The Dairymail Feb 2026

Vol 33 • No 02 • FEBRUARY 2026

R46,50 incl VAT • ISSN: 1561-4301

VAN

SENTIMENT

NA WINS:

Afrikanergenetika

op die melkplaas

FEED &

FORAGE 2026:

Real world ways to

cut costs without

cutting litres

IN THIS ISSUE: SUIWEL SE BRANDPUNTE VIR 2026 | ALTERNATIVE ENERGY – PART 1 |

| HERWINNING OP MELKPLASE | TURNING DAIRY DATA INTO BETTER DECISIONS |

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SOOS ONS DIT SIEN • AS WE SEE IT

Tightening

the belt today

STRENGTHENS

the farm for

TOMORROW

by Jade Smith, MPO

February greets us with the familiar

instruction many of us grew up hearing

around the kitchen table: tighten your

belt. On a dairy farm, that message carries

real weight. Margins are under pressure, input

costs remain elevated, and now many of our

farmers are navigating the added strain and

uncertainty brought by the spread of footand-mouth

disease.

For dairy farmers, this is often the time when

they start to feel the pressure of feed costs,

environmental conditions and volatile market

dynamics. Yet ‘tightening the belt’ is not

about restriction – it is about precision. Which

expenses sustain productivity, and which

quietly erode margins?

In this edition, we walk alongside you in

the everyday decisions that shape farm

viability. Looking at feed where careful savings

make sense, and where ‘cutting back’ can

cost more in the long run. From fodder flow

planning to pasture plantings and the role of

crops like radishes, the emphasis is on smart

efficiency. Herd health discussions consider

the practicality of DIY disease testing in a

climate where biosecurity has never been

more critical. Reproduction strategies unpack

the pros and cons of synchronisation, while

management conversations explore milk

buyer relationships in a tightening market.

Across the farm, sustainability matters

more than ever – from recycling initiatives

to harnessing the wind – supported by the

simple but powerful discipline of saving to

build resilience.

In challenging times, we are reminded

that dairy farming is more than a business; it

is stewardship, adaptability and community

passed from one season to the next.

Tightening the belt today becomes part of

that responsibility, safeguarding the farm

for tomorrow.

Jade Smith

FEBRUARY 2026 • THE DAIRYMAIL 1

2 THE DAIRYMAIL • FEBRUARY 2026

Plastic containers for the industrial,

agricultural & food markets

FROM THE PUBLISHERS DESK

As we settle into 2026 and start finding

our stride again, I’ve been thinking

a lot about how tough times have

a strange way of pulling people together.

Foot-and-mouth disease has been one of

those tests – disruptive, frustrating and very

real for many farmers. But it’s also shown us

something important about who we are as an

agricultural community.

Over the past few months, I’ve seen people

and organisations who usually stand on

opposite sides of the room start sitting around

the same table. Government, producers,

organised agriculture, vets, industry bodies –

everyone pulled into the same conversation,

not because it was easy, but because it was

necessary. And somewhere in the chaos, a

shift happened.

That old ‘us versus them’ feeling is fading.

It’s becoming just us. One industry, one value

chain, one group of people trying to protect

our animals, our livelihoods and our country’s

And despite everything

going on, there are

some real positives on

the horizon.

food security. We’ll still disagree at times –

that’s normal – but we’re pulling in the same

direction more often than not, and that’s

worth recognising.

And despite everything going on, there

are some real positives on the horizon. Early

signs suggest the dairy year ahead could

be one of the stronger ones we’ve seen in

a while. In fact, according to the USDA’s

Foreign Agricultural Service, South Africa’s

unprocessed liquid milk production is forecast

to grow by about 2% thanks to improving

economic conditions and lower feed costs.

It’s a small number, but a big message:

We’re moving in the right direction.

It’s easy for crisis headlines to drown out the

good news – but the good news matters. It

reminds us that beneath the challenges, this

industry is still resilient, still adapting and still

full of people who get up every morning and

make food for a nation. You don’t get more

important than that.

Here at The Dairymail, we’ll keep doing what

we’ve always done: helping you navigate both

the rough patches and the opportunities.

Here’s to a year where we keep pulling

closer together – and keep pulling forward.

Jacques Basson

Publisher, The Dairymail

CONTACT US YOUR PARTNER IN BIOSECURITY


CONTENTS INHOUDSOPGAWE

8

42

1 Soos ons dit sien • As we see it

3 From the publisher’s desk

7 Meet the team • Suiwelkalender

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

8 Van sentiment na wins: Afrikanergenetika

op die melkplaas

13 SA Large Herds conference – 13 th Edition:

The Evolution of Excellence

16 Suiwel se brandpunte vir 2026: Hou

koers deur ’n landskap van verandering

20 Dairy economic indicators

25 Dairy digits

27 TLU SA dring aan op daadwerklike

optrede in BKS-krisis en verwelkom

nuwe bedryfsraad

29 Stay ahead with real-time foot-andmouth

disease insights

33 Kortliks • Briefly

PRODUKSIE • PRODUCTION

35 Feed & Forage 2026: Real world ways to

cut costs without cutting litres

RENTMEESTERSKAP • STEWARDSHIP

42 Alternative energy – Part 1: SUN

45 Herwinning op melkplase: ’n Praktiese

gids vir Suid-Afrikaanse produsente

BESTUUR • MANAGEMENT

49 FMD and AGOA: Why the farm worker is

the ultimate gatekeeper of South Africa’s

R80bn recovery


INHOUD • CONTENTS

59

Produced by

Editorial contributions

Email: content@maxmediagroup.co.za

Advertising & rates

54 Labour column

Three key labour law areas to focus on

56 Arbeidskolom

Personeellesse: Die menslike

verdedigingslinie in die suiwelbedryf

NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING •

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

59 From cow to embryo: How oocyte quality

drives in vitro fertilisation success in

dairy breeds

64 Turning dairy data into better decisions

Email: sales@maxmediagroup.co.za

Ilse Liveris • Tel: 072 708 4401

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

Accounts & subscriptions

Email: charlene@maxmediagroup.co.za

Charlene Bam • Tel: 061 500 7991

Expressions of opinion, claims and statements of supposed

facts do not necessarily reflect the views of The Dairymail,

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

accurately, The Dairymail, 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


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MEET THE TEAM

THAT CARES:

SWITCHBOARD: 012 843 5600

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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

COMMUNICATIONS 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

Debbie Last 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

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.

SOME EVENTS TO

LOOK FORWARD TO

11 – 13 MARCH 2026

International Dairy Federation

Joint Symposium on Mastitis

& Milking Technology

Stockholm, Sweden

Bloem Show

Showgrounds Curie

Avenue, Bloemfontein

11 – 13 MARCH 2026

23 APRIL – 2 MAY 2026

11 th Agritec Africa

Gallagher Convention

Centre, Johannesburg

30 – 31 MARCH 2026

MENA

Dairy Congress

Al-Ain, UAE

9 – 10 MAY 2026

KZN MPO Dairy Fest

Fordoun Farm Village,

Nottingham Road

PS. Remember to capture the essence of dairy farming

wherever you farm.

Mail your photographs and a short description to

content@maxmediagroup.co.za


KYK

Skandeer of

klik om te kyk

LUISTER

Skandeer of klik

om te luister

VAN SENTIMENT NA WINS:

Afrikanergenetika

op die melkplaas

’n Slim vennootskap vir die

moderne waardeketting

In ’n landboubedryf wat vinnig

ontwikkel, is dit merkwaardig hoe die

Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap tradisie en

tegnologiese vooruitgang saamweef om

een van Suid-Afrika se oudste rasse nuut

te posisioneer. In ’n onlangse episode van

Herkouers gesels Jacques Basson met Bob

Cronje, ’n ervare stoetteler van Theunissen,

oor die Afrikanerbees se strategiese

herlewing. Vir melkboere bied hierdie “nuwe”

Afrikaner praktiese waarde in kruisteeling,

kalfgemak én biosekuriteit – kritiese elemente

in ’n moderne vleisopmelkwaardeketting.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

’n Ryk erfenis as sterk,

maar swaar fondasie

Die Afrikanerbeestelersgenootskap, gestig

in 1912, dra die nalatenskap van meer as

110 jaar se geskiedenis. Die ras word lank

reeds geassosieer met sy ikoniese horings,

diep kulturele wortels en rol in die Groot

Trek. Cronje erken dat die meeste boere

’n emosionele band met die Afrikaner

het, maar hierdie sentiment het groei en

modernisering vertraag.

Volgens hom het die fokus te lank op

voorkoms gebly, eerder as op eienskappe

wat werklik produksiewaarde lewer. Praktiese

kwessies soos horings het hantering

bemoeilik, terwyl markdruk steeds toeneem.

Die genootskap het daarom ’n strategiese

skuif gemaak: prestasie en produksiedata

bo sentiment.

Die Afrikaner as genetiese

sleutel: ’n Nuwe rol in

kruisteeling

Hoewel die getal aktiewe stoettelers vandag

kleiner is, minder as 20 kernprodusente en

sowat 3 000 geregistreerde diere, bly die

Afrikaner se genetiese poel wyd en gesond.

Dit skep ’n unieke geleentheid vir kommersiële

boerdery: die ras kan steeds as bousteen

vir basterkrag dien, veral in stelsels waar

gehardheid, vrugbaarheid en lae insetkostes

belangrik is.

Die Afrikaner lê reeds die genetiese

fondament vir rasse soos Bonsmara en

Hugenoot. Cronje beklemtoon dat die

toekoms in slim vennootskappe lê, met

genootskappe soos Sussex, Angus en

Charolais, om kruisteeling stelsels te

optimaliseer. Sy metafoor som dit eenvoudig

op: “Dis soos meel en eiers – saam bak

jy ’n koek.”

