invisible threats can quietly erode

production and fertility long before obvious

symptoms appear. Work with your feed

company or technical adviser to test both the

types and levels of mycotoxins present, and

ensure you are using a proven, researchedbacked

binder at the correct inclusion rate for

the risk identified.

Animal health remains a constant concern

for dairy farmers, with conditions like lumpy

skin, foot-and-mouth, and mastitis posing a

continual threat to herds nationwide. Footand-mouth

disease remains out of control,

and our best chance to contain it lies in

allowing the private sector to produce and

source appropriate vaccines. The MPO office

continues to engage with decision-makers at

the highest level, and we are confident that a

workable solution is within reach.

For all the other threatening diseases,

develop and stick to a sound vaccination

protocol to keep your herd protected.

Remember, no herd is immune – it can

happen to you at any time.

Then there is heat stress – the silent

production killer. Hot, humid, and muddy

summer conditions can cause milk yields to

drop almost overnight. But there are ways

to beat the heat: shade, sprinkler systems,

ventilation fans, and constant access to cool,

clean water go a long way in keeping cows

comfortable and productive.

Looking ahead, building the next

generation of your herd is just as important as

keeping today’s animals healthy. Increasingly,

farmers are turning to sexed semen to grow

female numbers, strengthen genetics,

and plan breeding more strategically.

Combine this with solid record-keeping and

performance testing, and you will have the

data you need to make informed, long-term

decisions for your farm.

Neels Neethling

OCTOBER 2025 • THE DAIRY MAIL 1

2 THE DAIRY MAIL • OCTOBER 2025

Plastic containers for the industrial,

agricultural & food markets

REDAKTEURSBRIEF • EDITOR’S NOTE

The path to

NEW HORIZONS

by Hanlie du Plessis, editor of The Dairy Mail

Innovation, adaptability, and collaboration

are the keys opening the window to a new

horizon for the South African dairy industry.

The challenges facing dairy farming today

are complex: volatile markets, rising costs,

shifting regulations, and the ever-present

demand for sustainable production. Yet,

within these challenges lie opportunities —

opportunities that can only be fully realised

through collective action, shared vision, and

strong leadership.

Dairy farmers are embracing technology,

improving animal welfare, investing in training,

and adopting sustainable practices, but

without a strong, organised industry structure,

such progress risks fragmentation. With its

motto - For the dairy farmer, by the dairy

farmer – the Milk Producers’ Organisation

(MPO) ensures that these efforts are

coordinated and that every farmer, big or

small, benefits from collective strength.

Turn to page 8 for the status quo on the

current statutory levy negotiations.

The dairy industry mourns the passing

of Gerdie Landman, a well-known dairy

farmer from the Eastern Cape. He will be

remembered by the industry, friends, and

his loved ones for his hard work, humility,

dedication, and optimism. We remember

and salute this remarkable man through our

tribute on page 15.

Technology and knowledge-sharing are

reshaping the way we farm. From precision

feeding and advanced herd management

systems to renewable energy solutions and

water-wise practices, dairy producers are

finding smarter ways to do more with less.

At the same time, training initiatives and

mentorship programmes are nurturing a

new generation of skilled, motivated dairy

professionals, and here the MPO Training

Institute plays a vital role. Read how Estina, a

farm once synonymous with mismanagement

and corruption, was transformed to earn its

new name Phumelela Dairy (which means

‘to succeed’) on page 65.

As the industry moves into its next chapter,

the path to new horizons in dairy is clear:

innovation guided by collaboration, and

growth grounded in unity.

Enjoy the read

Hanlie du Plessis

CONTACT US

BYE-BYE BUZZZZZ…


CONTENTS INHOUDSOPGAWE

32

57

1 Soos ons dit sien • As we see it

3 Redakteursbrief • Editor’s note

7 Meet the team | Suiwelkalender

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

8 Billiker heffingverdeling vir die

suiwelbedryf op die horison

12 Dutch dairy industry under pressure

– but still milking strong

15 Gerdie Landman – ’n ambassadeur van

die lewe

18 Global and local dairy outlook:

Navigating volatility towards stability

22 Dairy economic indicators

28 Dairy digits

31 Kortliks • Briefly

PRODUKSIE • PRODUCTION

32 Silage crops: Part 4 – grass silage

37 Heat stress: Impact on rumen function

and udder health

40 Oorgangsiektes – Wat is die effek?

43 Calving weight and heifer performance

RENTMEESTERSKAP • STEWARDSHIP

47 Tracing the future

51 Sekuriteit – veiligheidswenke vir boere

BESTUUR • MANAGEMENT

52 Genomic revolution in dairy cattle

breeding: Promises and pitfalls

57 Alternative ways to fight mastitis

60 Labour column

Changing the reason for termination

on a UI-19 certificate

62 Financial column

New horizons


INHOUD • CONTENTS

73

Produced by

Editorial contributions

Email: editor@maxmediagroup.co.za

Hanlie du Plessis • Tel: 083 293 8007

Advertising & rates

Email: sales@maxmediagroup.co.za

Ilse Liveris • Tel: 072 708 4401

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING •

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

65 Partnerships can be powerful

68 Research column

In vitro fertilisation versus

intracytoplasmic sperm injection

71 New advancements in udder health

management on the horizon

VERWERKING • PROCESSING

73 Passie en toewyding ontsluit dié nismark

76 New on the packaging horizon

MOO-VING WHEELS

79 The long-awaited new petrolpowered

Amarok

Accounts & subscriptions

Email: charlene@maxmediagroup.co.za

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

On the cover / Op die voorblad

The stunning ladies on our cover

were recently photographed on

Kayserworth Farm, Kaysers Beach near

East London in the Eastern Cape. Here

Kim Sansom, owner and director of the

JR Sansom and Son Farming Trust, milks

a herd of 1 100 cows, of which around

500 are Jerseys and 600 Holsteins, on a

partial mixed ration (PMR) system.

PS. Remember to capture the essence of

dairy farming wherever you farm.

Mail your photographs to

editor@maxmediagroup.co.za

Expressions of opinion, claims, and statements of supposed

facts do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dairy Mail,

editor, or publisher. While every effort is made to report

accurately, The Dairy Mail, the publisher, or the editor do not

accept any liability regarding any statement, advertisement,

fact, or recommendation made in this magazine.

ISSN: 1561-4301

An initiative of the MPO,

published monthly | PO Box 1284,

Pretoria 0001, South Africa

www.dairymail.co.za

Milk Producers’ Organisation,

referred to as MPO

South African Milk Processors’

Organisation, referred to as SAMPRO

Milk South Africa,

referred to as Milk SA


Top-Performing Perennial Ryegrasses

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A perfect balance of toughness and taste – giving you more feed when it

matters most.

4FRONT (Tetraploid)

Big Leaves. Big Growth. Big Gains.

4Front is known for its larger leaves, higher palatability, and rapid regrowth. Expect top

winter & spring yields, superior summer growth, and excellent animal performance.

Perfect for intensive, high-output grazing systems.

MAXSYN (Diploid)

Built Tough – Season After Season

Maxsyn is dense, persistent and hard-wearing. It stays green through summer, delivers

consistent performance, and stands up to tough grazing conditions. A reliable choice

when you need a pasture that lasts.

For advice or further information on the best perennial ryegrasses in the market, visit

barenbrug.co.za or contact your nearest Barenbrug representative.

The pasture upgrade your farm has been waiting for.

Available countrywide


Tel: 021 979 1303 | info@barenbrug.co.za

MEET THE TEAM

THAT CARES:

SWITCHBOARD: 012 843 5600

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Fanie Ferreira fanie@mpo.co.za 083 453 9339

COMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Carina Pieterse carina@mpo.co.za 079 458 5497

AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC SERVICES

Bertus van Heerden bertus@mpo.co.za 083 300 3667

ECONOMIST

Jade Smith jade@mpo.co.za 076 712 7395

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Wessel Steyn wessel@mpo.co.za 082 896 8116

MEMBER SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Yolanda Strydom yolanda.s@mpo.co.za 072 371 1893

Anneke Kubannek anneke@mpo.co.za 071 875 1488

REGIONS

MPO WESTERN CAPE

Lize Marié du Toit lizem@mpo.co.za 076 774 1284

MPO NORTH

Mnandi Kruger north@mpo.co.za 073 116 8544

MPO KWAZULU-NATAL

Bianca Johnston kzn@mpo.co.za 060 945 1735

MPO EASTERN CAPE

Anri Wolmarans ec@mpo.co.za 064 934 3951

TRAINING AND TRANSFORMATION SERVICES

Ronald Rapholo ronald@mpo.co.za 082 734 4433

SOME EVENTS TO

LOOK FORWARD TO

4–6 DESEMBER 2025

Tulbagh skou

1 Van Der Stel St,

Tulbagh

5–6 DESEMBER 2025

26–28 FEBRUARIE 2026

Bieliemieliefees

Reitz, Oos-Vrystaat

Loxton skou-enboeredag

Loxton Landbouskougronde,

Loxton

9–10 MAY 2026

KZN MPO Dairy Fest

Fordoun Hotel and Spa

Farm Village

Weens herhaaldelike kragonderbrekings ondervind

ons probleme met ons skakelbord. Vir die toekoms

word aanbeveel dat u ons span direk op hulle

selfoonnommers kontak. Ons wil graag met u gesels.

Due to repeated power outages, we are experiencing

problems with our switchboard. In future, we recommend

that you contact our team directly on their mobile numbers.

We would like to talk to you.

23 APRIL – 2 MAY 2026

Bloem Show

Bloemfontein

show grounds

Dairy Mail - IntelliBond Banner Ads (June 2025)print.pdf 1 2025/05/08 08:55

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Billiker

heffingverdeling

vir die

SUIWELBEDRYF

op die

HORISON

deur Hanlie du Plessis

Die Suid-Afrikaanse suiwelbedryf

staan by ’n kruispad. Die Nasionale

Landboubemarkingsraad

(NAMC) het die sperdatum vir

kommentaar oor SAMPRO se

statutêre heffingsaansoek, vir

die tydperk van 2026 tot 2029,

verleng na middel Oktober om

melkprodusente die kans te

gee om hul stemme te laat hoor

oor ’n kwessie wat die toekoms

van die bedryf direk raak –

die verdeling van heffingsfondse.

Die groot vraag is: Wie baat werklik

by die statutêre heffing, en dien die

fondse die mense wat die meeste

risiko en koste in die suiwelbedryf dra – die

primêre produsente?

Mandaat uit die MPO se

Algemene Jaarvergaderings

Tydens die MPO se Streeks- en Nasionale

Algemene Jaarvergaderings (AJV’s) wat

in Augustus en September 2025 in die

Noordelike, Oos-Kaap en Wes-Kaap streke

gehou is, het lede van die organisasie ’n

duidelike mandaat aan hul verteenwoordigers

gegee om die SAMPRO-heffingsaansoek in sy

huidige vorm, nie te ondersteun nie.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Hierdie mandaat verteenwoordig sowat 80%

van Suid-Afrika se melkprodusente, en gee

aan die MPO die opdrag om:

» Die huidige SAMPRO-aansoek

teen te staan;

» Stappe te doen om die aansoek te

laat onttrek;

» Die NAMC aan te moedig om te bemiddel

vir onderhandelinge tussen SAMPRO en

die MPO met die oog op ’n gesamentlike

statutêre maatreël; en

» ’n Onafhanklike arbiter of bemiddelaar

aan te wys om te help dat ’n regverdige

en verteenwoordigende oplossing vir die

tydperk 2026 -2029 bereik word.

Die melkprodusente se boodskap is duidelik:

’n statutêre maatreël moet die gesamentlike

vooruitgang van die hele waardeketting

ondersteun, en nie slegs sekere rolspelers

bevoordeel nie.

Die finansiële las op produsente

Die ekonomiese impak van siekte-uitbrekings

is enorm. Wanneer ’n plaas onder kwarantyn

geplaas word of mark toegang verloor, daal

melkomset onmiddellik, terwyl uitgawes die

hoogte in skiet. Dieregesondheidstoetse,

veeartsrekeninge, biosekuriteitsopgraderings

en personeelopleiding vreet aan marges wat

reeds onder druk is, as gevolg van wisselende

melkpryse en insetkoste wat bly styg .

’n Meer gebalanseerde heffingstelsel

kan hierdie druk verlig, nie deur subsidies

nie, maar deur doelgerigte projekte soos

gekoördineerde inentingsprogramme,

nasionale siektebeheer en

navorsingsondersteuning. Op dié manier kan

die primêre sektor se veerkragtigheid versterk

word, wat uiteindelik meer stabiele produksie

en pryse vir die hele waardeketting beteken.

Dieregesondheid:

die broeiende krisis

Een van die belangrikste redes vir ’n meer

regverdige heffingverdeling lê in die

toenemende dieregesondheidsuitdagings

waarmee produsente daagliks worstel.

Uitbrekings van bek-en-klouseer,

knopvelsiekte en brucellose rig groot skade

aan – nie net aan melkproduksie nie, maar ook

aan produsentevertroue en winsgewendheid.

Ten spyte van hierdie toenemende risiko’s

was daar, tot onlangs, geen toegewyde

dieregesondheidsprojek wat deur die

statutêre heffing befonds is nie. Produsente

moes self opdok vir biosekuriteitsmaatreëls,

toerusting, en selfs ondersteuning vir

FMD-geregistreerde slagpale – koste wat

volgens die MPO deur die bestaande

heffing gedra behoort te word, nie deur

individuele boere nie.

“Dieregesondheid en -welsyn is die

hoeksteen van ’n volhoubare suiwelbedryf,”

sê MPO-hoof uitvoerende beampte Fanie

Ferreira. “Dit is nie luukshede nie – dit is

noodsaaklike beleggings wat deur die

statutêre heffing gedek moet word.”


Twyfel oor huidige prioriteite

Die MPO wys daarop dat die huidige

heffingsbegroting ernstige wanbalans toon.

Volgens die voorgestelde aansoek gaan 30%

van die heffing na verbruikersopvoeding

en 20% na transformasieprojekte. Alhoewel

albei areas belangrik is, is dit nie duidelik

of hierdie projekte die gewenste resultate

lewer nie. Ten spyte van miljoene rande

wat aan transformasie bestee is, het nog

geen nuwe kommersiële melkboer uit

hierdie projekte ontstaan nie. Terselfdertyd

fokus verbruikersveldtogte hoofsaaklik op

gesondheidspraktisyns en wetenskaplikes,

eerder as op die verbruiker self – en

melkverbruik in Suid-Afrika bly steeds daal.

Intussen kry die kernkwessies,

dieregesondheid, biosekuriteit en navorsing

slegs minimale aandag. “’n Heffingstelsel

wat die produsent aan die begin van die

ketting ignoreer, verswak die hele bedryf,”

beklemtoon die MPO. “Sonder gesonde

kuddes en volhoubare melkprodusente

is daar geen melk om te verwerk, of te

verkoop nie.”

’n Geleentheid om

vertroue te herstel

Die Wet op die Bemarking van

Landbouprodukte (Wet 47 van 1996) is

oorspronklik ingestel om die landboubedryf

in staat te stel om selfregulerend op te tree –

met die doel om bemarkingsdoeltreffendheid

te bevorder, uitvoere te optimaliseer en die

lewensvatbaarheid van die sektor te verbeter.

Wanneer fondse egter nie die

produsentvlak bereik nie, waar siektebeheer,

stygende insetkoste en biosekuriteit die

grootste risiko’s inhou, verloor die stelsel

sy doel. ’n Herbepaalde, regverdige

heffingstelsel wat die werklikhede van

moderne suiwelboerdery erken, kan daardie

vertroue herstel en die pad baan vir ’n

volhoubare toekoms.

Boere het hul stemme laat hoor

Die MPO het die melkprodusente

aangemoedig om die SAMPROheffingsaansoek

deeglik te bestudeer en hul

kommentaar aan die NAMC te stuur. Meer as

’n honderd produsent-kommentare is ontvang

en aangestuur. “Hierdie proses het oor meer

as administrasie gegaan,” sê Ferreira. “Dis

oor die toekoms van ons bedryf. ’n Eerliker

en meer deursigtige heffingverdeling sal ’n

sterker, meer veerkragtige suiwelbedryf tot

gevolg hê – een wat beter toegerus is om die

uitdagings van vandag en môre te trotseer.”