Vir melkboere wat vleiswaarde uit

oorskotkalfies wil maksimeer, bied die

Afrikaner ’n kritieke voordeel: kalfgemak. Die

inbring van Afrikanerbloed kan kalfprobleme

binne één generasie drasties verminder,

wat hersteltyd verkort en die koei vinniger

terugbring na melkproduksie.

’n Skuif weg van sentiment:

Die nuwe Afrikaner

Cronje is reguit: te veel van die ras se evolusie

is vasgevang in nostalgie. Eienskappe wat

esteties aantreklik was, soos groot horings,

het nie noodwendig bygedra tot moderne

produksiedoeltreffendheid nie.

Die nuwe benadering is duidelik:

» Geen oordrewe fokus op voorkoms nie

» ’n Sterk skuif na datagedrewe seleksie

» Diere wat kompeterend is met enige moderne vleisras

» ’n Poenskoptipe wat hantering en

aanpasbaarheid verbeter



BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Vir melkboere beteken dit ’n ras wat gehard,

ekonomies en prakties is, perfek geskik vir

Suid-Afrikaanse omstandighede.

Biosekuriteit en die stryd

teen “Straatbeeste”

Biosekuriteit is tans een van die grootste

bedreigings vir die beesbedryf, en Cronje

skram nie weg van die onderwerp nie. Bek-enklouseer

(BEK) is volgens hom “hier om te bly”

tensy die bedryf self drastiese stappe neem.

Die grootste risiko: die ongekontroleerde

beweging van kommunale straatbeeste.

Die oplossing? 100% naspeurbaarheid.

Cronje verwys na tegnologie soos IDScan en

die behoefte aan ’n nasionale databasis wat

die beweging van alle diere monitor. Vir die

suiwelbedryf, waar marktoegang, siektebeheer

en sertifisering krities is, maak hierdie insig

die punt duidelik: biosekuriteit is die sleutel

tot volhoubaarheid én mededinging in

uitvoermarkte.

’n Nuwe era vir die Afrikaner –

en ’n nuwe kans vir die melkplaas

Die Afrikanerbees is nie meer net ’n historiese

simbool nie; dit is besig om te ontwikkel

tot ’n datagedrewe, praktiese en strategies

waardevolle produksiedier. Bob Cronje se

perspektief toon dat hierdie ras nie net

relevant kan bly nie, maar aktief bydra

tot moderne boerderystelsels, veral waar

kruisteeling, kalfgemak en biosekuriteit

belangrik is.

Vir melkboere bied die Afrikaner

’n unieke voordeel:

» makliker kalwing

» laer risiko

» beter hibriede prestasie

» en ’n genetiese profiel wat reeds sy waarde

in Suid-Afrikaanse toestande bewys het.

Soos Bob dit stel: dit gaan daaroor om

die ras oorleefbaar én bruikbaar te

maak vir die uitdagings van vandag –

en vir die markte van 2026 en verder.

KYK

Skandeer of

klik om te kyk

LUISTER

Skandeer of klik

om te luister


2026 SA Large Herds Conference

31 May - 2 June 2026 | Zimbali Golf Resort – Capital Hotel & Conference Centre | KwaZulu-Natal

THE EVOLUTION OF EXCELLENCE

13 th

Edition

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

www.largeherds.co.za

Early Bird Promo - 10% Off Conference Fee

Applies to all delegates | Valid until 15 March 2026

MPO Member - 15% Off Conference Fee

Applies to MPO Members | Valid until 19 April 2026

Lorraine de Ronde

lorraine@mpo.co.za | 082 886 9450 | www.largeherds.co.za


THE EVOLUTION OF

EXCELLENCE

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

SA Large Herds

conference – 13 th Edition:

The South African Large Herds Conference,

hosted by the Milk Producers’ Organisation,

returns in 2026 to the lush and vibrant province

of KwaZulu-Natal – a region known for its rich

agricultural heritage and dynamic dairy and

livestock sector. Marking more than a quartercentury

since the inaugural conference in 1999,

this event builds on a legacy of shared innovation,

resilience, and global collaboration.

Under the theme “The Evolution of

Excellence” the 2026 conference

will explore how large herd operators

continue to adapt and thrive through cuttingedge

practices, smart technologies and

enduring leadership. As always, delegates

can look forward to an engaging blend of

thought leadership, practical insights and

collaborative exchange – all within a setting

that balances business with connection,

inspiration and purpose.

In 2026, the conference celebrates its 13 th

edition, proudly hosted by the Milk Producers’

Organisation (MPO) at the prestigious Zimbali

Golf Resort’s Capital Hotel & Conference

Centre, from 31 May to 2 June 2026.


A HOLISTIC APPROACH

TO DAIRY FARMING

The Large Herds conference is designed

specifically for progressive dairy farmers

managing large-scale operations. Its holistic

approach ensures that every aspect of

modern dairy farming is addressed, from

animal health and sustainability to global

market positioning.

A GLOBAL EXCHANGE

OF KNOWLEDGE

International speakers from leading dairy

regions will share cutting-edge techniques

and technologies, offering South African

farmers invaluable insights. This unique

platform ensures participants leave with

actionable strategies tailored to their own

farms. The full programme is available for

viewing on the Large Herds website –

www.largeherds.co.za

The conference isn’t all work. Delegates

can look forward to happy hour, cocktail

dinners by the iconic Zimbali pool and virtual

farm tours, creating a vibrant atmosphere for

networking and collaboration.

Conference registration is now open, and

delegates are invited to take advantage of

the Early Bird special.

This exclusive offer provides a 10% discount

on registration fees and is available until 15

March 2026.

To secure the discounted rate, register

and pay online at www.largeherds.co.za

using the promocode Earlybird26.

Don’t miss this opportunity to save while

ensuring your place at the event. The SA

Large Herds Conference 2026 is more than

a gathering – it’s a catalyst for excellence in

dairy farming.


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SUIWEL SE

BRANDPUNTE

VIR 2026:

Hou koers deur ’n

landskap van verandering

Deur The Dairymail redaksie

Soos ons Februarie 2026 binnestap,

bevind die wêreldwye suiwelbedryf

hom in ’n tyd van ingrypende

verandering. Die 2025 IDF Wêreldsuiwelberaad,

die eerste van sy soort in

Suid-Amerika, het die spelreëls sigbaar

verskuif en bevestig dat toekomstige sukses

berus op digitale slimstelsels, naspeurbare

volhoubaarheid en strategiese aanpassing.

Met meer as 1 000 afgevaardigdes uit 48

lande wat saam beraadslaag het, is dit duidelik

dat die brandpunte van vandag veel verder

strek as blote produksie-uitdagings. Die ware

toets vir moderne suiwelbestuur is om digitale

vooruitgang en volhoubaarheid gelyktydig,

konsekwent en doeltreffend te balanseer.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Die Parysverklaring: Van

voorneme na tasbare aksie

Een van die belangrikste uitkomste van

die 2025-beraad was die bekragtiging

van die Parysverklaring oor volhoubare

suiwelontwikkeling (PDDS). Hierdie

verklaring dui ’n betekenisvolle verskuiwing

van blote voorneme na meetbare,

verifieerbare verbintenisse wat direk belyn

is met die Verenigde Nasies se volhoubare

ontwikkelingsdoelwitte.

Vir Suid-Afrikaanse produsente beteken dit

dat dekarbonisering nou ononderhandelbaar

is. Internasionale maatstawwe vir die meting

van kweekhuisgasvrystellings word vinnig

gestandaardiseer, ’n belangrike vereiste om

marktoegang te behou en verbruikers se

vertroue te versterk.

Tegnologieë soos die cowfootR-pakket

word reeds gebruik om koolstofvoetspoorberekeninge

volgens IDF-metodologieë te

doen, terwyl voerbylae soos Bovaer, wat

metaanvrystellings by melkkoeie gemiddeld

met 30% kan verminder, ’n wetenskaplik

bewese hulpmiddel bied in die strewe na laer

vrystellings.

Die winsgewendheidsgaping:

’n Bestaansbedreiging

Terwyl volhoubaarheid ’n kernvereiste

word, is die ekonomiese lewensvatbaarheid

van suiwelboerdery steeds ’n dringende

bekommernis. Deskundiges by die beraad

het gewys op die groeiende gaping

tussen plaashek-melkpryse en stygende

produksiekoste – ’n nievolhoubare

spanning wat veral klein en mediumgrootte

bedrywighede in ’n wurggreep hou.

Die kernboodskap was duidelik:

effektiwiteit is nie meer net ’n voordeel nie,

dis ’n voorwaarde vir oorlewing. Produsente

wat nie datagedrewete tegnologieë soos

KI‐gebaseerde voerbestuur of voorspellende

analise aanwend nie, loop die risiko om baie

vinnig agter te raak in winsgewendheid, sowel

as mededingendheid.


Digitale transformasie en

dataintegrasie

Die suiwelsektor beleef tans ’n fase van

versnelde digitale transformasie. KI stelsels

en die “Internet of Things” (IoT) maak intydse

monitering van dieregesondheid, gedrag en

welsyn moontlik. Moderne platforms kan:

» siekte-uitbrake voorspel,

» vroeë mastitis opspoor,

» individuele melkroetines

outomaties aanpas, en

» produksietendense per koei modelleer.

Die grootste struikelblok bly egter

datawisselwerking. Te veel inligting sit

vas in eie, nie-versoenbare formate, wat

samewerking tussen toestelle, stelsels en

roetes beperk. Om hierdie rede skuif die

internasionale bedryf nou toenemend

na formele standaardiseringsraamwerke,

soos dié van die International Committee

for Animal Recording (ICAR), om

geïntegreerde, naspeurbare en betroubare

suiwelwaardekettings te ondersteun.

Een gesondheid (One Health)

en bioveiligheid

Die One Health-benadering, wat menslike,

dierlike en omgewingsgesondheid as

verweefde elemente beskou, het by die

beraad as ’n kernpilaar uitgestaan. Dit plaas

groter druk op verantwoordelike antibiotikagebruik,

streng bioveiligheidsprotokolle en

beter siektevoorkoming op plaasvlak.

Inisiatiewe soos die FAO-ondersteunde

RENOFARM-padkaart in Zimbabwe dien as

’n waardevolle bloudruk vir die streek. Hierdie

programme toon hoe plase produktiwiteit

kan verhoog terwyl die behoefte aan

antimikrobiesemiddels afneem – ’n kritieke

vereiste vir voedselveiligheid, residubeheer

en internasionale markvertroue.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Nuwe generasie verbruikers:

Deursigtigheid as valuta

Vandag se verbruiker koop nie meer net

melk nie; hy koop inligting, waardes en

waarborge. Die nuwe generasie verbruikers

verwag bewysbare volhoubaarheid,

duidelike herkomsrekords en produkte met

funksionele voordele.

Plaasoudits het dus ontwikkel van

eenvoudige nakominglysies na strategiese

deursigtigheidsinstrumente. Digitale

oudittegnologieë stel plase in staat om

bewyse van volhoubare praktyke vinnig en

volledig te deel, en sodoende hul reputasie

te beskerm in ’n internasionale mark wat

toenemend krities en datagedrewe is.

Slotgedagtes

Die boodskap uit Santiago is onmiskenbaar:

die toekoms van suiwel lê by die produsente

en verwerkers wat data as hul waardevolste

bate beskou en volhoubaarheid as ’n kerndeel

van hul besigheidsmodel integreer.

Vir Suid-Afrikaanse suiwelprodusente, wat

reeds met stygende insetkoste, siektedruk

en infrastruktuuruitdagings worstel, is

hierdie rigtingwysers nie bloot internasionale

gesprekspunte nie – dit is ’n padkaart vir

voortbestaan én groei.

In ’n wêreld waar elke liter melk sy eie

storie dra, sal dié met die duidelikste, mees

deursigtige en mees volhoubare storie

die mark wen.

Die grootste struikelblok bly egter

datawisselwerking. Te veel inligting

sit vas in eie, nieversoenbare

formate, wat samewerking tussen

toestelle, stelsels en roetes beperk.


DAIRY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

INTERNATIONAL

DAIRY TRADE

ENVIRONMENT

by Jade Smith, MPO economist

MPO Economic Desk:

Guided by science, rooted in knowledge

The international dairy trade environment for 2025 is compared to 2024,

with a particular focus on the trade activities of long-life milk (UHT),

skimmed milk powder (SMP), Cheddar and Gouda cheese. Total dairy

imports declined by 6% year-on-year from 2024 to 2025.

(Source: SARS as supplied from Agri Inspec).


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 1: UHT Processed Milk Prices; FOB Prices in Rand terms

2024 2025

140,00

120,00

100,00

Rand/Kg

80,00

60,00

40,00

20,00

0,00

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

Ј January and May 2025, were the only two months throughout the year which recorded a

higher free-on-board (FOB) price compared to 2024.

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

imports of small volumes of uniquely packaged UHT milk rather than standard trade.

South Africa remains a net exporter of UHT milk to Lesotho. Although Figure 2 suggests

higher imports in 2025 compared to 2024, this is misleading. The increase is mainly due

to 463 thousand kilograms of UHT milk re-entering South Africa via Maseru Bridge under

the IM4 procedure, reflecting re-imported product rather than additional foreign supply.

Kg

Figure 2: UHT Processed Milk Imports (in kilograms)

2024 2025

140 000

120 000

100 000

80 000

60 000

40 000

20 000

0


Ј Excluding the re-imported volumes declared under the IM4 procedure, UHT milk

recorded the largest decline among all imported dairy products, decreasing by 47% yearon-year

from 2024 to 2025.


Figure 3: SMP Prices; FOB Prices in Rand terms

2024 2025

75,00

60,00

Rand/Kg

45,00

30,00

15,00

0,00


Ј On average, the skimmed milk powder (SMP) FOB price in 2025 was R27,00 higher

than in 2024.

Ј The most significant monthly price movement occurred between November and

December 2025, when the price declined by 21% to R47,11/kg.

Ј Overall, FOB prices in both 2024 and 2025 remained relatively stable, with no sustained

upward or downward trend.

Figure 4: SMP Imports (in kilograms)

2024 2025

Kg

1 800 000

1 600 000

1 400 000

1 200 000

1 000 000

800 000

600 000

400 000

200 000

0


Ј SMP import volumes in 2025 increased marginally by 3% compared to 2024. This follows

significant declines recorded in 2024, when volumes decreased by 34% and 48%

compared to 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Ј In June 2025, SMP imports equaled 203 thousand kilograms, marking the lowest recorded

import volume to date.

Ј Following the low import volume recorded in June, SMP imports increased for two

consecutive months, rising by 638% by August. This was followed by a 58% decline from

August to October, after which volumes fluctuated in a zig-zag pattern for the remainder

of the year.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 5: Cheddar Prices; FOB Prices in Rand terms

2024 2025

350,00

300,00

250,00

Rand/Kg

200,00

150,00

100,00

50,00

0,00


Ј The price of R292/kg recorded in August 2025 reflects a sample comprising niche

packaging and very small import volumes, as illustrated in Figure 6.

Ј Similar price patterns were observed in 2024 and 2025, with only July and August 2025

recording significantly higher FOB prices compared to the same period in 2024.

Ј On average, 2025 recorded the highest average FOB price to date at R191,88/kg,

representing an increase of R14,08 compared to 2024.

Figure 6: Cheddar Imports (in kilograms)

2024 2025

60 000

50 000

40 000

Kg

30 000

20 000

10 000

0


Ј In February 2025, only 2 thousand kilograms of Cheddar were imported, marking the

lowest volume on record.

Ј Cheddar import volumes peaked at 42 thousand kilograms in October 2025, the highest

since August 2023, supported by the lowest FOB price of 2025 at R155/kg.

Ј Overall, Cheddar imports in 2025 declined by 27% compared to 2024.

For the past two years, most of South Africa’s dairy imports have consistently originated

from France, New Zealand, and Germany.


Figure 7: Gouda Prices; FOB Prices in Rand terms

2024 2025

Rand/Kg

600,00

500,00

400,00

300,00

200,00

100,00

0,00


Ј The high FOB price recorded in August 2025 reflects a sample with niche packaging and

very small import volumes, as shown in Figure 8, and should be disregarded.

Ј Excluding the August outlier, FOB prices in 2025 remained stable, particularly compared

to the fluctuating zig-zag pattern observed in 2024.

Ј February and March 2025 saw FOB prices below R120/kg, the lowest since July 2023.

Rand/Kg

Figure 8: Gouda Imports (in kilograms)

2024 2025

600,00

500,00

400,00

300,00

200,00

100,00

0,00


Ј Gouda import volumes fluctuated notably in both 2024 and 2025, showing no

consistent trend.

Ј In 2024, Gouda imports declined by 51% compared to 2022 and by 42% compared to

2023. This trend reversed in 2025, with import volumes increasing by 9% year-on-year.

For more information on the trading environment, contact JADE SMITH,

economist at the MPO at jade@mpo.co.za


DAIRY

DIGITS

FEBRUARY 2026

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 Jan 26 1 291 −0,16%

Unprocessed milk purchased (’000 tonnes) estimate Jan–Dec 25 1 3 480 +0,63%

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

Dairy imports (’000 tonnes) 2025 2 30,8 −9,2%

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

Dairy exports (’000 tonnes) 2025 2 69,1 +29,1%

Dairy exports inclusive of sales to other SACU countries (’000 tonnes) 5 2025 2 208 +9%

Producer price index of unprocessed milk (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 Dec 25 3 98 +3,2%

Producer price index of dairy products (base Dec 23 = 100) 3 Dec 25 3 104,5 +1,6%

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 2016–Jan 2026

Rand per t

170 000

150 000

130 000

110 000

90 000

70 000

50 000

30 000

Source:

USDA price surveys,

exchange rate South

African Reserve Bank

middle rates, last

month – average of

daily closing values.

Butter

SMP

Cheddar

FMP

10 000

Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Jan-25 Jan-26

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 2022–Jan 2026

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

220


2026*

2025*

2025

2022

2023

2024

* Last two months

preliminary: sample survey

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

200

150

Source:

MPO calculation

from SARS data

supplied by

SAMPRO.

1 000 t milk equivalent

100

50

0

-50

-100

-150

-200


2025

2021

2022

2023

2024

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

cheese and eggs, Jan 2014–Dec 2025

230

Source:

Stats SA PPI and

CPI information,

statssa.gov.za.

Index (2012 = 100)

210

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

Unprocessed

milk PPI

Dairy Milk, products other dairy PPI

(full cream

products

fresh milk,

&

full cream UHT milk,

eggs, CPI

Cheddar cheese, yoghurt

and ice cream)

Unprocessed

milk PPI Dairy products

PPI (full cream

Milk, cheese fresh milk, full

cream UHT milk,

and eggs CPI

cheddar

cheese, yoghurt

& ice cream

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.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

TLU SA dring aan

op DAADWERKLIKE

OPTREDE in BKSkrisis

en verwelkom

nuwe bedryfsraad

TLU SA waarsku dat bek-en-klouseerbeheer

in Suid-Afrika nie meer ’n georganiseerde

siektebeheerproses is nie, maar ’n versnelde

krisis wat reeds boerdery-inkomste,

voedselsekerheid en marktoegang ernstig

bedreig. Ná minister John Steenhuisen

se mediakonferensie in Januarie het TLU

SA die situasie geëvalueer en tot die

gevolgtrekking gekom dat die probleem nie

’n tekort aan planne is nie, maar die staat se

onvoldoende kapasiteit om dit uit te voer.