Fanie Ferreira

Neels Neethling

Ben van Greunen

Daan Landman


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

MPO Noord

In sy voorsittersverslag het Neels Neethling

beklemtoon dat die bedryf onder intense

ekonomiese druk verkeer weens insetkoste

wat bly styg, onvoorspelbare weerpatrone en

voortdurende bek-en-klouseer-uitbrekings

wat handel en marktoegang belemmer.

Hy het verder aangedui dat, hoewel

produsentegetalle stabiel bly, volhoubaarheid

steeds ’n kernuitdaging is, en dat beter

ondersteuning, samewerking en toegang tot

entstowwe noodsaaklik is.

Mnandi Kruger se aanstelling as

streeksbestuurder en dié streek se aktiewe

deelname aan suksesvolle inisiatiewe soos die

2025 TGR Kongres, waar produsente, veeartse

en insetverskaffers saam oor suiwelkwessies

kon besin, is duidelike bewys dat daar

leierskap en oplossingsgerigtheid in hierdie

streek bestaan.

MPO Wes-Kaap

In die Wes-Kaap het voorsitter

Ben van Greunen beklemtoon dat die

huidige ekonomiese klimaat en veranderende

weerpatrone ’n groot impak op die Wes-Kaap

se winsgewendheid en melkvloei maak. Hy het

egter ook na die positiewe momentum in die

streek verwys – van verbeterde kommunikasie

en plaasbesoeke deur streeksbestuurder, Lize

Marié du Toit, tot sterker samewerking met

ander rolspelers in diergesondheidsforums

en verbruikersopvoeding. Die streek se 321

plase lewer ongeveer ’n kwart van Suid-Afrika

se melk, en die betrokkenheid van lede by

boeredae, die TGR Kongres, NAMPO Kaap

en jeugprojekte wys dat produsente steeds

bereid is om te bou aan die toekoms van

die melkbedryf.

MPO Oos-Kaap

In sy voorsittersverslag het Daan Landman

genoem dat die Oos-Kaap, die tuiste van

164 melkprodusente is, met ’n gemiddelde

kuddegrootte van 1285 koeie. Die streek

produseer 29,5% van die land se melk. Hy

het ook verwys na SAMPRO se eensydige

statutêre heffingsaansoek en verduidelik

dat onderhandelinge tussen die MPO en

SAMPRO vir ’n nuwe heffingsooreenkoms

onsuksesvol was. Hy het aan die vergadering

uitgewys dat SAMPRO in sy begroting slegs

1,5% van die totale heffingsinkomste aan

dieregesondheid toeken. Die voorstel om

die aansoek teen te staan is eenparig deur

MPO Oos-Kaap goedgekeur. Landman het

Anri Wolmarans, MPO streeksbestuurder in

die Oos-Kaap bedank vir haar toewyding

en harde werk.

MPO KwaZulu-Natal se AJV moes as gevolg

van bek-en-klou uitbrekings uitgestel word.

Die onderskeie streke se insette het ’n

belangrike rol gespeel in die vorming van die

MPO se nasionale standpunt dat die statutêre

heffing eerliker, meer doelgerig en produsentgesentreerd

moet wees.

’n Gelyke deel vir die

boustene van die bedryf

Dit is ironies dat die melkprodusent wat die

fondament van die suiwelwaardeketting

uitmaak – se stem dikwels geïgnoreer word.

Die gesprek oor heffingsverdeling gaan dus

nie net oor geld nie; dit gaan oor erkenning,

billikheid en volhoubaarheid.

Deur befondsing te rig waar dit die grootste

verskil behoort te maak – in dieregesondheid,

biosekuriteit en produsente-ondersteuning

– kan die Suid-Afrikaanse suiwelbedryf weer

nader beweeg aan die oorspronklike doel

van die wet: ’n doeltreffende, regverdige

en volhoubare stelsel waar die totale sektor

saam groei.


Dutch dairy

industry UNDER

PRESSURE

– but still

milking strong

by Hanlie du Plessis

The Netherlands may be best known

for its tulips and windmills, yet dairy

remains one of its key economic

engines. Despite mounting

regulatory and environmental

pressures, the Dutch dairy sector

continues to produce world-class

milk and holds a significant share of

global cheese markets.

Cows, milk, and

shifting numbers

According to the Centraal Bureau voor

de Statistiek (CBS), as of April 2024, the

Netherlands had around 1,54 million dairy

cows, reflecting a decline of 1,9% compared to

the previous year. The country also counted

967 000 youngstock (heifers and calves) on

dairy farms.

The number of dairy farms dropped to

13 900, down 2,6% year-on-year, but average

herd size continued to rise – now sitting at

111 cows per farm, up from 94 cows in 2017.

While official milk production figures for

2025 have not yet been released, Dutch

dairy herds remain exceptionally productive.

In 2023, cows in the Netherlands produced

about 25% more milk per cow than the

European Union average, according to the

Nederlandse Zuivel Organisatie (NZO).

For context, back in 2019, the national herd

stood at about 1,58 million cows and calves,

producing 14 billion kilograms of milk annually.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Fewer farms, but bigger herds

The structural shift within the Dutch dairy

industry continues. Between 2017 and 2024,

the number of dairy farms fell by nearly 23%,

yet the remaining farms have grown larger

and more efficient. Current projections

indicate that by 2030, the average herd size

could reach 139 cows per farm, even as the

total number of farms declines further.

This consolidation mirrors global

dairy trends, where economies of scale,

technology, and environmental compliance

drive production towards larger, more

professional operations.

Cheese, exports, and

foreign markets

The Dutch dairy processing sector remains

a heavyweight player in international trade.

In 2024, the value of agricultural exports,

driven largely by dairy, reached €12,3 billion,

positioning dairy and eggs among the

Netherlands’ top export categories.

Cheese, milk powder, and high-value dairy

ingredients dominate export volumes – not

raw milk. In 2019, Dutch dairy exports were

valued at €7,8 billion, with cheese leading the

charge and accounting for nearly 7% of the

national trade surplus.

The Netherlands consistently ranks among

the world’s top five dairy exporters, alongside

New Zealand, the United States, Germany,

and Belarus. Roughly 75% of processed milk

remains within Europe, with Germany serving

as the most important trading partner. Other

key destinations include Belgium, France,

China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia,

South Korea and Japan.

Domestic demand slowing,

plant-based alternatives rising

On the domestic front, consumption patterns

are changing. Sales of traditional dairy

staples such as milk, buttermilk, custards,

and desserts have fallen by between 6%

and 25% in recent years. Processors such

as FrieslandCampina attribute this decline

to increasing beverage competition and

consumer health concerns, especially around

sugar intake.

Not all categories are in retreat, however.

Yoghurt, quark, and ultra-high temperature

processed milk continue to show healthy

sales growth. At the same time, plant-based

alternatives – including soy, almond, and

oat drinks – are rapidly expanding their

market share. Alpro, one of the best-known

plant-based brands, has recorded turnover

increases of several tens of millions of euros in

the Dutch market.


Regulation, sustainability,

and quality assurance

Since 2017, phosphate legislation has placed

firm limits on herd expansion and growth. In

early 2024, the national phosphate excretion

ceiling of 73,6 million kilograms was projected

to be exceeded by roughly 3 million kilograms,

or 4,1%. This ongoing pressure underscores

the tension between productivity and

environmental regulation in one of the world’s

most intensive dairy regions.

Despite these constraints, the Dutch dairy

industry continues to uphold some of the

world’s most rigorous quality systems. Farm

health plans, strict veterinary oversight, and

independent monitoring by Royal GD (Dutch

animal health service) all form part of a

robust framework that ensures animal welfare

and milk safety. Between 2009 and 2018,

antibiotic use in Dutch livestock declined by

more than 63%.

Commitment to sustainability

Environmental sustainability remains a

cornerstone of the modern Dutch dairy

model. Industry programmes such as

PlanetProof and Duurzame Zuivelketen

(Sustainable Dairy Chain) set detailed

requirements on grazing, biodiversity, feed

sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, energy

use, and cow welfare. These initiatives

promote responsible resource use and aim to

future-proof dairy farming against tightening

climate targets.

Leading processors are also investing

heavily in sustainability. FrieslandCampina

has introduced advanced tools to measure

the impact of on-farm sustainability practices,

with the goal of achieving net-positive

environmental outcomes and a fully circular

production system. Royal A-ware, meanwhile,

runs its A-ware sustainable programme,

rewarding producers who adopt sustainability

measures tailored to their individual farming

systems. The company’s long-term vision is

climate-neutral production.

Organic and extensive systems

In 2024, the Netherlands had 538 organic

dairy farms, representing about 3% of the

national dairy herd. Organic farms rely on

100% organic feed and focus on natural herd

health and soil biodiversity. Dutch organic

cows graze outdoors for roughly eight hours

per day, with a maximum of 6,5 cows per

hectare, and at least 5% of farmland is kept in

its natural state to support wildlife. While these

systems promote welfare and sustainability,

adverse weather conditions can limit outdoor

access at times.

A balancing act

The Dutch dairy industry remains a study in

contrasts – an advanced, high-output sector,

balancing productivity with environmental

compliance and shifting consumer

preferences. Despite herd caps and the rise

of plant-based competition, Dutch dairy

continues to play a commanding role in

global milk and cheese trade, maintaining

its reputation for efficiency, quality,

and innovation.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

GERDIE LANDMAN

– ’n ambassadeur van die lewe

deur Hanlie du Plessis in samewerking

met sy vriende en familie

Ons groet Gerdie Landman, ’n man

wat vir 71 jaar diep spore in die lewe

getrap het en baie mense aangeraak

en geïnspireer het. Hy was ’n vriend

by uitnemendheid (almal se pêl) ,

’n wonderlike eggenoot vir sy vrou

Lorenda, geliefde vader, oupa,

en gesinsman, broer, melkboer,

stoetteler, duiweteler, leier-boer,

raadslid, voorsitter, offisier, strateeg,

diplomaat, raadgewer, jagter,

perderuiter, hengelaar, administrateur,

bestuurslid, Boer van die Jaar,

Presidensiële advieskomiteelid, en

waarskynlik nog vele meer.


Die Suid-Afrikaanse melkbedryf –

veral in die Oos-Kaap – het ’n boer

met visie, nederigheid en ’n hart

vir alles wat leef, verloor. Hy was nie net ’n

melkboer nie, maar ’n ware ambassadeur

vir die landbou – iemand wat met trots en

eerlikheid geboer het, en wat die waarde

van gemeenskap, geloof en volhoubaarheid

verstaan het.

Gerdie was maar twaalf jaar oud toe sy

pa, Chris Landman, oorlede is. Hy het sy

hoërskool-loopbaan by Marlow Landbouskool

voltooi en was dié skool se hoofseun in 1972.

Skoolvakansies het hy nie soos sy maters lekker

kon leeglê nie – hy het saam met sy ma geboer

op die familieplaas, Mooivlei in die Queenstown

distrik. Na ’n jaar se diensplig is hy reguit terug

plaas toe om die leisels oor te neem. Hy moes

vinnig groot word en homself verder deur die

universiteit van die lewe bekwaam. Maar, Gerdie

was goed daarin en het vele onderskeidings

op sy lewenspad behaal – hy het nasionale

kampioenskappe met sy Fries-stoet gewen

en het ook in 1993 Landbouskrywers SA se

gesogte Boer van die Jaar-toekenning ontvang.

Nadat hul familieplaas as deel van die

konsolidasie van die Ciskei uitgekoop is, het

Gerdie en sy vrou Lorenda ’n stuk onbewerkte

grond in die Tsitsikamma, van die staat bekom.

Mooiwei, waarop die enigste aanvanklike

verbeteringe slegs die vier hoekvlaggies was,

is deur Gerdie omskep en ontwikkel in ’n model

melkboerdery. Hier was Rob Ballantyne vir

25 jaar sy buurman en in Rob se woorde, ‘In al

daai jare het ons nooit ’n onderonsie gehad nie.

Gerdie was nie ’n man wat doekies omgedraai

het nie, hy was reguit maar maklik om mee

besigheid te doen. Hy was op sy gelukkigste

wanneer hy tussen boere was.’

Die staat het Mooiwei vir ’n regstellingsprojek

teruggekoop, Gerdie moes daarna weer

van vooraf begin en het die potensiaal en goue

geleentheid om in die Cookhouse-distrik weer

’n mega-boerdery te ontwikkel, aangegryp. Ook

hier, op Wynandskraal, het hy en sy seun Chris,

’n manjifieke melkboerdery ontwikkel waarvan

die Mooimelk koeihotel-konsep ’n eerste van sy

soort was. Gerdie het dié konsep so verduidelik,

‘Ons het die koeihotel begin omdat ons nie

genoeg van ons eie koeie gehad het om die

volle kapasiteit van die melkstal en plaas te

benut nie. Koeie van ander eienaars word saam

met ons kudde by die koeihotel gemelk. Dit

maak finansiële sin want ons trek voordeel uit

die groter skaal omdat groter volumes melk

op een plek geproduseer word en die vaste

koste van melkproduksie deur meer liters melk

verdeel kan word.’ Die plaas is langs die Visrivier

geleë, sowat 75 km suid van Cradock en 15 km

noord van Cookhouse in die Oos-Kaap


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Veels te vroeg in hierdie merkwaardige

melkboer se lewe het gesondheidsuitdagings

hom gekortwiek en ongelukkig het die

een tot ’n volgende gelei. Gerdie se

kleindogter Mila vertel dat haar oupa vir

haar ’n superheld was, ‘ Hy het so baie dinge

oorkom, ’n hartomleiding, nieroorplanting,

Covid en kanker – dis asof hy soos ’n kat

nege lewens gehad het maar altyd sterk en

positief gebly het.’

Deur dit alles, oor die laaste 12 jaar het

Gerdie nooit gekla nie en sou hy hoogstens

opmerk, ‘my handbriek is so bietjie opgetrek.’

Hy het eenkant toe gestaan en die leisels

van die boerdery in die bekwame hande van

Chris en Lorenda gelaat. Gerdie het in hierdie

tyd twee nuwe passies ontwikkel – sosiale

media en sy wedvlugduiwe. Hy was ’n aktiewe

deelnemer en die administrateur van die

‘Boere Gesels’ -groep op Facebook en met

dié duiwe het hy geteel , wedrenne gevlieg en

hulle sommer net terdeë geniet.

’n Groot seder het geval, maar die sukses

van sy lewe en sy nagedagtenis sal vir baie

lank met ons wees en deur sy familie en

vriende onthou en aangehaal word.


Global and local

DAIRY OUTLOOK:

Navigating volatility

towards stability

Insights from the

recently released

BFAP Baseline 2025

International dairy markets have once

again reminded us of their unpredictability.

According to the Bureau for Food and

Agricultural Policy’s (BFAP) Baseline 2025

outlook, global dairy prices rose by around

5% in 2024, after a sharp decline in 2023.

The rebound, reflected in the FAO Dairy

Price Index, was largely driven by strong

butter prices, thereby widening the gap

between butter and skim milk powder (SMP).

This growing price spread highlights a

significant shift in the composition of global

dairy demand. Consumers across both

developed and emerging markets are

increasingly favouring products rich in

milk fat – such as butter, cream, and fullcream

milk – over low-fat or non-fat milk

solids like SMP.

These changing preferences, combined

with constrained export supplies, logistical

challenges, geopolitical tensions, and

irregular weather, all contributed to

sustained upward pressure on international

prices through early 2025.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

GLOBAL PRODUCTION

The BFAP Baseline reports that global milk

production grew by only 1,1% in 2024. Cow’s

milk remains dominant, accounting for 81% of

total output, followed by buffalo milk at 15%,

with smaller contributions from goats, sheep,

and camels. Most of this growth originated in

India and Pakistan, which together produce

more than one-third of the world’s milk –

almost entirely for domestic consumption.