Volgens TLU SA is die tempo waarteen

BKS versprei, direk gekoppel aan

swak bewegingsbeheer, onvoldoende

biosekuriteitstoepassing en die staat se

volgehoue poging om ’n gesentraliseerde

stelsel te bestuur waarvoor dit nie die

personeel of infrastruktuur het nie. Boere

verloor kuddes, kontrakte en finansiële

volhoubaarheid, terwyl daar steeds geen

duidelikheid bestaan oor die R500 miljoen wat

bewillig is vir die herstel van Onderstepoort se

entstofvervaardiging nie.

TLU SA beklemtoon dat bewese privaat

vervaardigingskapasiteit steeds deur

regulasies verhinder word, en dat boere onder


gesertifiseerde toesig hul eie kuddes behoort

te kan ent. Die reeds ontwikkelde LNR-entstof

moet, volgens die organisasie, dringend

vrygestel word teen billike pryse, met die staat

wat die entstofkoste dra. Die privaatsektor

beskik oor die kundigheid, infrastruktuur en

tegniese kapasiteit om massainenting te

ondersteun; wat ontbreek, is die politieke wil

om beheer te deel.

Die organisasie dring daarop aan dat

’n nasionale ramptoestand verklaar word

om noodregulasies in werking te stel wat

gedesentraliseerde entstofproduksie,

bewegingsbeheer en grootskaalse inenting

moontlik maak. Sonder hierdie stappe sal die

krisis verder verdiep, met ernstige gevolge vir

verbruikers en die land se voedselsekerheid.

Intussen verwelkom TLU SA die

aanstelling van hul hoofbestuurder, Bennie

van Zyl, tot die nuwe Bek-en-Klouseer

Bedryfskoördineringsraad. Die raad is gestig

om praktiese insette uit die bedryf te help rig

op entstofverspreiding, naspeurbaarheid en

operasionele gereedheid.

Volgens TLU SA is Van Zyl se aanstelling

’n erkenning van die kritieke rol wat

georganiseerde landbou speel. Van Zyl, self

’n ervare beesboer, beklemtoon dat BKS nie

’n teoretiese uitdaging is nie maar ’n werklike

bedreiging vir boerderyvolhoubaarheid

en landelike ekonomieë. Hy waarsku dat

boere slegs deel van die oplossing kan

wees indien daar deursigtige kommunikasie,

werkbare regulasies en ’n funksionerende

staatstelsel bestaan.

TLU SA bly glo dat Suid-Afrika die BKSkrisis

kan oorwin indien praktiese oplossings

bo ideologie gestel word: “As Brasilië dit met

240 miljoen beeste kon doen, kan Suid-

Afrika dit met 14 miljoen – mits die staat

die privaat sektor toelaat om te help.” Die

organisasie hernu sy verbintenis om boere se

belange te beskerm en die landboubedryf se

weerbaarheid te versterk.

Bron: TLU SA mediaverklarings

Januarie 2026.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

STAY AHEAD

with real-time foot-andmouth

disease insights

In our fast-moving livestock industry, staying informed

is essential. Members can now access real-time

updates on foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks

across South Africa through the innovative RMIS

(Ruminant Management Information System) map.

This easy-to-use tool offers up-to-date

tracking of confirmed and certain

suspected FMD cases nationwide,

helping producers safeguard their herds and

make informed decisions with confidence.

To explore the map and keep your operation

one step ahead, simply follow these steps:

1. Visit the RMIS website –

https://rmis.co.za/

2. On the ribbon, click on “RMIS

TRACEABILITY PLATFORM”

(highlighted in red below).


3. After clicking, the Incidents and Locations Map

will be displayed.

4. To view confirmed and suspected FMD cases:

• Click on INCIDENTS.

• Use the zoom function to view cases in your specific area.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

5. Understanding the map symbols:

• Red circles indicate confirmed FMD outbreaks.

• Orange circles indicate suspected reported cases.

6. For additional details, click on any red or orange circle to view more

information about the specific outbreak.

For more information,

contact:

Anro Klopper

infrastructure@agriec.co.za

076 568 4970

Source: Milk SA


•

•

•

•

•

•


KORTLIKS | BRIEFLY

TOPPRESTERENDE

MATRIKULANTE gerat

vir tersiêre studies danksy

skootrekenaarskenking

van

NWK

NWK het splinternuwe skootrekenaars

vir Ditsobotla se toppresterende

matrikulante geborg, wat die weg baan

vir hul tersiêre studies. Hulle is onlangs tydens

’n spoggeleentheid wat deur Noordwes

se onderwysdepartement by Hoërskool

Lichtenburg gehou is, vereer.

Ditsobotla is in die Ngaka Modiri Molemadistriksmunisipaliteit

in Noordwes geleë en

huisves dorpe soos Lichtenburg, Coligny

en Itsoseng. Daar is 21 hoërskole in die

subdistrik en NWK onderneem die projek

waarmee dit hierdie skole se toppresterende

matrikulante bystaan, sedert 2013/2014. Die

waarde van vanjaar se skenking beloop meer

as R300 000.

NWK het ook die raamwerk van sertifikate

wat oorhandig is, geborg, wat meer as

R15 000 beloop. NWK se direkteur van

ekonomiese ontwikkeling, Benedict Modise,

het by die geleentheid gesê dat die

maatskappy reeds dekades lank ’n sleutelrol

speel in die vooruitgang van landboukundige

ontwikkeling, werkskepping en ekonomiese

groei in Noordwes.

“Ons glo dat die sukses van ’n maatskappy

onlosmaaklik deel is van die sukses van

die gemeenskappe wat ons dien. Deur die

topleerling van elke skool met ’n splinternuwe

skootrekenaar met die jongste programmatuur

te beloon, poog ons om op ’n praktiese

wyse tot die toekoms van ons jeug by te

dra. Digitale vaardighede bied nie net ’n

voorsprong in vandag se wêreld nie – dit is ’n

noodsaaklikheid.”

Hy het die voormalige matrikulante

aangemoedig om NWK as ’n toekomstige

werkgewer van keuse te oorweeg waar

hulle kan groei, bydra en floreer. “NWK

is meer as net ’n maatskappy, dit is ’n

gemeenskap wat uitnemendheid, innovasie

en integriteit hoog ag.”

Ofentse Nthite het matriek by JM

Lekgetha Commercial School voltooi en vyf

onderskeidings behaal. Hy wil graag eendag

as geoktrooieerde rekenmeester werk.

“Hierdie splinternuwe skootrekenaar beteken

geweldig baie omdat ek nie een op my eie sou

kon bekostig nie.”


Ofentse Awal van Kopanelo Combined

School het drie onderskeidings verwerf en

droom daarvan om ’n verpleër te word. “Die

skootrekenaar sal my baie in my studies help.

Ek is baie dankbaar.”

Sebongile Khutledi van Lichtenburg

English Secondary School spog met vier

onderskeidings en stel belang in ’n loopbaan

in die politiek en ekonomie. “Ek is baie

dankbaar teenoor NWK vir die skoorekenaar.

Ek kan nou die geld wat ek op een sou moes

spandeer, vir iets anders aanwend.”

Otlotleno Sedupane van Hoërskool Coligny

wil graag ’n eiendomsagent word. “Alle

werksopdragte op universiteit moet met ’n

skootrekenaar voltooi word, so ek waardeer

dit opreg.”

NWK se direkteur van ekonomiese ontwikkeling,

Benedict Modise, spreek die matrikulante van 2025 toe.

Ontvangers van die skootrekenaars is voor v.l.n.r.: Sebongile Khutledi (Lichtenburg English Secondary School), Kaetso

Gomolemo (Bethel High School), Bokamoso Mmapita (Regolotswe Secondary School), Amiel Tlhabane (senior

onderrigskundige by Noordwes se onderwysdepartement), Rita Goosen (CVO Skool Lichtenburg), Ofentse Nthite (JM

Lekgetha Commercial School), Onkgopotse Kennedi (Reboneilwe Secondary School), Kgothatso Mosikoa (Kgoke Lesabe

Public School) en Dr Phillip Maboe (areabestuurder by Noordwes se onderwysdepartement).

Agter v.l.n.r.: Benedict Modise (direkeur van ekonomiese ontwikkeling by NWK), Johan Bezuidenhout (groepbestuurder

van Korporatiewe Bemarking en Kommunikasie by NWK), Ofentse Awal (Kopanelo Combined School), Nthabiseng Bereng

(Bophirima Secondary School), Mmatise Mogwerane (Gaborone Secondary School), Kopano Masigo (FM Ramaboa

Technical School), Tsholofelo Pele (Rekgonne Secondary School), Mpho Metswamere (AG Malebe Secondary School),

Kearabetswe Mogopodi (Gaetsho Secondary School), Otlotleno Sedupane (Hoërskool Coligny) en Samuel Nkone (voormalige

areabestuurder van Ditsobotla in Noordwes se department van onderwys).

Afwesig: Wian Basson (Hoërskool Lichtenburg), Ntsikelelo Khase (Bodibe Secondary School), Keabetswe Dingalo (Tau

Rapulana Secondary School), George Moeng (More High School), Palesa Selepe (Baitshoki High School) en Omolemo Phawe

(Tswelelopele High School).

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



FEED &

FORAGE

2026:

Real world

ways to cut

costs without

cutting litres

The short of it

Feed is still your biggest bill. The good news: grain

markets are a lot calmer than the last few years and

SA maize has eased thanks to decent crops and a

firmer rand. That gives you a window to lock in prices

instead of gambling month to month. The trap is

cutting in the wrong places and paying for it in lost

milk, weak components and fertility problems. Let’s

keep the litres and trim the waste.


Start with the market,

not the mixer

» Pin down your base cover.

Forward contract 60 – 70% of core energy

needs for the next quarter or two. Local

futures are soft on ample supply and

currency tailwinds; globally, coarse grains

look well supplied and keep a lid on rallies.

» Save where it counts, not where it hurts.

• Do shop timing and protein mix. Test

canola meal vs soya meal on your own

cows for 14 – 21 days and buy the winner

on rand per litre response. Global meal

supply is healthy; SA oilseed stocks

have loosened.

• Don’t skimp on forage quality. Every

rand ‘saved’ on inoculant, sealing or

kernel processing tends to come back

at you through intake, components

and repro. With SA stocks rebuilding,

it pays to turn silage faster and keep

quality high.

Precision feeding:

trim waste, not litres

You don’t need a spaceship. Start with the

basics: pen level DMI + milk, steady refusals,

and a weekly dashboard. African case work

shows that when farms actually use the data,

they can lift yield, cut feed cost per litre

and reduce vet spend; some reviews report

up to ~25% feed cost cuts alongside better

health when precision tools are used properly.

Results vary, but the direction is clear.

» Aim for conversion, not the cheapest

ration. Moving feed efficiency from roughly

1,1 → 1,3–1,4 lb milk per lb feed transforms

margins. Segment rations by production

stage – it’s low tech and it works.

» Keep the mixer honest. Calibrate scales,

standardise loading order and particle size;

log mixer checks and look for sorting at the

feed fence.

» Get your data to talk. If sensors, parlour

software and feed allocation don’t share a

‘common language’, value leaks. The ICAR

Animal Data Exchange standard is being

rolled out to fix exactly this – worth asking

your vendors about it.

Protein: question the premium

Milk follows metabolisable protein and

amino acids, not crude protein bragging

rights. In many SA herds, canola meal

matches or beats soya on litres per rand.

Prove it with a two pen A/B trial; then lock

the better one in while global meal signals

stay steady.



Forage: mind the hidden

finance costs

Silage ‘insurance’ is expensive: interest + shrink.

The 2025 rebuild in SA stocks means you can

run tighter turns and focus on quality. Pull cores

and recheck NDFd, starch and ash on current

bunkers; set tougher kernel processing targets

for 2026 so you buy less energy in a bag.

Fodder & pasture: radish that

works above and below ground

Forage/tillage radish (daikon) gives you a

two for one: a quick, protein rich graze and

underground “bio tillage”.

» Why farmers like it:

• Deep taproots crack compaction and open

water channels; the next grass/clover stand

roots better and starts cleaner after winter

kill. SA work in KZN shows strong crude

protein and excellent in vitro degradability

when you match planting date and

genotype to the Midlands climate.

• It scavenges N, K and P from depth; after

frost it melts down and feeds the following

sward. Reviews from SA teams back

radish as a cost effective addon for both

commercial and smallholder systems under

tight budgets.

» How to use it here (SA):

• Cool season renewal: Drill 2–4 kg/ha with

oats/triticale plus a touch of clover. Plant

shallow (10–15 mm) and firm.

• Grazing: Start light at 45–60 days, go

slow with introduction, and give roughage

to keep bloat away. Avoid grazing when

soils are wet or you’ll recompact what you

just fixed.

• Payback: Fewer tractor passes, better

infiltration, lower N losses and a handy

forage “bridge” for heifers and transition

cows mean less bought in concentrate.

KZN research is now fine tuning the

best planting windows and genotypes

for quality.


YOUR 90 DAY,

NO EXCUSES PLAN

Days 0–7

» Contract 60–70% of core energy

for Q2–Q3; set price triggers for the

rest. Local tone is soft; global grains

are well supplied.

» Book mixer calibration and a TMR

process audit; put a weekly feed

dashboard on the wall.

Days 7–21

» A/B trial: soya vs canola (two

matched pens, 14–21 days). Choose

on litres per rand.

» Prep radish blocks; source seed

and companions suited to your

rainfall and temps.

Days 30–60

» Adopt the winning protein from

your A/B trial.

» Start light grazing on early radish;

watch intake and condition; leave

hay/grass out.

Days 21–45

» Lock TMR SOPs (loading order,

particle profile, feed push routine)

and retrain staff to reduce sorting.

» Core the silo: NDFd/starch/ash; set

2026 kernel processing targets.

» Sow cool season radish where

timing fits; plant shallow and firm.

Days 45–90

» Roll out KPIs: milk/DMI, feed

cost per cwt, refusals %, feed

efficiency trend. Cull on profit per

day, not age.

» Map N credits from radish areas

and trim synthetic N on the

next planting.



QUICK

CHECKLISTS

Feed management – 5 fast wins

1. Weekly feed dashboard visible to the team.

2. Spot dry matter & pH tests for

mixer variation.

3. Drop additives with no measurable return.

4. Recheck the protein plan quarterly

against actuals.

5. Balance MP/aminos with your nutritionist

for your own forages.

Radish – 5 pitfalls to avoid

1. Planting too deep (target 10–15 mm).

2. Overdoing N (radish scavenges plenty).

3. No fibre buffer (always put roughage out).

4. Grazing on wet soils (you’ll recompact).

5. No follow up plan (line up spring reseeds).

Bottom line for SA and Africa

This is the year to bank price stability and

fix the easy leaks: contract smartly, feed

precisely, and use radish to repair soil and

bridge forage gaps. That’s how you lower cost

per litre without giving up litres or fertility. Cut

where it’s smart; invest where it counts.

Always localise: sowing dates, species

mixes and water plans must suit your

province and rainfall. Run changes

past your vet and nutritionist for farm

specific advice.


now from

Preserve the nutritive value

in your silage!

Blend of homo- and heterofermentative bacteria with proven benefits:

» Better fermentation

» Longer aerobic stability

» Protein preservation

» Higher energy content and dry matter recovery

» Higher productivity and profitability

CONTACT YOUR SILAGE EXPERTS

Jaco Truter: M +27 76 793 6613, jaco.truter@ew-nutrition.com – or

Klasie Hodgson: M +27 66 553 9684, klasie.hodgson@ew-nutrition.com

Functional Innovations backed by Science

ew-nutrition.com


The Art of

Silage

Optimal Dry Matter

The journey to exceptional silage begins with harvesting at the ideal dry matter percentage. This

critical timing ensures the preservation of yield and energy content. Striking the right balance

is key; harvesting too early can lead to nutrient-poor silage, while too late can compromise the

forage’s structural integrity. Aim for a dry matter content of 32-38% depending on forage type

for optimal results.

Wilting Wisdom

When wilting is part of the process (e.g. grass, clover or alfalfa silage), efficiency is

paramount. Achieving the desired dry matter in just a few hours help to prevent spoilage

and retain the forage’s nutritional value. It’s a delicate dance between removing excess

moisture and maintaining the feed’s quality.

Ensiling Excellence

Compacting & sealing the forage within 24 - 48 hours is vital to create an anaerobic environment

for optimal fermentation. Pack the silage in thin layers with heavy enough machinery such as

dual wheeled heavy tractors to achieve optimal dry matter density of around 250 kg/m 3 . Pay

special attention to the edges for even compaction. Once filled, seal the clamp with high quality

overlapping sheets, ensuring the edges are weighted down to prevent air ingress.

Rapid Acidification

The proven science of the silage inoculant Biomin ® BioStabil accelerates the pH drop,

locking in dry matter, energy, and protein. This rapid acidification is a defense mechanism

against pathogenic bacteria and mycotoxin producing fungi, ensuring the silage remains

safe and nutritious.

Feed-Out Finesse

Proper management of the clamp face is crucial to prevent spoilage and ensure livestock health.

Cut sufficient depth from the clamp face daily to prevent newly exposed silage near the face from

having time to spoil. Spilled debris on the ground can easily go moldy, presenting hazards for

animals if fed out. Use the proven silage inoculant Biomin ® BioStabil for longer aerobic stability

in the silage and TMR.

Consult with an EW Nutrition representative to

elevate your silage from good to great.

Functional Innovations backed by Science

ew-nutrition.com


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY – PART 1:

SUN

Solar energy on South African dairy farms

The Dairymail Editorial Team

South Africa’s agricultural sector has seen rapid growth in solar

adoption, driven by exceptional solar irradiation levels, rising

electricity prices and ongoing grid instability. Solar is now the most

accessible and widely implemented renewable‐energy solution on

farms, including dairy operations, across the country. According to

renewable -energy data and industry outlooks, South Africa receives

some of the highest levels of sunshine globally, making solar the

renewable resource with the greatest technical potential.



In the farming context, solar power has

already become a practical and proven

technology. Many farmers are installing

systems on dairy sheds, roof structures

and open land to generate clean energy

for milking equipment, cooling tanks, water

heating and irrigation systems. This trend

has been confirmed across the agriculture

sector, where solar adoption is rising due

to affordability, reliability and minimal

maintenance requirements.

Why solar works for

dairy farming

1. Predictable generation and

high reliability

South Africa’s sunny climate provides

strong baseline production throughout

the year, giving farmers predictable daily

energy output. This consistency allows dairy

operations, particularly those with midday

milking, to align energy-intensive tasks with

peak solar generation.

2. Cost savings and reduced

grid dependence

With electricity tariffs rising and grid reliability

declining, solar helps farmers stabilise

operational costs. Once installed, systems

deliver long-term savings as sunlight is free,

and maintenance requirements remain low.

3. Scalable and flexible installation

Solar systems can be built in stages, starting

with powering irrigation pumps or a portion

of the dairy and expanded as budgets allow.

They integrate well with battery storage,

ensuring milking and cooling continue

uninterrupted during load shedding.