Looking ahead, the Organisation for

Economic Co-operation and Development

(OECD) and the Food and Agriculture

Organization (FAO) predict global milk output

to grow by an average of 1,6% per year through

to 2034. This expansion will be driven mainly

by improved yields per animal, supported

by advances in genetics, animal health, feed

efficiency, and production management.

India and Pakistan are expected to remain

the primary contributors to this growth,

together accounting for more than half of

global output by the end of the decade. In

contrast, the European Union – the world’s

second-largest producer – is projected to

experience a gradual decline in production

due to smaller herd numbers, slower

productivity gains, and stricter environmental

and sustainability policies that favour organic

and pasture-based systems.

CONSUMPTION AND

TRADE PATTERNS

The nutritional benefits of dairy continue

to underpin strong global demand, but

consumption patterns vary widely across

regions. In low- and middle-income

countries, fresh milk and fermented products

remain dietary staples. In higher-income

regions such as Europe and North America,

consumers are increasingly shifting towards

high-fat products like butter and cheese,

reflecting evolving health perceptions and

the growing preference for convenient,

processed foods.

Over the next decade, demand for fresh

dairy products is expected to expand most

rapidly in India and Pakistan, driven by rising

incomes, population growth, and urbanisation.

At the same time, consumption of cheese

and butter is projected to increase in both

traditional markets and emerging economies,

supported by the growing popularity of fast

food and ready-to-eat products.

Global trade in dairy products is also

expected to expand over the next decade.

Major exporters – the United States, the

European Union, New Zealand, and Argentina

– will continue to dominate exports of cheese,

milk powders, and butter. China will remain

the world’s largest importer, although its

whole milk powder imports are projected to

decline by around 7% by 2034 as domestic

production rises. However, the BFAP Baseline

highlights several global risks that could

disrupt this outlook. Animal disease outbreaks

– such as highly pathogenic avian influenza

spreading to dairy cattle, and foot-and-mouth

disease (FMD) in Europe – along with shifting

global trade policies, all pose potential

headwinds for the sector.


SOUTH AFRICA

Back home, the South African dairy industry

continues to navigate a complex environment

shaped by weather extremes, infrastructure

challenges, and broader economic and

political uncertainty. As the BFAP Baseline

highlights, domestic factors remain far more

influential than global market reach.

After several years of sharp price

increases between 2020 and 2023, milk

producer prices stabilised in 2024. This was

partly due to easing input costs, including

electricity, packaging, and fuel. However,

profitability remained under pressure as

yellow maize prices surged during the 2024

drought, narrowing the milk-to-maize price

ratio by 5,3%.

Producer prices increased modestly at

the start of 2025 due to seasonal production

trends, but margins are expected to recover

more substantially from 2026 onwards,

supported by lower feed costs and improving

production conditions. The BFAP Baseline

projects average annual profitability growth

of around 3%, returning to pre-pandemic

levels by 2030.

PRODUCTION AND

MARKET DYNAMICS

Although South Africa produces only 0,4% of

the world’s milk, the local industry remains

strategically important for food security and

rural livelihoods. Despite challenges such

as FMD outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal and the

Eastern Cape, production recovered in 2024

as feed costs eased. The utilisation of raw milk

in manufacturing grew by 3,5%, and total milk

production is expected to expand by about

2% per year over the next decade, reaching

4,2 billion litres by 2034.

According to the BFAP Baseline, around

60% of South Africa’s milk is used for liquid

products and 40% for concentrated dairy.

Within liquid dairy, sterilised milk accounts

for 58% of output, followed by fermented

products such as maas and yoghurt (24%)

and fresh milk (25%). In the concentrated

segment, cheese dominates with a 66% share,

followed by milk powders and butter.

Encouragingly, consumer demand

strengthened in 2024 after a difficult 2023.

Retail sales of maas, ultra-high temperature

(UHT) processed milk, and butter saw the

biggest year-on-year increases, indicating

renewed interest from both lower- and

higher-income consumers. Looking ahead,

the BFAP Baseline expects the fastest

consumption growth in cheese and SMP –

reflecting both lifestyle-driven preferences

and affordability considerations.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

TRADE BALANCE

South Africa maintained a net export position

in 2024, despite a slight decline in export

volumes due to FMD-related constraints.

Total dairy exports reached 53 500 tonnes,

with Botswana accounting for more than half.

Imports, primarily from the European Union

and Oceania, dropped sharply by 30% to

34 000 tonnes, signalling improved domestic

supply and fewer logistical disruptions.

Most South African dairy trade remains

within the Southern African Customs Union

region, and this is expected to continue. By

2034, the BFAP Baseline projects that South

Africa will remain a net exporter of dairy

products, supplying neighbouring markets

with milk, cream, buttermilk, and cheese.

LOOKING AHEAD

The South African dairy industry enters the

next decade with cautious optimism. Easing

input costs, improving profitability, and

resilient consumer demand are creating the

conditions for gradual recovery and growth.

Yet, as the BFAP Baseline 2025 cautions,

uncertainty remains ever-present, shaped by

weather variability, infrastructure challenges,

and economic pressures.

The path forward will depend on

continued investment in efficiency,

innovation, and adaptability. Producers who

leverage improved genetics, strengthen

herd health, optimise feed systems, and

manage energy costs effectively will be best

positioned to thrive.

While global markets remain volatile, the

long-term fundamentals of dairy – both

internationally and locally – are encouraging.

For South African producers, resilience and

adaptability will remain the keys to stability in

an ever-changing global landscape.


DAIRY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

MONITORING

DAIRY RETAIL PRICES

by Jade Smith, MPO economist

MPO Economic Desk:

Guided by science, rooted in knowledge

The MPO compiled the following figures on the international dairy trade

environment for the period January 2023 to August 2025, with a specific

focus on the import activities of long-life milk (UHT processed), skimmed

milk powder (SMP), and Cheddar and Gouda cheese.

(Source: SARS as supplied from Agri Inspec)


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Take note: The dairy products analysed also include imports from the

South African Customs Union (SACU) countries.

Although South Africa is typically a net exporter to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and

Namibia, imports from these countries can occur – often due to the return of goods or due

to products being routed through one of these countries.

For example, IM6 (Re-imports) were recorded when UHT processed milk exported from

South Africa re-entered through the Mananga border post in Eswatini. This was a result

of the Durban floods, which damaged road infrastructure and necessitated alternative

transport routes during 2023 and early 2024.

Figure 1 UHT processed milk prices; FOB prices in rand terms

143,00

123,00

103,00

Rand/kg

83,00

63,00

43,00

23,00

2023

2024

2025

3,00

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Ј The outlier price of R122,64 recorded in July 2024 should be disregarded, as it reflects small

quantities of uniquely packaged UHT processed milk imports.

Ј During 2024, free-on-board (FOB) prices were higher than in 2023, while for the first eight

months of 2025, prices returned to levels similar to those of 2023.

Ј According to the law of demand and supply, higher prices typically lead to lower quantities

demanded, and vice versa. This is evident in Figure 2, which shows smaller import volumes of

UHT processed milk in January and May 2025, corresponding to higher FOB prices.


Figure 2 UHT processed milk imports (kg)

3 000 000

2 500 000

Kg

2 000 000

1 500 000

1 000 000

2023

2024

2025

500 000

0


Ј Imports of UHT processed milk for the first eight months of 2025 declined sharply by 94%

compared to the same period in 2023. When compared to FOB prices, this trend appears to

contradict the economic theory of supply and demand, which states that lower prices typically

lead to higher quantities demanded, and higher prices to lower demand.

Ј However, a slight increase was recorded when comparing 2025 to 2024, mainly due to reimports

that occurred through the Maseru border post (Lesotho).

Ј In June 2023, a total of 2,81 million kilograms of UHT processed milk was imported from Poland

at a price of R13,91/kg.

Figure 3 SMP prices; FOB prices in rand terms

80,00

70,00

60,00

Rand/kg

50,00

40,00

30,00

20,00

2023

2024

2025

10,00

0,00


Ј During the first eight months of 2023, 2024, and 2025, FOB prices remained relatively similar,

with only slight deviations observed.

Ј May and June 2025 were the only two months in which FOB prices were higher than those

recorded in both 2023 and 2024.

Ј In August 2025, the SMP price reached R54,27/kg, its lowest level since February 2025,

coinciding with a surge in import volumes during that month.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 4 SMP imports (kg)

2 500 000

2 000 000

Kg

1 500 000

1 000 000

2023

2024

2025

500 000

0


Ј SMP import volumes for the first eight months of 2023, 2024, and 2025 showed no clear trend.

Ј During the first eight months of 2025, SMP import volumes declined by 52% and 19% compared

to the same period in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Ј Between June and August 2025, SMP import volumes rose sharply by 638%. Of the 1,5 million

kilograms imported in August, approximately 64% originated from France.

Figure 5 Cheddar prices; FOB prices in rand terms

350,00

300,00

250,00

Rand/kg

200,00

150,00

100,00

50,00

2023

2024

2025

0,00


Ј The FOB price of R292,01 in August 2025 – the highest since February 2022 – was associated

with limited import volumes, particularly of uniquely packaged Cheddar cheese, reflecting the

inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded (Figure 6).

Ј Conversely, the lower FOB prices between June and August 2023 created a favourable

environment for increased imports of Cheddar cheese, illustrating price sensitivity in import

demand (Figure 6).


Figure 6 Cheddar imports (kg)

450 000

400 000

350 000

Kg

300 000

250 000

200 000

150 000

2023

2024

2025

100 000

50 000

0


Ј During the first eight months of 2025, Cheddar import volumes decreased substantially by 96%

and 54% compared to the same period in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Ј Approximately 41% of Cheddar cheese imports in this period originated from Great Britain.

Overall, Cheddar cheese import volumes declined sharply from 2023 to 2025,

particularly in July and August, reflecting the impact of higher FOB prices.

Figure 7 Gouda prices; FOB prices in rand terms

600,00

500,00

Rand/kg

400,00

300,00

200,00

2023

2024

2025

100,00

0,00


Ј During the first seven months of 2025, FOB prices remained relatively stable before rising to

R510,43/kg, the highest price recorded to date.

Ј However, this peak price can be disregarded, as it reflects a very small quantity of Gouda

cheese imported from Ireland (Figure 8).


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 8 Gouda imports (kg)

30 000

25 000

Kg

20 000

15 000

10 000

2023

2024

2025

5 000

0


Ј During the first seven months 2025, Gouda import volumes decreased by 51% compared to

2023, but showed a slight increase of 2% over the same period in 2024.

Ј In 2024 and 2025, Gouda cheese imports were primarily sourced from the Netherlands,

whereas in 2023, Germany was the main supplier.

Ј Import volumes fluctuated with no clear trend during the first eight months from 2023 to 2025.

The majority of dairy product imports have declined significantly from 2024 to date

compared to previous years. In the coming month, the MPO will review the trade

environment, with a particular focus on exports of these products.

For more information on retail prices, contact

JADE SMITH, economist at the MPO, at jade@mpo.co.za


DAIRY

DIGITS

OCTOBER 2025

Dairy digits is a Milk SA feature. It is also

available on the Milk SA website: milksa.co.za.

Table 1 Key market indicators

Item Period Value

% change

(same period

previous year)

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) 2023 1 3 339 −0,3%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) 2024 1 3 458 +3,56%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate Aug 25 1 318 +4,33%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate Jan–Aug 25 1 2 136 +0,83%

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) 2024 2 33,9 −30,1%

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) Jan–Jul 25 2 15,6 −33,3%

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) 2024 2 53,5 −4,63%

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) Jan–Jul 25 2 37,9 +29,4%

Dairy exports inclusive of sales to other SACU countries (’000 tonnes) 5 Jan–Jul 25 2 115,6 +12,7%

Producer price index of unprocessed milk (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 Aug 25 3 100,9 +2,6%

Producer price index of dairy products (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 Aug 25 3 104,9 +0,7%

Farm requisite price index (base 2015 = 100) 4 Jan 25 4 143,1 −2,9%

Source:

1

Milk SA returns

2

SARS statistics supplied by SAMPRO

3

Stats SA PPI index

4

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural

Development (DALRRD) price index of farm requisites

5

SARS statistics supplied by Agri Inspec

Figure 1 International dairy product prices (free on board), Jan 2014–Aug 2025

Rand per t

170 000

150 000

130 000

110 000

90 000

70 000

50 000

30 000

10 000

Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25

Source:

USDA price surveys,

exchange rate South

African Reserve Bank

middle rates, last

month – average of

daily closing values.

Butter

SMP

Cheddar

FMP

Acronyms and abbreviations: Milk South Africa (Milk SA) • Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) • South African Milk Processors’

Organisation (SAMPRO) • Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) • South African Revenue Service (SARS) • United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) • producer price index (PPI) • consumer price index (CPI) • Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural

Development (DALRRD) • full-cream milk powder (FMP) • skimmed milk powder (SMP) • ultra-high temperature (UHT) processed


Figure 2 Monthly unprocessed milk purchase trends, Jan 2021–Aug 2025

360

340

Source:

Milk SA statistics.

Note: Each year's

figures are assessed,

reviewed, and

finalised by 31 March

of the ensuing year.

'000 t

320

300

280

260

240

2025*

2025

2022

2023

2024

220


* Last two months

preliminary: sample survey

Figure 3 Monthly cumulative net imports, milk equivalent, Jan 2021–Jul 2025

200

150

Source:

MPO calculation

from SARS data

supplied by

SAMPRO.

1 000 t milk equivalent

100

50

0

-50


2025

2021

2022

-100

-150

2023

2024

Figure 4 PPI indices of unprocessed milk and dairy products, and the CPI of milk,

cheese, and eggs, Jan 2014–Aug 2025

230

Source:

Stats SA PPI and

CPI information,

statssa.gov.za.

210

Index (2012 = 100)

190

170

150

130

110

90

Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25

Dairy products PPI

(full cream fresh milk, full

cream UHT milk,

Cheddar cheese,

yoghurt & ice cream)

Unprocessed

milk PPI

Milk, cheese,

and eggs CPI

This publication is compiled from sources that are deemed reliable. However, Milk SA and the contributors

to the publication accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information. The information is, furthermore,

intended to provide market signals only and Milk SA indemnifies itself against any actions based on this information.


“These products are definitely

for the Long Run”

JANDRÉ BARNARD

& MURRAY VERSFELD

Van waar ek begin bestuur het in 2019 was ek van die begin af

blootgestel aan Waikato melkmasjiene,

Rockwood tafels en die Afimilk bestuurs programme.

Afimilk is ‘n briljante program wat gebruikersvriendelik is en

wat jou werk as bestuurder soveel makliker en eenvoudiger maak.

Waikato se produkte is uitstekend en van top gehalte.

Ek sal hierdie produkte asook hul diens

en behulpsaamheid aan enige iemand voorstel.

These products are definitely for the “Long Run”.


- Jandré Barnard

Dairy manager at Groothoek Dairy

Michael Vermaak Boerdery’s 4th Rotary

For more information contact

Louie Diedericks | m: 0823754033 | e: louie@waikatosa.co.za

Roxy O’Reilly m: 072 942 2755 | e:roxy@waikatosa.co.za

KORTLIKS | BRIEFLY

CELEBRATE DAIRY

through art and poetry

It was once again time for the young artists and

poets of the Eastern Cape to take out their art

supplies and sharpen their pencils in celebration

of World School Milk Day on 24 September.

The annual art and poetry competition,

presented by the Milk Producers’ Organisation

(MPO) Eastern Cape in collaboration with

Crickley Dairy, aims to put the spotlight on dairy

and the important role it plays in healthy living and

local farming communities.

Learners from participating schools were invited

to let their creativity flow by either drawing a

picture of anything that makes them think of a

dairy farm or writing a poem dedicated to a dairy

farmer. Entries were submitted at schools, with the

chance to win a big Crickley Dairy hamper, while

the winning artworks will be featured in upcoming

Crickley marketing campaigns.

This year’s participating schools included

Jeffreys Bay Primary (Jeffreys Bay),

Stulting Primary (Humansdorp),

Cradock Preparatory School (Cradock),

Newton Park Primary (Port Elizabeth) and

Southbourne Primary (Queenstown).