4. Ideal for high-energy dairy processes

Solar power reliably supports:

» Vacuum pumps

» Milk-cooling tanks

» Water heating

» Borehole and irrigation pumping

» Solar-powered cold storage for perishables

Best conditions for solar

Solar is suitable for almost all dairy regions in

South Africa, particularly the inland provinces

where sunlight hours are highest. Farms with

adequate roof space or open land can easily

accommodate PV panels.


In summary: Solar’s strengths

» Largest renewable-energy potential in

South Africa

» Most accessible to dairy farms

» Easily scalable

» Delivers significant cost savings

» Low maintenance

» Works exceptionally well with

battery backup

Solar energy remains the first choice for

most dairy farmers because of its practicality,

reliability and cost-effectiveness. As the most

accessible and widely adopted renewableenergy

option across South African dairy

operations, solar offers a proven pathway to

greater energy security, reduced costs and

long-term sustainability.

Solar Advantages

South Africa’s high solar irradiation makes solar a reliable, cost-effective

energy source for milking, cooling, irrigation and heating systems.

Benefit

Reliability

Cost Savings

Low Maintenance

Description

High solar exposure ensures predictable daily energy

generation.

Reduces electricity bills and dependence on the

national grid.

PV systems require minimal upkeep after installation.

Sidebar: Solar works best in inland and high-radiation regions.



HERWINNING

OP MELKPLASE:

’n Praktiese gids vir Suid-

Afrikaanse produsente

The Dairymail Redaksie

Die Suid-Afrikaanse suiwelbedryf

beweeg vinnig in die rigting van

meer volhoubare produksie. Tussen

watergebruik, misbestuur, plastiekafval

en energieverbruik bestaan daar

groot geleenthede vir melkplase

om hul omgewingsimpak-voetspoor

te verminder te verbeter. Die

nuutste navorsing toon dat

afvalbestuur en herwinning

toenemend as ’n prioriteit

geïdentifiseer word, met die

2025-verslag oor volhoubaarheid in

die suiwelbedryf wat noem dat afval

en afvalwater ’n kernbestuursfokus op

Suid-Afrikaanse plase bly.

Ons kyk na die praktiese realiteite

van moderne melkproduksie; ’n

blik op herwinning, hergebruik

en afvalvermindering, spesifiek gerig op

melkplase wat meer doeltreffend, meer

volhoubaar en meer ekonomies wil boer.

1. Organiese afval: Die grootste

kans tot herwinning

Organiese afval, hoofsaaklik mis en afvalvoere,

kan maklik ’n probleem word indien dit nie

deeglik bestuur word nie. Volgens Melk SA

se 2024–2025 volhoubaarheidsnavorsing,

gebruik die meeste melkplase reeds mis as

bemesting en herwin baie van hul afvalwater

vir skoonmaak of besproeiing.


Beste praktyke vir herwinning van

organiese afval

» Kompos van mis vir hoëwaarde

organiese bemesting.

» Herwinning van afvalvoer (bv. beskadigde

kuilvoer) in kompos of deur vee met laer

produksie te voer.

» Anaërobiese vertering (biogas) om mis in

bruikbare energie en kunsmis te omskep

– ’n praktyk wat vinnig groei volgens

landbou-omgewingsverslae.

Hierdie oplossings verminder afval, verbeter

grondvrugbaarheid en help plase om hul

sintetiese kunsmisgebruik te verlaag.

2. Plastiek en verpakking:

Onnodige koste én kans

vir herwinning

Suiwelbedrywighede maak grootliks gebruik

van plastiek vir:

» voerbale (silage wrap),

» melksakke,

» chemiese houers,

» verpakkingsmateriaal vir toerusting.

Hoewel dit dikwels as ‘onnodig’ gesien word,

is plastiek een van die maklikste afvalstrome

om te herwin.

Praktiese stappe vir

plastiekherwinning

» Skei plastiek op die plaas: hou melksakke

en chemiese houers apart.

» Gebruik geregistreerde

herwinningsdienste – verskeie landwye

diensverskaffers versamel landbouplastiek

teen lae koste.

» Maak plastiek skoon en droog om die

herwinningswaarde te verhoog.

WWF Suid-Afrika identifiseer afvalbestuur,

insluitend plastiek, as ’n kritieke faktor

in volhoubare suiwelproduksie. Hulle

beklemtoon dat beter afvalbestuur

ekonomiese én omgewingsvoordele inhou vir

melkprodusente.



3. Waterherwinning en

afvalwaterbestuur

Watergebruik is prominent in die suiwelbedryf.

WWF Suid-Afrika noem dat tot 90% van die

watervoetspoor van melkproduksie reeds

op plaasondernemings voorkom. Daarom

is waterherwinning een van die grootste

hefboompunte vir volhoubaarheid.

Praktiese idees vir waterherwinning

» Herwin melkstal afspoelwater vir

voorafspoeling, paaie en terreinskoonmaak.

» Opvang en hergebruik van reënwater vir

kalwers, toerusting of skoonmaak.

» Filtrering en aanwending van afvalwater

vir besproeiing waar dit veilig is – ’n

praktyk wat Melk SA bevestig reeds wyd

gebruik word.

Hierdie maatreëls help please om waterkoste

te verlaag en skep ’n meer verantwoordelike

watersiklus op die plaas.

4. Metale, rubber en

elektronika: Stil afvalstrome met

groot herwinningspotensiaal

Melkplase gebruik groot volumes metaal- en

rubberkomponente:

» pype

» melkmasjienonderdele

» staal van ou stelsels

» bande

» elektriese toerusting

Al hierdie materiale is feitlik 100% herwinbaar.

Aanbevole praktyke

» Skei skrootmetaal op die plaas; skaaphokke,

staalstaanders, pompe en toerusting.

» Lewer ou elektroniese toerusting by

e-afval sentrums.

» Herwin rubberbande via landbouafvalrugsteunprogramme.

Hierdie items bring dikwels kontantwaarde

terug na die plaas.


5. Herwinning van

melkstalverbruiksgoedere

Gereelde items soos:

» melksakke

» handskoene

» papier

» higiëneverpakking

kan maklik herwin word indien dit skoon

gehou word. ’n Eenvoudige koppieherwinningstelsel

in die melkstal help

om herwinning deel van die daaglikse

roetine te maak.

6. Herwinning as

ondernemingswaarde

Volgens die 2025 Sustainability in the SA

Dairy Industry verslag, is plase wat goeie

afvalbestuur toepas, meer mededingend,

hul vermy boetes en geniet ook beter

verhoudings met omgewingsinstansies.

Herwinning en afvalvermindering is dus nie

net goed vir die planeet nie – dit is goed vir

jou besigheid.

Slot: ’n Moontlikheid vir

elke melkplaas

Herwinning op Suid-Afrikaanse melkplase

gaan nie net oor rommel sorteer nie.

Dit gaan oor:

» beter hulpbronbestuur,

» geld spaar,

» die plaas se voetspoor verklein,

» en die toekoms versterk vir ’n

bedryf onder druk.

Met bewese oplossings – van

plastiekherwinning tot waterherwinning

en die hergebruik van organiese afval –

kan elke melkplaas meer volhoubaar en

kostedoeltreffend funksioneer. Die tegnologie,

ondersteuning en navorsing bestaan reeds.

Nou is dit net ’n kwessie van doen.

Bronne: WWF SA & Melk SA



FMD and AGOA:

Why the farm worker is

the ultimate gatekeeper

of South Africa’s R80bn

recovery

By Merel van der Lei, CEO of Wyzetalk

South Africa is currently walking a high-stakes tightrope. As we

enter February 2026, the agricultural sector faces a perfect storm

where domestic animal health emergencies and international

trade politics have become inextricably linked. On one side, we

have the Department of Agriculture’s ambitious 10-year strategy

to combat Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) – an R80 billion

battle for the survival of our national herd. On the other hand,

we still face looming uncertainty regarding our eligibility for the

African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) post 2026 – despite

US President Donald Trump’s recent renewal.




While these two challenges often

dominate separate headlines,

they are two sides of the same

coin. AGOA may be the ‘ticket’ that makes

our exports financially viable through dutyfree

access, but our FMD-free status is the

‘passport’ that allows those goods to cross the

border in the first place.

Having the ticket without the passport is

useless; we cannot trade if our goods are

banned on health grounds. Conversely,

regaining our FMD-free status means little if

our future as part of AGOA is jeopardised and

we face increased tariffs that price us out of

the market. To survive, the sector must win on

both fronts simultaneously.

While the ‘stabilisation’ phase of the

national FMD plan is now underway with a

mass vaccination rollout, there is a critical

vulnerability that no amount of imported

vaccine can fix: the ‘credibility gap’ on the

ground. For South Africa to convince global

trade partners that our biosecurity is robust

enough to merit access, we must first prove

we can sustain and support the compliance of

the people actually managing the livestock on

the ground – day in and day out.

The high cost of the

credibility gap

The USA remains one of our most vital

trade partners, with two-way flows

totalling $21,6 billion in 2024. Economists

warn that exclusion from the AGOA

programme after 2026 could see tariffs on

our agricultural exports jump significantly,

damaging the competitiveness of our beef,

citrus, and wine industries.

Global trade is built on trust, and

biosecurity is a major currency of that trust.

To reopen lucrative markets like China, which

suspended beef imports in 2025, South Africa

must demonstrate more than policy. As a

country we must also prioritise demonstrating

operational excellence. However, this is

impossible when the farm workforce – the

very people who identify sick animals, manage

dip tanks, and control livestock movement

– is disconnected from the digital systems

designed to protect them.

Vaccination is not a ‘silver bullet’. It is

a tool. The real work of biosecurity – the

daily, repetitive adherence to hygiene and

movement protocols – happens in the

paddock. It is carried out by thousands of

farm workers who are currently operating in a

climate of intense worry and uncertainty.