Entries closed on 24 September, and the

winners were announced on 30 September,

with prizes awarded across all age groups.

The MPO Eastern Cape and Crickley Dairy

expressed their appreciation to all participating

schools and learners for celebrating dairy in such a

fun and meaningful way. Through initiatives like this,

young people not only learn about the importance

of milk and dairy farming, but also develop a

deeper appreciation for the farmers who help bring

this nutritious product to their tables every day.

Age: 7 Age: 8

Age: 5

Age: 6

Read all about the MPO’s activities in each issue of The Dairy Mail.


Silage crops:

Part

4

GRASS SILAGE

by Richardt Venter, international silage consultant

This month, we are discussing grass silage as

the fourth part of our mini-series on silage crops

in Southern Africa. Grass silage covers a wide

range of types, techniques, and conditions.



In some cases, grasses are planted with

the specific aim of being stored as silage

– a trend that has grown in recent years

for reasons we will explore. In other cases,

surplus grass is made into silage simply as a

way of removing it from planted pastures, or,

in good rainfall years, from surpluses in the

natural veld.

There are also notable differences in

approach between grasses used traditionally

for hay, which can also be stored as silage,

and pasture grasses – or even lucerne.

Lucerne silage, however, will be discussed

separately in a future article.

Risk

A major risk when cutting grass for hay is

unexpected rain during the drying period,

which limits the production of high-quality

hay. Rain stimulates microbial growth in the

windrow, extending the drying time. Each

extra day the grass lies exposed reduces its

quality, increases losses, and prolongs the

high-risk period for further rain. In addition,

baling grass that is even slightly too wet

carries the serious danger of spontaneous

combustion during storage.

Nutrients

When hay grasses are used for silage, it is

important to recognise the variation – or

rather the opportunity – that exists between

quality and quantity. With hay crops such

as Eragrostis (oulandsgras), Smutsfinger,

teff, or Rhodes grass, the focus is often on

maximising quantity. This approach does not

necessarily produce the best quality hay, but

it is often chosen for convenience and to

reduce risk – by harvesting more mature, and

therefore drier, grasses to shorten the wilting

period required for haymaking.

However, these same crops can also be

cut earlier, before seeding, when quality is

still much higher – specifically with higher

crude protein and lower fibre levels. The same

principle applies to hay production, but with

silage, the advantage is greater: no extended

drying period is needed. This reduces the

risk of losses and weather damage during

wilting, while helping to preserve higher

nutrient quality.


Processing

There are two main methods of processing

grass silage. The first is the traditional haylage

system, where grass is baled – usually with

a round baler – while still moist, and then

wrapped. In this method, the grass is not truly

processed, apart from limited cutting offered

by certain balers.

The main challenge with haylage is the

large amount of air trapped in the bale,

combined with relatively little plant moisture

containing water-soluble carbohydrates.

These are essential for proper fermentation

and are released more effectively when

the material is finely chopped. As a result,

fermentation is often poor, preservation

inadequate, and shelf life short, leading to

high losses.

Another drawback of haylage arises when

formulating rations for high-producing

animals; the long, moist fibres are difficult

to process and mix, whereas a finer chop is

needed for balanced diets.

An alternative, more modern method is

the use of high-compaction balers, which

have recently become available in our region.

These machines can bale fully chopped and

processed silage. The process mirrors bunker

silage production, where forage can be

harvested and chopped as finely as required

– using a self-propelled harvester with a

pick‐up – before being baled and wrapped.

This system works particularly well with

grass silage, offering much lower risks and

more reliable preservation.



Bacterial inoculants

Grass silage is one of the crops where

the benefits of using silage inoculants are

most clearly seen. While inoculants cannot

replace sound ensiling practices, the

bacteria they provide have become one

of the most important tools for ensuring

proper fermentation – particularly with

more challenging crops. It is important to

remember, however, that inoculants offer only

added assurance; they cannot substitute for

good practices such as removing oxygen

quickly and effectively.

Correct application is essential for

inoculants to be effective. This begins with

reliable applicators and selecting the right

type and concentration of bacteria. A ‘onesize-fits-all’

approach does not work – you

need to do your homework and obtain

detailed guidance from your inoculant

supplier on what is most suitable for the

specific crop being ensiled.

The good news is that grass silage does

not require the most expensive inoculants.

Standard ‘entry level’ homo-lactic products

are generally sufficient, though I recommend

applying them at higher concentrations for

best results.

Total digestible nutrients

In terms of digestibility and energy content,

grass silage can be compared to average oat

silage or sweet sorghum silage. However, the

variation within grass silage is very wide. At

one end of the spectrum are poor-quality,

late-cut, high-fibre veld grasses; at the other

are, cultivated dairy pastures under irrigation,

containing a mix of grass species, harvested

young at their optimal nutrient stage.

Although all of these are labelled ‘grass

silage’, the differences in quality and feeding

value are substantial.

Other benefits

Feeding grass silage – particularly the

fully processed types – is straightforward.

When well preserved, intake is usually

particularly good. Grass silage also has a

much longer shelf life than traditional hay,

because hay, even when stored under a

roof, will inevitably deteriorate due to the

presence of oxygen.


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36 THE DAIRY MAIL • OCTOBER 2025 Innovation with Integrity


HEAT STRESS:

Impact on rumen function

and udder health

by Anel van Schalkwyk,

dairy development manager, Vitam International

The detrimental impact of heat

stress is of increasing concern

as global temperatures continue

to rise and the thermal neutral

zone of dairy cows shifts due to

genetic selection for higher milk

production. Heat stress occurs

when internal heat production or

external heat load exceeds the

body’s capacity to dissipate heat,

disrupting thermal regulation.

Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable

due to high metabolic heat production

from rumen fermentation and milk

synthesis. In South Africa, the annual cost of

heat stress is estimated at R1 billion, mainly

from milk yield losses. Production declines

when the temperature-humidity index (THI)

exceeds 68, and as THI values and the

sensitivity of high-producing cows increase,

the impact of heat stress intensifies.


Rumen function and microbiota

The rumen microbiota is largely affected by

the cow’s diet and environmental conditions.

Heat stress affects feed intake and behaviour,

alters the microbial population in the rumen,

and reduces feed efficiency. Alterations in

rumen bacterial composition and volatile

fatty acid profiles are largely responsible

for reduced milk yield during heat stress.

Acetate-producing bacteria decrease, while

lactate-producing bacteria increase during

heat stress. The subsequent high levels of

lactic acid damage the papillae and rumen

wall, leading to increased permeability.

Additionally, elevated levels of ruminal

pathogens further disrupt microbial balance.

The resulting decrease in ruminal pH and

shifts in fermentation products are direct

consequences of these microbial changes.

Rumen–mammary gland axis

Besides playing a pivotal role in regulating

heat stress, the rumen microbiota may

also influence mammary gland health and

function. The gut/rumen–mammary gland axis

is a recent concept describing the interaction

between the gut or rumen microbiota and the

mammary gland. It is proposed that rumen

bacteria and their metabolites can reach

the mammary gland through endogenous

pathways such as the bloodstream or

lymphatic system.

This intimate connection highlights the

critical role of microbes in maintaining

mammary health and regulating diseases

such as mastitis. Imbalances in the intestinal

or rumen microbiota can compromise the

intestinal mucosal barrier, allowing harmful

compounds, including pathogenic bacteria

and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), to move from

the intestine to the mammary gland, leading

to inflammation and disease. The intestinal

microbiota and its metabolites also contribute

to the integrity of the blood–milk barrier.

Research shows that LPS compromises

this barrier by disrupting tight junctions in

mammary epithelial cells. Volatile fatty acids,

such as butyrate and propionate, can help

repair such damage and reduce mammary

gland inflammation, underscoring the crucial

role of rumen microbiota in supporting

mammary health in dairy cows.

Impact on milk production

The altered rumen microbial composition

and subsequent lowered ruminal pH increase

bacterial turnover, leading to elevated levels

of LPS in the rumen. Increased rumen wall

permeability then allows inflammatory

compounds, such as LPS and histamine, to

enter the bloodstream and cause systemic

inflammation. This response increases the

cow’s glucose requirement and diverts

energy away from milk production and



milk component synthesis. Moreover, these

toxic compounds can trigger an immune

response and inflammation at the udder

level. In addition to increasing the risk of

mastitis and elevated somatic cell counts,

this response is associated with reduced milk

protein synthesis. Even under mild heat stress

conditions (THI = 68; 22 °C; 50% humidity)

lasting only four hours per day, an average

milk loss of 1,1 kg per cow per day is observed.

As stress levels rise, the impact on milk yield

escalates. Reductions in milk fat, milk protein,

and solids-not-fat during heat stress are also

well documented.

Alleviation strategy

Supporting rumen function is essential for

maintaining the health and performance of

dairy cows during heat stress. The rumenspecific

live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

CNCM I-1077 has been shown to regulate

rumen microbial composition, metabolites,

and fermentation processes under heat

stress. A study by Perdomo et al. (2020)

reported that lactating cows exposed to

moderate-to-severe heat stress conditions

(average THI = 81) and supplemented with

this yeast exhibited a 5,7% increase in energycorrected

milk yield without any change in dry

matter intake, resulting in a 7,6% improvement

in feed efficiency. This positive response

is largely attributed to the yeast’s effect on

microbial metabolism, promoting a more

stable rumen environment and improving

feed utilisation. Moreover, the yeast reduces

the risk of sub-acute rumen acidosis and

indirectly reduces oxidative stress and

supports immune function in lactating dairy

cows under heat stress.

Key takeaways

Heat stress disrupts the rumen microbiota,

and recent evidence indicates that this

disruption can affect mammary gland

function and health via the rumen–mammary

gland axis. Supporting rumen health and

function by maintaining a favourable microbial

population helps preserve gut barrier integrity

and prevents harmful compounds from

reaching the mammary gland. Enhancing

mammary gland health through this axis offers

a promising strategy to mitigate the effects

of heat stress and maintain the overall health

and productivity of dairy cows.

For enquiries, email the author at

anelvdm@vitam.co.za.

naturally more protective

A rumen specific live yeast to optimise rumen health and improve feed

efficiency by up to 7%.

Scan the QR code to promote your herd’s resilience

this summer

www.vitam.co.za | +27 (12) 665 5245 Product Reg #V18281 - Act 36 of 1947


Oorgangsiektes

– Wat is

die effek?


Die weke ná kalwing is ’n kritieke

tyd vir melkkoeie. Ongelukkig

is dit ook wanneer baie koeie

voortplantingsprobleme ervaar. Toestande

soos metritis, etterige vaginale afskeiding

en endometritis raak byna die helfte van

melkkoeie in die postpartum-periode, en

dit lei dikwels tot laer vrugbaarheid en

ekonomiese verliese. As boer is dit belangrik

om te weet hoe om dit raak te sien, en

watter stappe geneem kan word.

1. Metritis:

Die vroeë ná-kalwing infeksie

Metritis kom gewoonlik binne die eerste

tien dae ná kalwing voor en is ’n ernstige

ontsteking van die baarmoeder (uterus).

Simptome om dop te hou:

» ’n Vergrote, slap baarmoeder (voel

abnormaal groot by rektale ondersoek)

» Waterige, rooi-bruin afskeiding met

’n slegte reuk

» Koors (meer as 39,5 °C)

» Verminderde eetlus en lae melkproduksie

» Depressiewe of ’dowwe’ houding

Waarom dit gebeur: Die natuurlike

balans van bakterieë in die baarmoeder

word versteur en kieme soos

Fusobacterium necrophorum neem oor.

Behandeling: Antibiotika soos ceftiofur of

ampisillien help om herstel en toekomstige

vrugbaarheid aansienlik te verbeter.



2. Etterige vaginale afskeiding:

’n Algemene terugslag

Hierdie toestand verskyn gewoonlik

4 – 6 weke ná kalwing en raak sowat

15 – 20% van koeie.


» Sigbare etterige afskeiding (pus)

uit die vagina

» Die hoeveelheid etter kan wissel – hoe

meer etter, hoe groter die effek op

vrugbaarheid

» Geen koors nie, maar tog ’n negatiewe

effek op dragtigheid

Waarom dit gebeur: Verlaagde mikrobioomdiversiteit

en ’n oormaat van kieme

soos Fusobacterium en Trueperella pyogenes.

Behandeling: Prostaglandien F2α of

soortgelyke middels help om herstel

te bevorder.

3. Endometritis:

Aanhoudende ontsteking

Endometritis kom later voor, tussen

4 – 6 weke ná kalwing en behels ’n

ontsteking van die baarmoederwand.


» Abnormale wit of roomkleurige afskeiding

sonder ’n sterk reuk

» Vertraagde ’terugkeer’ na normale siklusse

» Laer dragtigheidsyfers na

kunsmatige inseminasie

» Geen koors of sigbare siek-gedrag soos by

metritis nie

Waarom dit gebeur: Die normale

postpartum-ontsteking word nie opgelos nie,

wat ’n negatiewe invloed het op die koei se

vermoë om weer dragtig te raak.

Behandeling: Intra-uteriene antibiotika

(soos cephapirin benzathine) of teeninflammatoriese

middels soos carprofen

verbeter resultate.


Hoe dit vrugbaarheid affekteer

Hierdie siektes versteur nie net die

baarmoeder nie – dit raak ook die

eierstokke en embrio’s:

» Stadiger groei van die eerste dominante

follikel ná kalwing

» Laer progesteroonvlakke in die

eerste siklusse

» Swakker embrio-kwaliteit en laer

oorlewingsyfer

» Hoër risiko van vroeë dragtigheidsverlies

Postpartum-voortplantingsiektes kom

algemeen voor, maar kan nie geïgnoreer word

nie. Metritis, etterige vaginale afskeiding

en endometritis verlaag vrugbaarheid en

maak dit moeiliker om koeie weer vinnig

dragtig te kry.

Die belangrikste boodskap is: hou koeie

ná kalwing fyn dop vir tekens soos

abnormale afskeiding, koors, swak eetlus

of laer melkproduksie. Hoe vroeër dit

gediagnoseer en behandel word, hoe beter

is die kans dat die koei weer vinnig en

gesond dragtig sal word.

Vyf dinge om ná kalwing dop te hou:

1. Afskeiding

• Normale afskeiding ná kalwing is rooi-bruin en word

geleidelik minder.

• Abnormaal: waterige, stink of groot hoeveelhede etter.

2. Liggaamstemperatuur

• Normaal: ±38,5 °C – 39 °C.

• Waarskuwing: 39,5 °C of hoër kan op infeksie dui.

3. Melkproduksie en eetlus

• Gesonde koeie eet goed en hou melkproduksie op peil.

• Waarskuwing: swak eetlus of dalende produksie is

’n rooi lig.

4. Gedrag

• Gesonde koeie lyk wakker en beweeg normaal.

• Waarskuwing: apatiese, lustelose koeie wat

apart staan.

5. Vrugbaarheid

• Koeie behoort teen ses weke ná kalwing weer terug in

hul normale siklusse te wees.

• Waarskuwing: vertraagde siklus-herstel of

herhaaldelike negatiewe inseminasies kan dui op

endometritis.

Wenk: Skryf hierdie punte neer op ’n kontrolelys en werk

dit deur tydens daaglikse stalrondes. Vinnige optrede

spaar geld en hou koeie langer produktief.



weight&

Calving HEIFER PERFORMANCE

by Riaan van der Walt, technical manager, Meadow Feeds – Western Cape

Achieving optimal age at first

calving remains a central goal of

dairy replacement management,

with most systems aiming for

heifers to calve between 22 and

24 months. However, focusing

solely on age without considering

body weight at calving risks

undermining lifetime productivity

and profitability. Increasing

evidence indicates that body

weight and size at first calving is

a stronger predictor of milk yield,

reproductive efficiency, and

longevity than age alone.

CALVING BODY WEIGHT:

A determinant of first-lactation

performance

Body weight at calving directly influences

the heifer’s metabolic status, mammary

development, and nutrient partitioning

capacity. The industry standard is that heifers

should calve at approximately 85% of their

mature body weight (MBW). This benchmark

ensures that:

» Skeletal and pelvic growth are near

completion, reducing the risk of dystocia.