Job security and the

misinformation vacuum

Agriculture is a labour-intensive sector,

employing approximately 5% of South Africa’s

workforce. For these employees, FMD is now a

threat to their own survival too.

When an outbreak leads to a farm closure or

the culling of a herd, the fallout for low-skilled

labourers is catastrophic. We saw this in the

ostrich industry during the 2011 bird flu crisis,

where thousands of workers lost their jobs as

production collapsed.

This climate of fear creates a fertile

breeding ground for misinformation. Our

experience across high-risk sectors shows

that when management fails to reach the

workforce with authoritative, empathetic, and

clear messaging, the resulting void is filled by

the ‘rumour mill’.

During recent global bird flu outbreaks, we

saw harmful conspiracy theories flourish, with

some employees believing the virus was ‘fake

news’ or a ‘bioweapon’ designed to drive up

food prices.

When a worker believes a disease is a hoax,

or is simply terrified for their job, they are far

less likely to adhere to rigorous biosecurity

protocols. Biosecurity is, to no small degree, a

behavioural challenge.

Digital inclusion as

a trade enabler

The national recovery plan relies on an

enhanced digital livestock identification and

traceability system (LITS) and real-time heatmapping

of outbreaks. But for this data to be

accurate, it needs to be fed by the people on

the ground. This is where digital divides pose

serious and systemic risks.

If our farm workers lack the tools or the

digital literacy to report symptoms or verify

movement in real-time, our biosecurity data

becomes a ‘lagging indicator’ – telling us

what happened weeks ago, rather than what

is happening now.

From instruction

to engagement

Effective crisis management requires

transforming the workforce from passive

recipients of instructions into active

participants in the solution. This means:

» Two-way feedback loops: Giving

employees a digital channel to report

suspected symptoms or biosecurity

breaches (like broken fences or

unauthorised animal movement) the

moment they see them.

» Multilingual micro-learning: Delivering

bite-sized, vernacular-language training

on vaccination protocols and hygiene,

ensuring that ‘lay language’ replaces

technical jargon.

» Leadership visibility: Using mobile video

and audio to provide direct reassurance

from leadership, addressing job security

concerns and debunking rumours before

they escalate into non-compliance.



The human factor of recovery

As the vaccine rollout continues, we

must remember that the success of the

‘stabilisation’ phase depends on the millions

of daily decisions made by South Africa’s

agricultural employees.

If we want to protect our R80 billion

livestock industry and restore our global

standing, we must start by bridging the

digital gap between the boardroom and the

fields. By connecting the disconnected, we

turn our most vulnerable asset – the people

– into our most resilient line of defence.

The road to FMD-free status is long, but

it is a road we must all walk together as a

combined workforce.

Merel van der Lei is the CEO of Wyzetalk, a leading

digital employee experience platform for frontline

workforces. www.wyzetalk.com


250904-Sentratek-Dairy Mail Half Page - Udder Mark-FINAL.indd 1 2025/09/04 09:55

LABOUR

COLUMN

by Hannes Latsky

THREE

KEY

labour law

areas to

focus on

1. Normal working hours and overtime

» No employee may work more than

45 normal hours per week.

It is an opportune time for employers

to revisit the basic employment rights

afforded to employees who earn below

the earnings threshold in terms of the

Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Act

75 of 1997 as amended (BCEA). Sectoral

Determination No. 13 (SD13) also continues

to play a critical role in regulating

minimum conditions of employment in the

agricultural sector.

Three common, and frequently

misunderstood, areas of labour law

compliance include:

» Furthermore, an employee may not be

required to work more than nine normal

hours per day for a five-day week, or more

than eight normal hours per day for a six

day or more week.

» Normal hours exclude meal intervals. A

60-minute meal interval must be granted

after five consecutive working hours,

although this can be reduced to 30 minutes

by agreement between the parties.

» Overtime in terms of SD13 is by agreement

and limited to 15 hours per week. Keep in

mind that an employee may not work more

than 12 hours per day in total, inclusive of

both normal hours and overtime.



» Payment for overtime must be made

at 1,5 times the employee’s normal

hourly rate. Alternatively, an agreement

may allow an employer to compensate

overtime either by paying the normal

wage plus at least 30 minutes of paid

time off per hour of overtime worked,

or by granting at least 90 minutes

of paid time off for each hour of

overtime worked.

2. Public holidays

Payment for a public holiday depends

on whether the public holiday falls on a

normal working day or not, and whether the

employee works on that day or not.

Payment for the two scenarios is as follows:

2.1 The public holiday falls on a day on

which a farmworker would normally work:

• If the farmworker does not work on that

public holiday, he or she must be paid

their normal daily wage.

• If the farmworker does work on that

public holiday, he or she must be paid

double the daily wage, or if it is greater,

their normal daily wage plus the amount

earned for the time worked on that day.

2.2 The public holiday falls on a day

on which the farmworker would not

normally work:

• If the farmworker does not work on the

public holiday, no payment is due.

• If the farmworker does work on the public

holiday, he or she must be paid their daily

wage plus their hourly wage for each

hour worked on the public holiday. Keep

in mind that an employee who works for

less than four hours on any day must be

paid for at least four hours, even if they

worked fewer than four hours.

3. Sick leave

A farmworker is granted a certain

number of paid sick leave days during

each three-year employment cycle,

based on their regular work schedule

over a normal six-week period. If an

employee normally works five days a

week, they are entitled to 30 days of

sick leave within a 36-month period.

An employer may request a medical

certificate, but in the agricultural

sector employers must note that:

» A farmworker may take sick leave

without producing a certificate

for up to two consecutive working

days, or on two separate occasions

(with a combined total of no

more than two days) during an

eight-week period.

» If it is not reasonably practicable

for a farmworker who lives on the

employer’s premises to obtain a

medical certificate, the employer

may not withhold payment unless

the employer provides reasonable

assistance to the employee to

obtain the certificate.

The LWO assists employers to

comply with labour law.

Established in the agricultural sector in 1990,

the LWO has a proud history of supporting

employers who operate under some of the

most challenging conditions. Today, the

organisation serves employers across all

industries nationwide, offering specialised

guidance to ensure full compliance

with labour legislation and sustainable,

productive workplace practices.

For assistance, contact the LWO on

0861 101 828 or info@lwo.co.za


ARBEIDS-

KOLOM

deur Ferdi Hartzenberg

PERSONEELLESSE:

Die menslike

verdedigingslinie in

die suiwelbedryf

Die uitbrake van bek-en-klouseer

(BKS) wat Suid-Afrika sedert 2024 en

steeds in 2026 teister, het ’n pynlike,

maar uiters waardevolle leermeester vir die

suiwelbedryf geword. Waar die aanvanklike

fokus hoofsaaklik op entstowwe en streng

bewegingsbeheerberadings geval het,

het die werklikheid gou duidelik geword:

personeel vorm die kritieke skakel in die

verdedigingsketting.

In ’n bedryf waar biosekuriteit voorheen

dikwels as ’n administratiewe las gesien is, is

dit nou die kern van besigheidskontinuïteit.

Hier volg die deurslaggewende lesse wat

suiwelboere oor hul mensekapitaal geleer het:

1. Van “doeners” na biosekerheidswagte

Die grootste paradigmaskuif is dat elke

werker nou as ’n biosekerheidsbeampte

beskou moet word. Tradisionele roetinetake

soos voeding en melk is sekondêr tot die

voorkoming van virusverspreiding.

» Die les: Personeel moet die waarom

agter protokolle verstaan. Wanneer

’n werker weet dat die virus vir weke

in modder aan ’n stewel kan oorleef,

verhoog dit die bereidwilligheid om die

“steweldip” te gebruik drasties.

» Toepassing: Beweeg weg van eenmalige

praatjies na voortdurende, praktiese

opleiding waar siekte-oordrag visueel en

konkreet verduidelik word.



2. Bestuur van die “informele netwerk”

Die BKS-uitbrake het gewys hoe vinnig

die virus versprei deur informele mens

en dierbewegings tussen plase en

gemeenskappe.

» Die les: Personeel wat eie vee by hul

huise aanhou, is ’n hoërisikofaktor wat

met insig en empatie bestuur moet word.

» Toepassing: Suksesvolle boere stel

duidelike beleide in oor kontak met

ander gesplete hoefdiere buite werksure.

Sommige plase bied selfs gratis inenting

of monitering vir werkers se eie diere aan

om die kernkudde indirek te beskerm.

3. Dissipline as ’n kultuur, nie ’n reël nie

Tydens lang krisistydperke ontstaan daar

onvermydelik “biosekuriteitmoegheid”.

Sodra die onmiddellike gevaar vervaag,

raak personeel dikwels minder nougeset.

» Die les: Biosekuriteit is net so sterk

soos die swakste skakel op die

swakste oomblik.

» Toepassing: Bou ’n kultuur waar werkers

mekaar opdrag gee en verantwoordbaar

hou. Duidelike visuele merkers,soos

skoon vs. vuil sones, help om dissipline te

handhaaf sonder voortdurende toesig.

4. Kommunikasie bou veerkragtigheid

Onsekerheid oor kwarantyn, plaassluitings

en finansiële implikasies het groot angs tot

gevolg gehad, wat moraal en produktiwiteit

direk beïnvloed het.

» Die les: Deursigtigheid versterk lojaliteit.

Wanneer werkers presies weet hoe

hul handelinge die plaas se oorlewing

beïnvloed, word hulle deel van die

oplossing – nie net werknemers nie.

» Toepassing: Stel gereelde kort

“skrumvergaderings” in waarin die

jongste streekstatus en die plaas se eie

toetsresultate openlik gedeel word.

5. Opsporing en rekordhouding

Die krisis het gewys hoe uitdagend

kontaksporing raak wanneer daar

geen akkuraat gedokumenteerde

personeelbewegings is nie.