» Mammary development is sufficient to

support peak lactation.

» Energy reserves are adequate to support

both lactation and reproduction.

For example, a Holstein cow with a

mature weight of ~650 kg should calve at

~550 kg, while a Jersey cow with a mature

weight of ~450 kg should target ~380 kg.


Energy partitioning and

growth physiology

The relationship between calving body weight

and performance is primarily mediated by

energy partitioning. Underweight heifers

continue allocating a significant proportion

of nutrients toward growth post-calving,

leaving less available for milk synthesis. This

trade-off leads to reduced peak yield and

impaired lactation persistency. Pre-calving

maturity deficit will be paid back in lactation.

Every missing kilogram of body weight will

cost approximately 8 kg of milk (heifer shrink).

Growth will be less efficient after calving than

pre-calving.

Moreover, insufficient frame development

is associated with restricted rumen capacity

and lower voluntary dry matter intake, which

further limits milk production. On the other

hand, heifers that reach 85% MBW have a

mature skeletal frame capable of supporting

high feed intake and metabolic demands

during early lactation.

Birth

Weaning

60 days

(doubled

birth weight)

Transition

to TMR

4–6 months

Breeding

13–15 months

(55% mature weight)

Impacts on reproduction

and longevity

Suboptimal calving weight also has significant

reproductive and health consequences.

Underweight heifers experience:

» Higher dystocia incidence: Reduced

pelvic dimensions increase the likelihood

of calving difficulty.

» Delayed resumption of ovarian

activity: Negative energy balance

is more pronounced, leading to

extended days open.

» Shorter productive lifespan: Reduced

first-lactation yield, longer calving intervals,

and increased culling risk shorten herd life.

In contrast, heifers calving at ≥85% MBW

demonstrate shorter days to first service,

improved conception rates, and greater

lifetime milk production.

Post-calving

22–24 months

(85% mature weight)

GROWTH TARGETS: Managing for 85% MBW

Reaching the target calving weight requires consistent growth management from birth to first

calving. Recommended growth milestones are as follows (adapted from NRC, 2021):

Stage Age (months) % MBW Key focus

Weaning 2–3 15% Early rumen development, immune function

Six months 6 30–35% Skeletal growth, frame expansion

Breeding 13–15 55–60% Reproductive tract maturity

Calving 22–24 85% Adequate reserves, full mammary development

Growth rates of 0,8–0,9 kg/day (Holstein) and 0,6–0,7 kg/day (Jersey) are generally required to

achieve these targets.



BEYOND BODY WEIGHT:

Condition and structure

While body weight is the most widely used

metric, it should be assessed alongside

other indicators:

» Body condition score: Aim for 3,0–3,25

at calving. An excess condition (>3,5)

increases the risk of metabolic disease,

while insufficient reserves (<2,75)

compromise fertility and milk yield.

» Frame and pelvic measurements:

Adequate skeletal development

reduces dystocia and enhances feed

intake capacity.

CONCLUSION

Body weight at calving is more than a

management target; it is a physiological

prerequisite for high milk yield, reproductive

efficiency, and cow longevity. Heifers calving

below 85% of their MBW face limitations in

nutrient partitioning, milk production, and

reproductive function that persist beyond

their first lactation.

By integrating calving weight into heifer

rearing strategies alongside age, body

condition, and structural development, dairy

producers can significantly enhance herd

productivity and profitability. Ultimately, ‘right

weight, right time’ should replace ‘youngest

age possible’ as the guiding principle in

replacement management.

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ALGEHELE

MELKHIGIËNE

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skoonmaak - middels, ontsmettingsmiddels

en spesialis oplossings vir:

• Massatenks • Melkmasjiene

• Vervaardigingsaanlegte

011 708 0209

info@bransonchemicals.co.za

www.bransonchemicals.co.za



TRACING

the FUTURE

by Hanlie du Plessis

Traceability has become far more

than a buzzword … it is a vital tool

in safeguarding livestock health,

ensuring food safety, and securing

market access.

Locally, traceability is taking on new

significance as farmers grapple with

the twin challenges of disease threats

and market demands for transparency.

Whether you run a small family dairy or a

large commercial operation, understanding

and implementing traceability into your

operations could be the key to your farm’s

resilience and future growth.

At its core, traceability refers to the ability

to track the production, processing, and

distribution of agricultural products across

every step of the supply chain. In the dairy

sector, which means knowing exactly where

each animal comes from, what it is been fed,

which treatments it has received, and where

its milk goes after it leaves the farm.

This system of detailed recordkeeping and

product tracking ensures that every litre of

milk can be traced from ‘farm to glass’. While

that might sound like a bureaucratic exercise,

the implications for biosecurity and disease

management are profound.


Why traceability matters

1. A shield for biosecurity

Biosecurity – protecting animals from

disease introduction and spread – is one of

the biggest responsibilities on a dairy farm.

Infectious diseases like foot-and-mouth

disease (FMD), lumpy skin disease, or bovine

tuberculosis can devastate herds, disrupt milk

supply, and close export markets overnight.

Traceability forms the backbone of an

effective biosecurity plan. By keeping

accurate records of animal movements,

vaccinations, and treatments, farmers can:

» Quickly identify the source of infection

during an outbreak.

» Track which animals were exposed and

isolate them promptly.

3. Strengthening consumer

confidence

Consumers today care deeply about

where their food comes from and how it

is produced. A transparent traceability

system assures them that South African milk

and dairy products meet high safety and

ethical standards.

For the farmer, this consumer trust

translates into stronger market access,

particularly for those exporting to regions

with strict traceability regulations, such as

the European Union or Middle East markets.

It is not just about compliance, it is about

competitiveness.

» Provide authorities with the information

needed to contain disease spread.

In short, when every cow is traceable,

containment is quicker, losses are smaller, and

recovery comes sooner.

2. Precision in disease management

Traceability also enables more targeted

disease control. With electronic identification

systems such as radio frequency identification

device (RFID) ear tags, veterinarians and

farmers can monitor individual animals’ health

histories – including treatments, reproduction,

and production data – in real time.

If an animal shows signs of illness,

traceability allows for immediate tracking

of its contact history and herd interactions.

This detailed data makes disease diagnosis

more precise and supports science-based

treatment decisions, reducing unnecessary

antibiotic use and improving herd

health overall.



The South African

agricultural context

Agriculture is a cornerstone of South

Africa’s economy. According to the Food

and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the

United Nations, the country has the second

largest economy on the continent, with

approximately 2,5 million smallholder farming

households and around 35 000 commercial

farming units. The dairy industry is a key part

of this landscape, supplying both domestic

and export markets with high-quality milk and

dairy products.

However, local farmers face a complex set

of challenges including climate variability

and water scarcity, rising input costs, land

reform and labour constraints, and pest and

disease outbreaks.

These challenges highlight the need for

systems that improve resilience and reduce

losses – exactly what traceability offers.

Technology powering

traceability

Modern technology is transforming the way

farmers manage data and monitor herds. In

South Africa, dairy producers are increasingly

adopting innovative digital tools such as:

» RFID tags to track animals throughout

their lifecycle.

» Barcoding and digital labelling systems for

monitoring milk and feed inputs.

» Global positioning system and IoT (Internet

of Things) sensors to track assets, feed

movements, and environmental conditions.

» Blockchain technology to securely and

transparently store farm data, ensuring

that every step in the journey of milk can

be verified.

Additionally, farm management software has

become a cornerstone of efficient traceability.

These integrated platforms consolidate data

from milking systems, feeding programmes,

veterinary records, and logistics, allowing

farmers to make data-driven decisions

that enhance both productivity and

regulatory compliance.

Traceability in practice

There are several initiatives across

South Africa that demonstrate the practical

benefits of traceability:

» Livestock identification systems using RFID

tags have helped beef and dairy farmers

reduce theft, improve disease monitoring,

and simplify animal movement records.

» Blockchain pilot projects in fruit and wine

exports have shown how data transparency

can increase buyer confidence and

open new markets – principles that easily

extend to dairy.

» Digital milk recording systems in

commercial dairies have improved food

safety audits and streamlined quality

assurance checks.


The regulatory landscape

Traceability in South Africa is

guided by several key policies and

frameworks, including:

» The Agricultural Product Standards Act

(119 of 1990), which sets standards for

agricultural products and labelling.

» Oversight by the National Agricultural

Marketing Council (NAMC), responsible

for promoting market transparency

and fair trade.

» Guidelines from the South African

Bureau of Standards (SABS), which

aligns local traceability systems with

international benchmarks.

Compliance requires accurate recordkeeping

– from production and transport data to

labelling and batch identification. For dairy

farmers, this means keeping detailed logs

of milk collection, transport conditions, feed

sources, and animal health management.

While this may seem like extra work,

digital tools are increasingly simplifying

compliance, making it easier to collect and

share the necessary data without mountains

of paperwork.

Traceability as a gateway

to sustainability

Beyond disease control, traceability supports

broader sustainability goals. Accurate tracking

allows farmers to:

» Monitor water and feed efficiency,

reducing waste.

» Verify responsible use of antibiotics

and chemicals.

» Demonstrate adherence to environmental

standards, supporting eco-labelling and

‘green’ marketing initiatives.

In this way, traceability becomes a bridge

between biosecurity, animal welfare, and

sustainability – three pillars that modern

dairy farming cannot afford to separate.

THE ROAD AHEAD:

Opportunities and challenges

The future of traceability in South African

dairy farming looks promising but not without

challenges. Key opportunities lie in:

» Expanding digital infrastructure to reach

smallholder farmers.

» Standardising data protocols across

different traceability systems.

» Training and capacity building, ensuring

that farmers and farmworkers can use new

technologies effectively.

However, concerns remain around data

privacy, system costs, and connectivity in

rural areas. Addressing these will require

partnerships between government, the

private sector, and farmer organisations.

What is clear is that investment in

traceability will pay dividends, not only

in preventing disease, but in protecting

livelihoods and strengthening the entire

dairy value chain. It is no longer optional, it is

essential. As disease pressures and market

expectations grow, the farms that thrive will

be those that can prove where their milk

comes from, how it is produced, and that it

is safe. Traceability makes this possible. It

is not only about keeping track, it is about

maintaining trust, protecting animals, and

building a resilient dairy industry ready for

the future.



SEKURITEIT

– veiligheidswenke

vir boere:

» As iets verdag buite die huis gehoor word,

veral snags, moenie uitgaan nie. Kontak jou

ondersteuningsnetwerk.

» Beveilig jou huis. Deur bloot deure te sluit

en vensters toe te maak en te beveilig kan

jy die misdadiger twee keer laat dink oor of

sy beoogde dade die moeite werd is.

» Hou die ligte binne jou huis af as jy iets

buite hoor. Van almal weet jy die beste hoe

jou huis en/of vertrekke uitgelê is, gebruik

die kennis in die donker tot jou voordeel.

» Hou ’n klein hondjie binne die huis aan,

en groter honde met goeie gehoor buite

die huis. As jou diere vergiftig word meld

dit by die polisie en jou veiligsheidnetwerk

aan – dit kan ’n voorloper van ’n

plaasaanval wees.

» Ander gebeure wat op ’n moontlike aanval

kan dui, is brandstigting, kwaadwillige

saakbeskadiging en intimidasie.

» Pas streng sleutelbeheer toe. Moenie

voertuie se sleutels in die aansluiter los

nie, bêre dit op ’n sentrale plek. Beheer

wie toegang tot die huis en/of motorhuis

en plaaswerf se sleutels het, en as sleutels

wegraak, vervang die betrokke slot of slotte.

» Wees bewus van die besonderhede en

werkgeskiedenis van mense wat op die

plaas indiens geneem word. Gaan ten

minste identiteitsdokumente na.

» As jy van die dorp af of ná ’n aand uit by die

huis kom, wees op die uitkyk vir dinge wat

verdag lyk, soos ’n deur wat oop staan of

gebreekte vensters.

» Toegangsbeheer is makliker wanneer

daar slegs een ingang en uitgang op die

plaaswerf is.

» Vermy groot bome of struike wat ruig

groei naby toegangshekke, dit kan as

wegkruipplek vir misdadigers dien.

» Boere moet gebeurlikheidsplanne in plek

hê wat hulle, saam met hul gesinne en

werkers, kan inoefen. Almal moet weet wie

moet wat doen tydens ’n krisis.

» Vermy roetine, of verander jou

roetine gereeld.

» Versteek’n selfoon wat gelaai is, sodat jy

iemand kan kontak vir hulp as misdadigers

jou selfoon tydens ’n aanval afneem.

Alhoewel beskermingsmaatreëls nooit ’n

waarborg kan wees dat ’n plaasaanval of

misdaad nie sal plaasvind nie, kan dit ’n aanval

vertraag of verydel en die geleentheid skep

om alarm te maak.


Genomic revolution in

dairy cattle breeding:

PROMISES

and pitfalls

by Dr Japie van der Westhuizen

Dairy cattle breeding has fully embraced the genomic era. Traditional

methods, which relied on recording pedigree records and physical traits alone

– especially progeny testing – have been replaced by DNA-based genomic

selection. By using thousands of genetic markers through affordable single

nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips, breeders can predict a calf’s potential

for milk yield, fertility, disease resistance, and more long before it enters the

milking parlour or considered as an artificially inseminated sire.

This approach has shortened generation

intervals, allowing young bulls to be

selected at 18–24 months instead of

waiting years for performance, particularly

progeny, data. There are many examples

where genomic tools have sped up annual

genetic gains in meeting selection goals. This

applies equally to full-ration, high-output

systems and grass-fed systems. When used

wisely, this technology is hailed as a gamechanger

for the efficiency and sustainability of

dairy cattle breeding.

Realistically, however, there are pitfalls

that could undermine this success. Using

genomics is not foolproof, and mistakes can

lead to financial losses, poorer herd health,

and slower progress.



Promises versus reality in

imported genomic data

The globalisation of genomic services can

create the first major pitfall. Dairy farmers in

developing countries such as South Africa,

often send biological samples overseas to

laboratories in the United States or Europe

for analysis. These laboratories either use

their own data or services of the country

in question to predict genomic breeding

values and even rank animals by genetic

merit. The appeal is obvious – access to

innovative technology without having local

infrastructure. However, this cross-border

approach overlooks a fundamental truth that

breeding values are population-specific.

Genomic breeding values are based on

reference populations from the exporting

country. For example, United States Holsteins

are generally raised in temperate climates

and fed high-grain diets. When these values

are applied to South African herds – where

heat stress, tick-borne diseases, and pasturebased

systems are common – the original

rankings can be misleading. A bull that scores

highly in United States models for milk yield or

other selection indices might perform poorly

in South Africa’s subtropical conditions,

showing lower fertility, weaker disease

resistance, and a shorter lifespan.

Research from the International Livestock

Research Institute has shown that genomic

predictions can lose accuracy by as much

as 20%–30% when applied across different

environments. This drop in accuracy is

caused by genotype-by-environment (GxE)

interactions. As a result, farmers may

select animals that fail to thrive locally,

wasting money on imported semen and

veterinary costs.

Worse still, these predictions often overlook

region-specific breeding objectives. In

exporting countries, breeding goals may

focus on producing large milk volumes,

supported by relatively low feed costs and

higher milk prices, or by payment systems that

reward milk solids differently. In South Africa,

however, where feed costs can consume up

to 60% of profits and droughts are common,

breeding objectives should prioritise feed

efficiency, heat tolerance, and longer

functional herd life.

Relying on foreign genomic breeding

values means animals are ranked according

to mismatched economic conditions,

ignoring local feed costs and market returns.

This mismatch can erode profitability. A

2023 analysis by the University of Pretoria,

in collaboration with the Agricultural

Research Council, found that South African

dairies lost up to 15% in net margins when

using unadjusted United States genomic

evaluations without recalibration.

Environmental differences – such as

varying parasite pressures and seasonal

rainfall patterns – make direct comparisons

using foreign estimated breeding values

(EBVs) even more problematic, particularly

because traits like parasite resistance

are often not well represented in foreign

reference data.


Leveraging local

expertise: South Africa’s

SA Stud Book system and

international models

Fortunately, South Africa has a scientifically

grounded alternative. SA Stud Book operates

a comprehensive, internationally certified

breeding value prediction system using the

advanced genomic single-step method

for major dairy breeds, including Holstein/

Friesian types, Jerseys, and Ayrshires. This

single-step method integrates genomic

data directly into EBVs, combining pedigree,

performance, and genomic information in one

process to produce accurate, locally relevant

rankings while reducing bias and improving

precision for South African conditions.

SA Stud Book also offers tailored selection

indices, developed with local dairy breeders’

societies and producers. These include

SAINET and the Logix Merit Index, which

adapt global concepts – similar to the United

States Net Merit Index – to South African

realities. Each index weights traits according

to local economics: SAINET emphasises

net income through milk solids, fertility, and

longevity, while the Logix Merit Index ranks

females for overall efficiency, incorporating

production, health, and sustainability.

Additional tools, such as the Fluid Merit Index

and Cheese Merit Index, cater to specific

processing needs, ensuring selections

align with regional market demands and

cost structures.

The system is linked to the International

Bull Evaluation Service, managed by the

INTERBULL Centre, which serves over

30 countries. INTERBULL’s multiple acrosscountry

evaluation (MACE) converts national

EBVs into internationally comparable values,

accounting for genetic correlations and

genotype-by-environment differences. For

genomic data, genomic MACE (GMACE)

includes young sires by incorporating

SNP information, achieving reliabilities of

70–80%. This partnership provides access

to converted genomic EBVs (gEBVs)

comparable to local standards and available

via SADairyBulls.com, minimising the risks

of using unadjusted foreign data while

harmonising international genetics with

South African breeding goals, such as

improved feed efficiency and resilience.

SA Stud Book’s recognition by the

International Committee for Animal Recording

(ICAR) for incorporating SNP data – not just

for parentage verification but also for genetic

discovery – adds to its other international

certifications for milk recording, technical

services, and genetic merit prediction. This

science-based framework allows South

African farmers to make informed decisions

without over-reliance on overseas systems.

A similar success story is Ireland’s Cattle

Breeders Federation (ICBF), whose national

genotyping programme has genotyped over

520 000 dairy calves across 4 300 herds

(by 2024). By aligning genomic tools with

locally relevant breeding goals, focusing

on fertility, sustainability, and low-emission

traits for grass-based systems, the ICBF

has accelerated genetic gains, shortened

generation intervals, improved herd

management, and reduced greenhouse gas

emissions, demonstrating the economic and

environmental benefits of region-specific

genomic programmes.


Commercial strings attached

Another pitfall is the bundling of genomic

services with commercial incentives.

Some companies offer ‘free’ or discounted

genotyping, but only on the condition that

farmers also buy their other products, such as

semen, vaccines, remedies, or feed additives.

This creates potential conflicts of interest,

as breeding decisions may be influenced by

company catalogues rather than the farm’s

actual needs.

In South Africa, where semen imports

dominate, farmers may overlook locally

bred sires in favour of heavily promoted

international bulls – or even select artificially

inseminated bulls that are wrongly ranked for

local conditions. Critics of these practices,

including the Food and Agriculture

Organization (FAO), have warned that such

commercial pressures can stifle innovation

in developing countries like South Africa and

lead to higher long-term costs.

Ultimately, these practices delay the

adoption of truly adaptive genetics, as

marketing hype overshadows evidencebased

selection.

Inbreeding and a

narrowed gene pool

Genomics speeds up genetic progress,

but if used incorrectly it carries the risk of

inbreeding depression. When breeding

decisions focus only on top-ranked animals

from a limited population, herds can lose

valuable genetic diversity. In some dairy cattle

populations, inbreeding rates have risen by

as much as one percent per year since the

adoption of genomics, resulting in weaker

immunity and higher calf mortality.

If these rapid increases go unchecked,

fertility problems could emerge in future

generations. To counter this, tools such

as genomic relationship matrices – or

the inbreeding predictor available on the

SADairyBulls.com platform – can help monitor

and manage inbreeding levels.

In the long term, a narrowing gene pool

poses a serious threat to herd resilience,

especially as climate change brings new

environmental stresses.

Navigating the pitfalls:

A balanced approach


To avoid these challenges, experts

recommend hybrid strategies. Invest in

national genomic programmes – such as

South Africa’s SA Stud Book and Ireland’s

ICBF – to build locally relevant reference

populations and indices. Use multi-trait

indices reflecting local economics, weighting

traits by profit impact through tools such as

SAINET and the Logix Merit Index.

Diversify semen sources and insist on

transparent services, ensuring genomic

testing is not tied to product sales. Combine

genomics with on-farm data – phenotypic

records capturing real animal performance

–because without proper recording,

genomics lose value. Regular herd audits

can also validate predictions and guide

future selections.

Genomics holds great promise for

sustainable dairy breeding, but blind

adoption, especially of foreign systems, can

have unintended consequences. The key is

context-specific application – using South

Africa’s certified, INTERBULL-integrated

system as a model.

The future of dairy breeding lies not in DNA

alone, but in smart, local use of genomic tools

that turn genetic progress into real-world

productivity, resilience, and profitability.




ALTERNATIVE

WAYS to fight mastitis

Mastitis remains the most common

and costly disease in dairy herds

worldwide. It reduces milk yield and

quality, compromises animal welfare, and

places a heavy financial burden on farmers.

For decades, antibiotics have been the

primary tool to fight the infection. Yet, with

the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance

(AMR), these medicines are losing their

effectiveness. The dairy industry now faces an

urgent question: How do we protect our cows

and our livelihoods without relying solely on

antibiotics?

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the udder tissue,

usually caused by bacteria that enter the teat

canal. It appears in two main forms:

» Subclinical mastitis – invisible to the eye

but detectable through high somatic cell

counts and reduced milk quality.

» Clinical mastitis – more obvious, with

clots or flakes in the milk, udder swelling,

heat, pain, and sometimes fever or loss of

appetite in the cow.


Alternatives to antibiotics

The infection can stem from contagious

bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus

and Streptococcus agalactiae, which spread

from cow to cow during milking, or from

environmental bacteria, like Escherichia

coli and Klebsiella, found in bedding,

manure, and soil.

Traditionally, antibiotics have been the goto

treatment. However, many Gram-negative

bacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella) do not respond

well to antibiotics, meaning cows must rely on

their immune system to clear the infection.

Why antibiotic

resistance matters

On most dairy farms, mastitis treatment is

the biggest contributor to antibiotic use.

But heavy reliance comes at a cost. When

bacteria develop resistance, treatments

become less effective, infections last longer,

and more milk is discarded. Worse still,

resistant bacteria can share resistance genes

with human pathogens, creating broader

public health risks.

Farmers already feel the financial strain. In

addition to veterinary bills and discarded milk,

mastitis leads to reduced fertility, premature

culling, and long-term production losses.

The presence of resistant bacterial strains

further amplifies these costs. Globally, mastitis

inflicts billions of dollars in losses on the dairy

industry each year.

The good news is that researchers and

farmers are actively exploring alternatives.

Some are already on the market, while others

are in experimental stages.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

drugs (NSAIDs)

Medicines such as meloxicam and ketoprofen

reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. While

they do not kill bacteria, they help cows feel

better and recover faster. In many Gramnegative

mastitis cases, NSAIDs alone may be

sufficient, while in severe infections they work

well in combination with antibiotics. Their use

also aligns with growing consumer concern

for animal welfare.

2. Herbal medicines

Plant-based treatments, including extracts

and essential oils, offer antibacterial,

antioxidant, and immune-boosting effects.

Garlic, thyme, oregano, and turmeric are

among the most studied. Some herbal

remedies have been trialled successfully

on farms, reducing clinical signs of mastitis.

However, most still lack official regulatory

approval, and standard dosing is a challenge.

3. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)

These natural defence molecules, found in

plants, animals, and microbes, can kill a wide

range of bacteria, including those resistant

to conventional drugs. Nisin (a peptide from

lactic acid bacteria) and frog-skin peptides

are two examples under research. The

main hurdles are their cost of production

and stability. However, with advances in

biotechnology, AMPs could become a

viable option.



4. Bacteriophages and endolysins

Phages are viruses that attack only specific

bacteria, leaving other beneficial microbes

untouched. When applied directly to the

udder, they can target pathogens like S.

aureus. Because bacteria struggle to develop

resistance against phages, they offer a longterm

solution. Scientists are also exploring

endolysins – enzymes produced by phages

that break down bacterial cell walls. Early

trials show high promise with no antibiotic

residues in milk.

5. Vaccines

Vaccines exist against E. coli, S. aureus, and

some Streptococcus species. They do not

always prevent infection, but they can reduce

severity and duration. Farmers using vaccines

often report fewer severe cases and improved

herd immunity. Ongoing research aims to

develop broader-spectrum vaccines that offer

stronger and longer-lasting protection.

6. Emerging technologies

» Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that

outcompete pathogens in the udder.

» Stem cell therapy: Regenerative cells

used to repair damaged udder tissue.

» Nanotechnology: Targeted delivery of

drugs or natural compounds, improving

effectiveness while reducing residues.

» Photodynamic therapy: Light-activated

compounds used to destroy bacteria.

» Acoustic pulse therapy: Non-invasive

treatment that stimulates blood flow and

healing in the udder.

Practical farm-level strategies

While waiting for new treatments to reach

the market, farmers can already take steps to

reduce mastitis and minimise antibiotic use:

» Hygiene and housing: Clean, dry

bedding and regular teat sanitation are

cornerstones of prevention.

» Milking routines: Proper machine function

and careful milking techniques reduce

teat-end damage and cross-infection.

» Selective dry cow therapy: Treating only

infected cows at dry-off, rather than using

antibiotics blanketly, reduce drug use

without compromising udder health.

» Monitoring tools: Somatic cell counts,

milk conductivity tests, and on-farm culture

systems help detect infections early and

guide treatment decisions.

Looking ahead

Mastitis is not going away, but the way we

manage it is changing. Antibiotics will likely

remain part of the toolbox, but their role

must become more strategic, supported

by NSAIDs, vaccines, natural remedies, and

new technologies. Farmers, veterinarians,

and researchers all have a role to play in

developing and adopting these alternatives.

The ultimate goal is a sustainable dairy

industry where cow health, milk quality,

and farm profitability go hand in hand. By

reducing reliance on antibiotics, we protect

not only our herds but also the future of food

production and public health.

While many of these are still in

experimental stages, they represent

exciting future possibilities.


LABOUR

COLUMN

by Xander Levendal

Changing the

REASON FOR

TERMINATION

on a UI-19 certificate

Employers are increasingly asked

by former employees to ‘adjust’ the

reason for termination on the UI-

19 certificate so they can access

Unemployment Insurance Fund

(UIF) benefits. It may look like a small

administrative favour – especially

after an amicable parting – but the

legal stakes are high.

Why the UI-19 reason matters

The UI-19 certificate is a mandatory document

used by the UIF to confirm employment

history and assess whether a claimant

qualifies for benefits. One field is pivotal: The

‘reason for termination’. That classification

guides the fund’s decision-making. Certain

departures – most commonly voluntary

resignations, dismissal due to abscondment,

or other circumstances excluded by the

Unemployment Insurance Act (63 of

2001) (UIA) – may disqualify a person from

claiming. Faced with a rejection, some former

employees ask their previous employer

to re-label the termination (for example,

from ‘resignation’ to ‘retrenchment’) to

unlock benefits.

What the law says

The UIA draws a bright legal line. Section 64

makes it an offence to:

» knowingly make a materially false statement

(or cause one to be made) that leads to an

incorrect payment of benefits;

» wilfully make a false entry in any document

related to a contributor’s employment

history or benefits claim; or

» contravene, or fail to comply with, the Act or

any regulation or notice under it.

Section 65 sets out the consequences:

Anyone convicted of an offence under the

Act is liable to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Put plainly, changing a true termination

reason to help a former employee qualify for

UIF benefits is not a harmless favour; it can

amount to a criminal offence.



A case in point

The Labour Court addressed this issue

directly in Swanepoel v KPMG Services

(Pty) Ltd (J494/19) [2021] ZALCJHB 457.

The employee sought an order compelling

his former employer to change the UI-19

reason from ‘involuntary resignation’ to

‘retrenchment’, arguing that the change

would enable him to claim UIF benefits.

The parties had signed a mutual separation

agreement; despite that, the UI-19 reflected

‘involuntary resignation’.

The Court dismissed the application. First,

it observed that ‘involuntary resignation’ was

itself inaccurate – termination occurred by

mutual agreement – so the existing record

was already misleading. Second, the Court

would not order an employer to substitute

one inaccuracy for another – changing to

‘retrenchment’ would require dishonesty

and contravene section 64 of the UIA. The

message is unambiguous: Courts will not

compel an employer to falsify a statutory form,

and employers should not do so voluntarily.

When a correction is

appropriate

Corrections are justified only to remedy

genuine clerical errors – for example, where

the recorded reason does not match the

documented facts. In such cases, update

the UI-19 to reflect the truth and keep a clear

audit trail of the mistake and the correction.

A ‘correction’ must never re-characterise a

resignation as a retrenchment or otherwise

recast the legal basis for termination.

Bottom line

Altering the reason for termination on a UI-19

form to help someone qualify for UIF benefits

crosses a legal line. Sections 64 and 65 of

the UIA create real criminal exposure for false

statements or entries. False entries made by

employers will not only constitute an offence

in terms of the UIA, but will also constitute a

criminal offence.

Section 65 of the UIA states that “Any

person convicted of an offence in terms of

this Act is liable to a fine or to imprisonment,

or to both a fine and imprisonment.” Protect

your business by recording the facts

accurately, keeping robust documentation,

and guiding former employees to lawful

avenues for resolving UIF disputes. In matters

of statutory forms, integrity is not only best

practice – it is the law.


FINANCIAL

COLUMN

by Coenraad de Bruyn and Andries Wiese, both from Hollard

NEW horizons

There is something oddly comical

about a meerkat. Whether they are

used to market cell phone contracts

(can you remember?) or whether they

play lead roles in animated movies,

two things always stand out. The first

is their very inquisitive nature, and

the second is standing on their hind

legs and surveying the world around

them. They are constantly looking at

their immediate surroundings, but

also spend a lot of time looking at the

horizon. I think we underestimate them.

We also underestimate ourselves.

We often undervalue our own skills

and what is required to get to a

better place. We talk about an ideal

outcome and a perfect world. We rant about

everything that we perceive to be wrong and

the injustices we suffer. We criticise anybody

who is moving ahead and seems to be doing

better than we are because it is their fault we

are lagging.

We pride ourselves on our innovative

business and farming practices but act as

though we are myopic. We love to churn.

A senior businessman in the agricultural

sector tells the story of when he was telling

his father how busy he was, his father asked

him the following: “I understand you are busy,

but when are you actually going to start

doing something?”



South Africa’s dairy industry has long

been a story of resilience and reinvention.

While milk production has steadily increased

over the past two decades, the number of

dairy farmers has fallen sharply, with many

unable to withstand the growing pressures

of operational risks, rising input costs, and

infrastructure challenges. Dairy producers

are struggling under the weight of power

outages, water scarcity, disease outbreaks,

and deteriorating logistics networks – factors

that collectively threaten both profitability

and long-term viability.

In this environment, traditional insurance is

often stretched to its limits. Many of the risks

faced by dairy operations – such as repeated

power failures leading to milk spoilage,

mechanical breakdowns, or the financial

impact of regional disease outbreaks – are

either uninsured or fall within high-deductible

layers. As a result, farmers are left bearing

a significant portion of losses themselves,

frequently dipping into reserves or relying on

other ad hoc financial strategies.

To address this gap, a growing number of

farmers and agribusinesses are exploring

alternative risk transfer (ART). This approach

refers to non-traditional insurance and risk

financing techniques that enable businesses

to retain, manage, and provide for their own

risks alongside an insurer, rather than insuring

them conventionally. These structures can

reduce premiums over the long term and

allow farmers to access margins normally

ceded to insurers.

One of the most accessible applications

of ART involves integrating risk-finance

layers into conventional insurance policies.

These structures allow farms to provide for

losses that fall within their deductible while

maintaining traditional insurance for major or

catastrophic events.

Many dairy operations already absorb

smaller losses, whether from minor equipment

failures, fluctuating feed costs, or herd health

issues, without making claims on traditional

insurance. Alternative risk transfer can help

farms provision for these risks alongside an

insurer. When combined with robust risk

management practices, this approach can

lower insurance costs, support better longterm

planning, and give farmers greater

control over their retained risk.


For more established or collective farming

enterprises, captive structures or mutuals

– in which a separate legal entity is formed

to self-insure specific risks – can offer even

greater control and flexibility. These captives

can generate investment income on retained

premiums, streamline claims handling,

and serve as a financial asset in broader

operational planning.

In an era defined by unpredictability, from

climate shocks to supply chain disruptions,

the ability to manage and finance risk

internally is becoming a competitive

advantage. Alternative risk transfer structures,

while not a silver bullet, provide a toolkit

for dairy farmers who are ready to think

beyond traditional insurance. By aligning

risk management with financial planning,

these solutions allow producers to transform

uncertainty into a more stable, predictable

cost of doing business. It is common cause

that the markets prefer stability to chaos. This

is no different for your dairy or farm, but there

is a difference between stability and getting

stuck in a rut!

The adage that repeating the same

actions and expecting a different outcome

is foolish is as true today as when it was first

coined. Exploring new horizons and finding

different solutions to old problems requires a

particular mindset. It is a conscious decision

to investigate alternatives and possibly

transform. This does not mean following every

trend or idea that passes your desk; it means

evaluating them all and using those that will

make a difference to your advantage. You

cannot do everything. There is a horizon in

every direction we look. It is impossible to

travel towards all of them at once. When I

travel in an easterly direction, I find that my

western horizon has also changed. Everything

I do or change affects other things. This

holds true for my family, my farm, my dairy, my

business, and everything I do. A new horizon

often totally changes my perspective. We

can easily fall into the trap of thinking it will

be safer and more comfortable to just stay

where we are.

Here is the thing. We need to stop every

now and then, stand on our hind legs, and

look around with curiosity to see if there

is anything new or different that may just

work for us. We need to adapt to what the

meerkat is doing. It might not follow every

possible path or chase every possibility,

but it stops, looks around, and evaluates.

Sometimes it runs away, sometimes it attacks,

and sometimes it changes direction. And

it survives.

As the business environment – and even

more so the dairy sector – continues to

evolve, those willing to embrace smarter, more

flexible risk strategies may not just survive but

emerge even stronger.


NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING • RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Partnerships

can be

POWERFUL

Once synonymous with the Guptas and ‘state capture’,

the former Estina Dairy Farm in the Free State has

been reborn as Phumelela Dairy – a project now

rooted in transparency, training, and sustainable

growth. Thanks to the partnership between the

Milk Producers Organisation (MPO) and the visionary

leadership of Terrence Maila, the dairy has transformed

from a scandal into a story of resilience and renewal.

Breathing new life into Estina

For years, the Estina name was synonymous

with mismanagement and corruption, leaving

behind shuttered facilities, lost jobs, and a

deeply disillusioned community. But a new

chapter is being written in Vrede.

Under its new name, Phumelela Dairy

(meaning ‘to succeed’), the project has

regained momentum through a focus on

strong governance, farmer training, and

community inclusion. The MPO’s Training

Institute has played a central role in this

turnaround, ensuring that capacity building

lies at the heart of every decision.

According to Ronald Rapholo, Training

and Transformation Manager at the MPO

Training Institute, the partnership is yielding

tangible results. “Our assessment provided

a foundation for a sustainable turnaround,

offering mentorship that helped guide the

team through challenges,” Rapholo explains.

“The leadership of Terrence Maila has been

instrumental. His commitment to training,

structure, and accountability has repositioned

the farm for long-term growth.”


Skills, systems,

and sustainability

One of the biggest shifts at Phumelela has

been the prioritisation of training and

record-keeping, crucial elements often

overlooked in the farm’s past. Detailed

feeding and production data now guide daily

decisions – helping to improve cow health,

manage costs, and lift milk yields.

Rapholo says the involvement of the

farmworkers themselves has been key to

this transformation. “Their existing skills

and knowledge have significantly boosted

production and management efficiency,” he

says. “And through training and upskilling,

their confidence and performance have

grown remarkably.”

Beyond productivity, these training

initiatives have brought social stability. Jobs

once threatened have now become secure,

and with that security comes a ripple effect

of optimism across the Vrede community. “A

strong sense of teamwork has developed,”

Rapholo adds, “fostering shared commitment

to the farm’s goals.”

Results that speak

for themselves

Under Maila’s management, milk production

has doubled – from an average of 9 litres to

20 litres per cow. The farm currently milks

145 cows, and though the herd is smaller

than in the past, efficiency and output have

improved dramatically.

Maila explains that government funding

has provided much-needed financial

breathing room. “The support enabled us

to meet obligations while implementing

meaningful improvements,” he says. “We now

submit monthly financial updates to the board

via an external accountant – ensuring full

transparency and accountability.”

The new business model emphasises

smarter management rather than expansion

for its own sake. Yet, growth remains firmly on

the horizon. “We plan to expand the herd to

400 cows by next year,” Maila notes, “while

targeting a calving interval below 400 days.”

Phumelela’s diversification strategy also

includes maize silage production, which

strengthens feed self-sufficiency and further

reduce costs. “We’re preparing for planting,”

says Maila, “and this integrated approach will

ensure long-term sustainability.”

Investing in future dairy leaders

A highlight of the Phumelela revival is

its investment in dairy education and

transformation. In partnership with the

MPO Institute of Dairy Technology, five

students have been selected to complete the

newly accredited NQF Level 5 Dairy Unit

Manager course.

Three of the candidates are current

Phumelela employees, while the other two

are local beneficiaries of the Phumelela

Integrated Farming Programme. Maila,

through Phumelela sponsored three of the

students, while the MPO Institute donated two

course placements – underscoring a shared

commitment to developing South Africa’s next

generation of dairy managers.



The students – Dunisani Thovhakhale,

Ntumeleng Mokwena, Zanele Nkutha,

Isaac Shabalala, and Vusumuzi Nkosi –

each received a laptop to support their

blended online and practical training. “This

is not just about skills,” says Maila. “It’s about

transformation. We’re creating pathways

for people from the local community to

build professional careers in dairy, ensuring

continuity and sustainability for the

entire operation.”

The MPO Training Institute:

Building capacity across the

dairy value chain

The MPO Training Institute – the

educational arm of the Milk Producers

Organisation – has become a cornerstone

of dairy training in South Africa. Established

to professionalise dairy operations and

enhance competitiveness, the Institute offers

nationally accredited qualifications through

the Agri SETA framework, from NQF Level 1

farmworker programmes to advanced Level 5

management courses.

Its approach blends theory with on-farm

learning, ensuring that graduates not only

understand the science behind dairy farming

but can apply it practically. Training covers

key areas such as:

» Animal health and welfare

» Milk hygiene and quality control

» Feeding and pasture management

» Breeding and reproduction

» Record-keeping and farm administration

Through this structured approach, the

MPO Training Institute has become

instrumental in raising the bar for dairy

competence and professionalism across

the sector. It plays a vital role in youth

development and transformation, offering

learnerships and bursaries to previously

disadvantaged individuals, and working

closely with commercial producers to provide

workplace experience.

Rapholo explains that the Institute’s

partnership with Phumelela exemplifies

its mission in action. “Our goal is to build

capacity that lasts. What’s happening at

Phumelela shows how education can turn

a struggling enterprise into a sustainable,

inclusive business.”

A model for rural regeneration

The rebirth of Phumelela Dairy carries

significance beyond its own fences. It

represents a model for how failed agricultural

projects can be revived through partnership,

professionalism, and people development.

By embedding transparency, mentorship,

and measurable training outcomes into the

project’s DNA, Phumelela has begun to

restore trust where it was once broken. And

in doing so, it is also restoring hope – to its

workers, its community, and to the South

African dairy industry as a whole.

As Rapholo puts it: “The Phumelela story

is proof that with the right leadership, the

right partnerships, and a focus on skills,

transformation in agriculture is not just

possible – it’s powerful.”


RESEARCH

COLUMN

by Ledwaba Mahlatsana and Mphaphathi Masindi

In vitro

fertilisation

VERSUS

intracytoplasmic

sperm injection

Assisted reproductive technologies

are critical in the preservation of

gametes from endangered species/

breed/lines. As a result, cryobanking is critical

in reproduction facilities for the gamete’s

conservation of endangered species

for future use. Vitrification as a means of

cryopreservation has become a standard

approach for oocytes from livestock. However,

there is a lack of knowledge about the effect

of the low fertility rate of cattle oocytes

following cryopreservation. To date, most

studies have focused on finding the best

cryoprotectants and freezing methods for the

cryopreservation of cattle oocytes. However,

only limited studies are focusing on finding

the best fertilisation techniques for cattle

oocytes following cryopreservation.



Problems currently

associated with fertilisation

on vitrified oocytes

Cryopreservation of gametes protects

against major loss of rare or endangered

animal genetic resources due to illness,

genetic drift, and other factors. Oocyte

cryopreservation is a substitute method

for assisted reproductive technology that

enables the establishment of important

genetic banks. This method may be crucial

for the use of reproductive technologies

including in vitro fertilisation and nuclear

transfer. The vitrification procedure, which

includes the use of cryoprotectant, causes

premature cortical granule exocytosis,

which hardens the zona pellucida and

impairs sperm penetration. Additionally, due

to their delicate structure (the zona, cell

membrane, cortical granules, metaphase

plate, and germinal vesicle), freezing and

warming methods have the potential to cause

significant disruptions. Therefore, different

in vitro fertilisation techniques should be

implemented to improve the fertilisation rate

of cryopreserved oocytes.

Traditional in vitro fertilisation

Fertilisation is a multistep process involving

mutual recognition of the sperm and oocyte,

sperm penetration into the oocyte, fusion

of membranes, and the formation of the

zygote. A typical traditional in vitro fertilisation

protocol consists of a number of processes

and actions that can be chronologically

divided into three stages – before, during,

and after insemination. First, a large number

of active sperms make contact with the

radiating crown enclosing the oocyte and

release an enzyme that separates the oocyte

from the radiating crown. The second stage

is the acrosome reaction, during which the

corona and zona pellucida are dissolved by

the acrosome’s contents. Finally, the sperm’s

cytoplasm and nucleus are then allowed to

enter the oocyte, and the cell membranes

of the sperm and the oocyte are then fused

together. This process is completed when

the cell membrane on the side of the sperm

head fuses with the cell membrane of the

oocyte. Once inside the egg, the sperm is

triggered to start meiosis again and trigger

cortical responses.

The traditional in vitro fertilisation is

well known and the most used method as

it is easier to perform because sperm is

introduced to the matured egg to allow them

to fertilise. However when traditional in vitro

fertilisation is used on vitrified oocytes, the

fertilisation rate decreases. Oocyte vitrification

might accidentally result in cell membrane

rupture, destruction of the metaphase plate,

premature ejection of the cortical granules,

and hardening of the zona, which will stop the

oocyte’s physiological fertilisation.


Intracytoplasmic

sperm injection

After conventional in vitro fertilisation fails

due to the biological barrier preventing sperm

penetration and sperm-egg fusion induced

by male factors, the intracytoplasmic sperm

injection technique can mechanically pierce

the oocyte membrane to go around the

barrier and enable successful fertilisation.

The intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an

assisted reproductive technique mainly

used to overcome severe infertility problems

associated with the male factor, but in cattle

its efficiency is far from optimal. In cattle,

intracytoplasmic sperm injection can be

applied to achieve the best utilisation of

genetically superior bulls, characterised by

either low sperm concentration, poor motility,

or both in their ejaculate. The intracytoplasmic

sperm injection might be a good option after

oocyte cryopreservation, as it avoids the

critical processes that lead to polyspermy in

cryopreserved oocytes’ early cortical granule

extrusion. As a result, the intracytoplasmic

sperm injection procedure can be utilised to

help cryopreserved oocytes fertilise.

During intracytoplasmic sperm injection,

motile sperm with motility and normal

morphology is selected, immobilised, and

captured under an inverted microscope

with a magnification of ×200. Sperm

immobilisation is considered to be the most

critical procedure before sperm injection.

This is because after sperm is injected into

an egg, this will promote decondensation

of the sperm head and activation of

oocytes. Ultimately, this affects the results

of fertilisation and embryonic development.

The application of intracytoplasmic sperm

injection to vitrified oocytes has been

suggested to be more suitable than in

vitro fertilisation for embryo production.

However, the developmental rates of bovine

intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryos

using fresh oocytes have been lower than

those of in vitro fertilisation embryos.

Conclusion

More research should be done on improving

the fertilisation rate on vitrified oocytes

through the traditional in vitro fertilisation and

with the intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Ledwaba Mahlatsana and

Mphaphathi Masindi are from the

Agricultural Research Council, Animal

Production, Germplasm Conservation &

Reproduction Biotechnologies department.

The corresponding author can be contacted

at masindim@arc.agric.za.


New advancements in

UDDER HEALTH

MANAGEMENT

on the horizon


Using SCC and DSCC together

Somatic cell count (SCC) has long been used to

detect udder infections (mastitis). It measures the

overall immune response in the udder but does not

indicate which specific cells are present.

A new parameter, differential somatic cell count

(DSCC), provides this detail by examining the

balance of different immune cells:

» Macrophages – mostly found in healthy udders,

they monitor udder health.

» Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear leukocytes/

granulocytes) – fight bacteria and dominate when

infection is present.

» Lymphocytes – regulate the immune response

and are usually present in small numbers.

Differential somatic cell count expresses the

percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes within

the total SCC. High DSCC values are often associated

with mastitis, even when SCC appears normal. Newgeneration

FOSS milk analysers can now measure

SCC and DSCC simultaneously, helping farmers and

laboratories detect mastitis more accurately.


Reducing antibiotic use with

selective dry cow therapy

Up to 75% of antibiotics on dairy farms are

used to treat udder health issues, with

about half administered during dry cow

therapy. To reduce antimicrobial use and

combat resistance, many countries (e.g. the

Netherlands) already apply selective dry cow

therapy based on SCC results. By adding

DSCC to this decision process, farmers

can identify more infections that require

treatment while avoiding unnecessary use in

healthy cows.

Study in Belgium

A joint study by Ghent University and FOSS

tested the use of DSCC on 15 dairy farms.

Samples from 310 cows were collected before

dry-off. These samples were tested for SCC,

DSCC, and mastitis pathogens.

Key findings:

» Around 70% of cows with mastitis caused

by major pathogens had DSCC values

above 50%, regardless of SCC level.

» In cows with lower SCC (50 000–200 000

cells/mL), higher DSCC values nearly

doubled the likelihood of detecting a

major pathogen.

» Combining SCC with DSCC improved

detection of mastitis infections compared

to using SCC alone.

This shows that DSCC increases the

sensitivity of mastitis detection, helping

ensure infected cows are treated

before dry-off.

Practical application

» Dairy herd improvement testing samples

already provide sufficient information,

making extra hand-stripped sampling

unnecessary in most cases.

» For cows not enrolled in dairy herd

improvement testing, hand-stripped

samples or a California mastitis test before

dry-off can still be useful.

» The combined SCC + DSCC approach

helps reduce antibiotic use by ensuring

only cows with real infections are treated.

Conclusion

Adding DSCC as a supplementary test to

SCC provides farmers and veterinarians

with a stronger tool for udder health

management, helping to:

» Improve detection of mastitis caused by

major pathogens.

» Support better dry cow therapy decisions.

» Reduce down unnecessary antibiotic use.

More studies are needed, but DSCC shows

great potential not only for guiding dry cow

therapy but also for identifying early and

chronic mastitis cases during lactation.



PASSIE en

TOEWYDING

ontsluit

dié

NISMARK


In die Hertzogville distrik kuier ons by

Anje van Dyk en haar ‘British Alpine’-

bokke. Die swart-en-wit ras is wêreldwyd

bekend vir hul voorkoms en uitstekende

melkproduksie. ‘Hulle is meestal swart

met kenmerkende wit merke oor die

gesig, ore en bene – dis regtig pragtige

diere,’ vertel Anje.

Die British Alpine-ras begin by

Sedgemere Faith, ’n ooibok wat in 1903

vanaf Parys na Engeland ingevoer

is. Sy het die kenmerkende swart haarkleed

met wit Switserse merke in die ras gevestig.

Mev. Abbey van die Didgemere-kudde in

Engeland word as die ‘moeder figuur’ in

die British Alpine wêreld beskou. Sy het die

ras verfyn en haar bokke was tydens die

Tweede Wêreldoorlog lewensredders, wat

gesinne in nood met hul melk gevoed het.

Die nalatenskap het Suid-Afrika bereik, waar

telers al sedert die 1920’s hierdie elegante

swart-en-wit melkbokke vir hul gehardheid en

uitstekende melkproduksie waardeer.

Tussen 1924 en 1934 is ses ooitjies en drie

rammetjies, wat afstammelinge was van

uitstekende melkers in die Didgemerekudde,

vanaf Brittanje na Suid-Afrika,

uitgevoer. Die res is geskiedenis en vandag

is die British Alpine ook in Suid‐Afrika, ’n

baie gewilde melkbok wat bekend is vir hul

goeie temperament en melk van besonderse

goeie gehalte.


Anje se kudde bestaan uit vyftig SA

Stamboek-geregistreerde British Alpinebokke

waarvan sy twintig melk. Die feit dat sy

vanjaar kan spog met ’n lampersentasie van

’n allemintige 205%, is ’n duidelike bewys van

dié boervrou se erns met genetika. Hierdie

jaar se nuwe aankomelinge bestaan uit ’n

vierling, drie drielinge, tien tweelinge en slegs

drie enkel lammers. Inderdaad teel statistiek

waarop Anje trots kan wees.

Sy beklee ’n bestuursposisie by die

SA Melkboktelersgenootskap, waar

sy met haar passievolle liefde vir die

ras ’n waardevolle bydra maak om

bokmelkproduksie in Suid-Afrika te bevorder.

’Die genootskap beskerm die genetiese

eienskappe van ons rasse en help om

bokmelkboerdery se volhoubaarheid te

verseker. Dit gaan oor meer as melk – dit gaan

oor erfenis en toekoms,’ sê sy.

Haar bokmelkboerdery het tydens die

COVID‐19‐inperking begin toe sy besluit

het om kaasmaak aan te pak. ‘Ek het my

Witdorperstoet verkoop en ’n melkbokstoet

aangeskaf wat ek maklik self op ’n relatiewe

klein stukkie grond sonder arbeid kon bestuur.

Teling en genetika was nog altyd my passie.’

Wat as ’n stokperdjie begin het, het gou

in ’n besigheid verander. Vandag produseer

Anje handgemaakte bokmelkkaas en unieke

melksepe en lyfrome. ‘My produkte help om

my voerrekeninge te dek,’ lag sy. ‘Dit sal nooit

vir my oor massa vervaardiging gaan nie – die

belangrikste vir my is die kwaliteit van my

bokkudde en die verbetering van die British

Alpine ras. Ek glo dat elke handgemaakte

produk wat ons plaas verlaat, ’n deeltjie van

die bokkudde daarmee saamneem.’

Die kaasvat is die hart van Anje se

kaasmaak-besigheid en besit die kapasiteit

om sowat 25 liter melk te hou, waarvan

elke druppel met sorg gebruik word. Anje

se kase word onder haar kudde-naam,

Aromatic British Alpine Stud, bemark. Met

die handelsmerk het sy groot prestasies by

verskeie nasionale suiwelskoue verwerf. Haar

Feta en semi-harde kaas het by die 2025 SA

Suiwelkampioenskappe, onderskeidelik die

derde en tweede plekke ingeneem in die hul

afdelings. ’n Besonderse prestasie, wanneer

’n mens in ag neem dat meer as ’n duisend

suiwelprodukte van oor die hele land vir

hierdie kompetisie ingeskryf was.

Die inspirasie vir haar melksepe en lyfrome

het Anje in Australië gekry. ’Daar het ek gesien

en beleef hoe gegeurde melksepe en -rome

Australiërs se daaglikse roetines in spesiale

ervarings omskep. My vraag was – waarom nie

ook hier in Suid-Afrika nie? Ons het die melk,

ons melkgehalte is uitstekend – waarom sal

ons nie ook in die ervaring deel nie?’



Anje se reeks lekkerruik melksepe sluit

geure soos vanielje, gemmer en suurlemoen

in. Die sagte skuim en geurige aroma laat ’n

mens verbeel jy bad in ’n melkskommel. ’Ek

hou daarvan om my kliënte te verras,’ sê sy.

’Elke seep het sy eie karakter – party gee jou

energie vir die dag, ander laat jou ontspan na

’n lang dag in die melkstal.’

Maar sy het nie net by seep gebly nie.

Anje het uitgebrei na lyfrome wat die ryk

voedingswaarde van melk kombineer met

geure soos roosmalva en sitrusverfrissing.

’is nie net oor lekker ruik nie,’ verduidelik sy.

’Melk is ongelooflike goeie voeding vir die

vel. Dis sag, natuurlik en perfek vir mense

met sensitiewe velle. Ek wou iets skep wat eg

plaaslik is, maar met ’n tikkie luuksheid.’

Om hierdie skoonheidsprodukte te

vervaardig is dit nodig om genoegsame

kennis en waardering van kuns en wetenskap

met geduld te vermeng. Egte melk – propvol

proteïene, minerale en natuurlike vette – word

met essensiële olies en geure vermeng om

unieke produkte te skep. ’Elke produk word

met die hand gemaak,’ sê Anje trots. ’Dis harde

werk, maar dit verskaf my oneindige genot

om te sien hoe mense die produkte geniet

en waardeer.’

Die gewildheid van melkgebaseerde

skoonheidsprodukte groei internasionaal

vinnig, en Suid-Afrika hou by. Sosiale media

is propvol aanhangers wat hul gunsteling

melksepe en die positiewe effek wat dit op hul

vel het deel. Vir Anje is dit egter meer as net

’n gier – dis ’n uitbreiding van haar boerdery

se identiteit.

Soos soveel ander boere in Suid-Afrika,

word sy ook deur beurtkrag gekniehalter.

’Melk moet teen spesifieke temperature

geberg word. As die krag afgaan, kan jy maklik

groot verliese lei. Dis ’n konstante kopseer,’

erken sy eerlik.

Tog bly haar vasberadenheid onwrikbaar.

’Elke nuwe boklam wat op die plaas gebore

word, herinner my waarom ek dit doen. Dit

gaan oor die groei van my kudde, oor die

verbetering van die ras en oor my liefde

vir dié bokke.’

Sy glo dat uitnemendheid nie gemeet moet

word aan getalle nie, maar aan toewyding. ’Jy

hoef nie duisende bokke te hê om suksesvol

te wees nie,’ sê sy. ’Dis die sorg en passie wat

jy insit wat die verskil maak.’

Anje van Dyk en haar Aromatic British

Alpine Stud is ’n bewys van die volharding

en passie wat baie jong boere in Suid-Afrika

dryf. Die pad wat sy geloop het van ’n suiwelentoesias

tot ’n toegewyde melkboer en teler,

kan as inspirasie dien vir almal wat daarvan

droom om ’n beduidende impak op die

landbousektor te maak.


NEW on the

PACKAGING

HORIZON

Packaging waste has become one of

the world’s biggest environmental

headaches – and it’s only getting

worse. Every year, millions of tonnes of

plastic end up in landfills and oceans,

polluting ecosystems and threatening

wildlife. Recycling was once seen as

the answer, but the reality is far less

encouraging – most plastics still do

not make it back into the system.

It’s clear, the packaging industry needs

a rethink. The good news? Innovation is

stepping up. Across the globe, scientists

and companies are finding creative,

sustainable alternatives that could reshape

the way we package everything from food to

cosmetics – and, yes, even dairy.

Just recently, researchers at the University

of Tokyo and RIKEN made headlines by

discovering a type of durable plastic

that actually dissolves in water. While

commercial rollout is still years away, this

kind of breakthrough signals a future where

‘disposable’ doesn’t have to mean ‘polluting’.

Here is a look at ten companies leading the

way with real-world solutions that are already

making an impact – and giving us a glimpse

of what a cleaner, smarter packaging future

could look like.

Plastic-free cosmetic packaging

Lush, a company based in the United

Kingdom, has ditched plastic containers

for many of its products, pioneering what it

calls ‘naked’ packaging. From solid shampoo

bars to bath bombs, their self-preserving

formulations eliminate the need for bottles

and tubs altogether. It’s a move that’s not

just cutting plastic use, but also changing

how consumers think about what they buy

– proof that less packaging can still mean

more appeal.



Seaweed-based packaging

Seaweed is not just for sushi anymore. London startup

Notpla uses seaweed and plants to create fully

compostable packaging that breaks down naturally.

In partnership with Just Eat, Notpla replaced more

than 15 million takeaway boxes across Europe – a real

step forward in tackling single-use waste. Imagine the

potential if food service and dairy takeaway packaging

followed suit!

Renewable material packaging

Packaging giant Mondi is making big moves in renewable

materials. With roots in South Africa, this Vienna-based

company is no stranger to the local market. Its focus on

responsibly sourced paper and innovative fibre-based

solutions is helping brands meet both environmental and

customer demands – without compromising on quality

or function.

Paper-based packaging

As one of the world’s largest producers of paper-based

packaging, Smurfit Kappa is driving a major shift away

from plastics. Its biodegradable and recyclable boxes

are used across industries, including food, beverage,

and e-commerce. The company’s heavy investment

in innovation keeps it ahead of the curve – showing

how paper can be part of a high-performance, lowimpact

future.

Reusable packaging systems

Imagine buying your milk, yoghurt, or butter in sturdy

containers that you simply return and refill. That is

the concept behind Tesco’s partnership with Loop,

which allows customers to return used packaging for

professional cleaning and reuse. The system is already

proving itself in selected United Kingdom stores,

highlighting how mainstream retailers can embrace

circular packaging – and how similar systems could work

for dairy producers closer to home.

Blockchain-integrated smart packaging

Nestlé is using technology to make packaging smarter

and more transparent. In a pilot project with IBM and

The Rainforest Alliance, consumers could scan a QR

code on Zoégas coffee to trace its journey – from farmer

to roastery to shelf. The same principle could be applied

in dairy, giving consumers real insight into where their

milk, cheese, or yoghurt comes from.


Plant-based plastics

Coca-Cola has long been criticised for its plastic footprint,

but the company is working to turn the tide. In early 2024, the

company revealed its first-ever 100% plant-based plastic bottle,

made entirely from renewable sources like corn. Dubbed the

PlantBottle, the innovation marks a shift away from fossil-fuelbased

plastics. While large-scale production has yet to roll out,

the idea of bioplastics made from crops instead of crude oil

could be a game-changer for packaging globally.

Recycled apparel packaging

Sustainability trailblazer Patagonia is extending its eco ethos

beyond outdoor gear. The brand now uses post-consumer

recycled materials and soy-based inks for packaging, cutting

down on virgin plastic and chemical-heavy dyes. It’s a

reminder that packaging can, and should, reflect a company’s

environmental values, from production right through to disposal.

Mushroom-based packaging

Mushrooms are sprouting up as one of the most exciting

materials in the packaging world. Ecovative’s mycelium-based

packaging, made from mushroom roots, is a compostable

alternative to polystyrene. Tech companies like Dell already

use it to protect electronic goods during shipping. Lightweight,

strong, and biodegradable, it’s an inspiring example of how

nature can provide better answers than plastic ever could.

100% recyclable ketchup cap

Sometimes, the biggest sustainability wins come from the

smallest details. Kraft Heinz and Berry Global teamed up to

develop a fully recyclable ketchup cap – solving a long-standing

issue caused by multi-material lids that could not be processed.

This clever design tweak means the entire bottle can now go

straight into recycling. It’s a small step that could inspire massive

change across the food industry.

A GREENER FUTURE,

one pack at a time

From seaweed to mushrooms, and from

digital tracking to plant-based plastics, these

innovations show that the global packaging

industry is in the midst of a powerful

transformation.

For the dairy sector, where packaging

plays a vital role in freshness, shelf life, and

consumer trust, these global examples offer

valuable insight – and opportunity. South

African producers are already exploring

alternatives such as lightweight recyclable

cartons, biodegradable film wraps, and

returnable glass. The next step is to scale

these solutions, making sustainability both

practical and profitable.

Innovation and responsibility can go

hand in hand, and as these trailblazers

prove, the journey to a cleaner planet starts

with rethinking what we wrap and pack our

products in.


MOO-VING WHEELS

The long-awaited

NEW PETROL-

POWERED AMAROK

Volkswagen (VW) first hinted at a petrol-powered Amarok for

South Africa back in early 2024, but after multiple delays, including

an indefinite hold later that year, it is finally becoming a reality.

The petrol model made a comeback appearance at the 2025 Festival

of Motoring in Gauteng, confirming that it is ready for launch.

Q: How much will the new petrol

Amarok set buyers back?

A: The new 2.3 TSI Amarok PanAmericana

4Motion is priced at R1 099 000, positioning

it as the third-most-expensive model in the

Amarok line-up.

Q: What makes this version different

from the rest of the Amarok range?

A: Unlike the rest of the Amarok range,

which has exclusively run on turbo diesel

engines, this version swaps diesel for petrol

power – something Amarok fans have been

waiting for. It brings a refreshing alternative

for those who prefer petrol performance

and refinement.

Q: Let us talk numbers. What is

under the bonnet?

A: Powering the new model is a 2.3 L

turbocharged petrol engine producing 222

kW and 452 Nm of torque. This is paired with

a 10-speed automatic gearbox and VW’s

4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

The result? A quick 0–100 km/h time

of just 7,6 seconds – making it the fastest

Amarok ever built.


Q: How does it compare to the

diesel versions?

A: In terms of speed, the petrol Amarok

leads the pack. However, it does trade

some fuel efficiency for performance, with

an average consumption of 9,9 L/100 km,

compared to 7,5L/100 km on the 2.0 L Bi-TDI.

So, it is a bit thirstier, but that is the price of

petrol-powered fun.

Q: Which trim level does it come in?

A: The petrol engine is exclusively available

in the range-topping PanAmericana trim,

meaning it is fully loaded with premium

features – no stripped-down options here.

Q: What kind of features can

buyers expect?

A: The PanAmericana spec is generous,

blending rugged utility with luxury.

Highlights include:

» IQ light matrix LED headlights;

» 18" ‘Amadora’ alloy wheels with allseason

tyres;

» tubular styling bar, side steps, and

roof rails; and

» underbody protection and rear differential

lock for off-road confidence.

Inside, the cabin is as refined as a luxury

sports utility vehicle, featuring:

» leather multifunction steering wheel and

‘Cricket’ leather seats;

» electric driver’s seat and dual-zone

climate control;

» 12" digital driver display and 12" portrait

infotainment screen; and

» eight-speaker Harman Kardon

sound system.

On the safety and tech front, the petrol

Amarok includes adaptive cruise control,

autonomous emergency braking, lanekeep

assist, blind-spot monitoring, driverfatigue

detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a

360-degree camera, and park assist.

Q: What about after-sales support?

A: As with all new Amaroks, the petrol model

comes with a five-year/150 000 km warranty

and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance

plan, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

Q: So, who is this bakkie really for?

A: The petrol Amarok is aimed at drivers who

want the power and refinement of a petrol

engine, without sacrificing the practicality and

toughness of a double cab. It is ideal for those

who spend most of their time on the road but

still need a capable off-roader for weekends

or farm use.

The petrol Amarok might not be the most

economical option, but it delivers where it

counts – power, comfort, and technology.

With the PanAmericana trim, it blends utility

with luxury in true VW style. After years of

waiting, it seems VW’s petrol-powered bakkie

was worth the patience.



The Dairy Mail Oct 2025

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