» Die les: ’n Logboek, digitaal of op

papier, is nie meer opsioneel nie; dit is

ononderhandelbaar.

» Toepassing: Lei personeel op om

self logboeke te bestuur en om enige

ongemagtigde persone wat ’n skoon area

betree, onmiddellik te rapporteer.

6. Bemagtiging vir vroeë identifisering

Met veeartse wat tydens uitbreke

oorlaai is, het die verantwoordelikheid

vir vroeë siekteidentifisering dikwels op

personeel geval.

» Die les: Vroeë opsporing deur

grondvlakpersoneel kan die res van die

kudde beskerm.

» Toepassing: Bied intensiewe opleiding

aan melkstalpersoneel om tekens soos

kwyl, blase of mankheid raak te sien. ’n

Geenstrafbeleid moedig die rapporteer

van verdagte gevalle aan sonder vrees vir

die gevolge daarvan.

Gevolgtrekking

In 2026 is die suksesvolste suiwelboer nie

die een met die duurste ontsmettingsmatjie

of mooiste heining nie – dit is die een met ’n

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NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING • RESEARCH AND TRAINING

From COW to

EMBRYO:

How oocyte quality

drives in vitro

fertilisation

success in

dairy breeds

By Ledwaba Mahlatsana,

Hester O’Neill and

Mphaphathi Masindi

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is

increasingly used in dairy

breeds to enhance genetic

progress and optimise the

reproductive output of superior

cows. Despite advancements

in laboratory methodologies, IVF

success remains variable. The quality

of oocytes is central to IVF outcomes,

influencing embryo production, viability

and ultimately pregnancy success. Oocyte

quality is the principal biological factor

determining these outcomes and is largely

established before the oocyte reaches the laboratory.


This article outlines the genetic

basis of oocyte quality, the factors

influencing it, and practical

strategies to improve IVF performance

in dairy cows.

In vitro fertilisation and its

importance in dairy breeds

In vitro fertilisation in dairy cattle is a

reproductive technique involving the

retrieval of oocytes from elite cows,

laboratory fertilisation, and subsequent

transfer of embryos to recipient animals.

Accelerating genetic gain is essential,

allowing farmers to rapidly improve herd

health, productivity and efficiency by

maximising the offspring produced from

high‐value cows.

Rapid genetic gain: IVF enables fast

multiplication of exceptional genetics by

using oocytes from elite heifers and cows,

without disrupting normal lactation or

reproductive cycles.

Maximised elite female genetics: Elite

cows can produce numerous offspring

annually, regardless of pregnancy status,

as oocytes can be retrieved during

early gestation.

Overcoming breeding issues: IVF

provides a reproductive solution for

cows with health problems such as

blocked tubes, adhesions or other

fertility disorders that compromise

conventional flushing.

Improved herd efficiency: Using

sex‐sorted semen with IVF allows

farmers to generate high‐value female

replacements from elite cows while

using lower-value cows as recipients

for beef‐on-dairy embryos, thereby

enhancing overall profitability.

Year-round embryo production: IVF

supports consistent embryo generation

that can be transferred immediately

(with conception rates of 55–60%) or

cryopreserved for later use.



Donor cow factors influencing

oocyte quality

Oocyte quality is significantly affected by

donor-related factors such as diet, metabolic

status, lactation stage and heat stress.

Negative energy balance and metabolic

strain in high-yielding cows reduce oocyte

competence, while heat stress impairs

follicular growth and oocyte maturation.

Nutritional status and body condition:

Optimal nutrition is critical. Severe

undernutrition results in poor follicle

development and reduced oocyte

quality. A moderate body condition score

(approximately 3 on a 1–5 scale) provides

an optimal metabolic environment for ovum

pickup and in vitro production.

Lactational status and parity: Lactating

dairy cows often yield lower-quality

oocytes than non-lactating cows due to

metabolic burden.

Age: Donor age affects oocyte competence.

Younger donors, or specific mature age

groups depending on breed, often produce

superior outcomes in research settings.

Environmental heat stress: Elevated

temperatures impair oocytes, reducing their

competence and fertilisation rates. Effects

may persist for several weeks, with recovery

typically requiring 2–3 oestrous cycles after

heat stress ends.

Health and immune status: Metabolic and

infectious diseases, such as mastitis, can

negatively affect the follicle and oocyte by

disrupting hormonal pathways.

Genetic factors: Breed and specific genetic

background influence oocyte viability.

Improving oocyte quality

in donor cows

On-farm strategies include optimising donor

nutrition, managing body condition, reducing

heat stress and selecting donors with

consistent reproductive performance. While

laboratory techniques such as improved

maturation media and strict handling

protocols help preserve oocyte competence,

they cannot create quality that is absent

at collection.

Nutritional and metabolic management are

primary drivers of oocyte quality. Donors

should be maintained in a positive energy

balance with precisely formulated diets that

support glucose, insulin and IGF‐1 levels.

Antioxidants (vitamin E, selenium, β-carotene),

essential fatty acids and trace minerals

support follicular health, reduce oxidative

stress and promote cytoplasmic maturation.

Hormonal and follicular management

strategies directly influence oocyte

developmental potential. Enhanced

superstimulation or follicular wave

synchronisation increases the proportion

of medium-sized, viable follicles, which

yield oocytes with stronger meiotic and

developmental capacity. Minimising

overstimulation and allowing adequate

recovery between OPU sessions prevents

follicular depletion and oocyte deterioration.

Donor selection and reproductive status are

also critical. Young, reproductively sound

cows and heifers generally yield oocytes

with better mitochondrial function and fewer

chromosomal abnormalities. Managing the

postpartum period and avoiding donor use

during early lactation, where possible, further

enhances oocyte viability.


Economic implications for

the dairy industry

Poor oocyte quality increases the cost per

embryo and reduces IVF efficiency. Investing

in donor management improves embryo yield,

reduces failed cycles and enhances return

on investment in dairy IVF programmes.

Compared to a straw of semen, IVP embryos

are costly, and IVP embryo transfers,

particularly frozen-thawed embryos, may

yield reduced reproductive outcomes due to

higher pregnancy losses relative to artificial

insemination (AI).

The economic justification for IVP embryo

transfer (ET) lies in the ability to produce

offspring with significantly higher genetic

merit than those generated by AI. However,

the cost of achieving a pregnancy via IVP‐ET

is notably higher than using AI. IVP-ET can

reduce genetic lag, the gap in genetic merit

between the average cow in the herd and

top sires. It increases selection intensity

by enabling a small number of genetically

superior animals to produce many calves for

future generations. Additionally, it shortens

the generation interval, as donors are often

heifers or young cows, and it may improve

accuracy through genomic testing of both

donors and recipients.

Conclusion

IVF success begins with the donor cow,

not the laboratory. Oocyte quality reflects

herd management, nutrition and overall

animal health. Enhancing oocyte quality is

one of the most effective ways to improve

IVF efficiency and profitability in dairy

herds. Assisted reproductive technologies

accelerate genetic gain by enabling more

progeny from superior dams. In integrated

dairy systems, a specific class of elite donor

females is essential, enabling repeated OPU

sessions and IVF using semen from top dairy

bulls. Ideally, future AI bulls may be produced

by design through OPU from elite dams and

IVF to generate transferable blastocysts.

In commercial herds, premium dairy sexed

semen will be used to produce female

replacements, representing roughly one-third

of pregnancies.

Agricultural Research Council,

Animal Production, Germplasm Conservation &

Reproduction Biotechnologies

Corresponding author: masindim@arc.agric.za



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Turning

DAIRY DATA

into better decisions

By Dr Japie van der Westhuizen – SA Stud Book

Modern dairy farming operates at the intersection

of biology, technology and economics. This means

understanding biological limits and variation within a herd,

and managing and selecting animals in a way that allows

them to perform efficiently within the constraints of the

environment and what is required in the production chain.

In practical terms, this always begins with

measurement. Nature provides variation

between animals, by means of genetic

differences, but also due to environmental

triggers. Recording systems allow farmers to

identify which animals convert feed, health

and fertility into sustainable production.

This principle lies at the core of the work

performed by SA Stud Book and its

Logix system.

Recording: The foundation

of improvement

Every improvement in dairy production

starts with reliable recording. Milk yield,

butterfat and protein percentages, somatic

cell counts, fertility measures, longevity and

functional traits are not merely statistics.

These properties with their underlying traits

or trait-groups describe how well an animal

functions biologically within a specific

production system.

Without objective recording, selection

decisions tend to favour visible or short-term

traits. Over time this often leads to animals

that require increased management input to

maintain performance. Recording allows the

opposite approach, namely, to identifying

cows that naturally maintain production,

fertility and health under existing conditions.

For dairy farmers, these records serve

two purposes. Firstly, they provide daily

management information. Secondly, they

enable informed breeding decisions. A drop

in production, changes in milk components

or deviations in activity patterns often signal

problems long before clinical symptoms

appear. Recording allows farmers to respond

to biological signals rather than react

to failures.


From records to

management decisions

Historically, recording occurred at intervals.

Today, technological developments have

transformed recording into continuous

monitoring. Automated milk meters in

parlours, activity monitors, rumination sensors

and bodyweight estimation systems now

generate large volumes of data during normal

farm operations.

The value of these technologies lies not

in the hardware itself, but in their ability to

measure the cow’s biological response to

feeding, climate and management conditions.

When integrated into central databases

such as Logix, this information becomes

immediately useful for management decisions.

Early identification of cows under stress,

declining fertility or emerging health problems

allows timely intervention. At herd level,

trends become visible that assist farmers in

adjusting feeding strategies, grouping animals

more effectively or managing seasonal

challenges such as heat stress. Technology

therefore extends observation capacity,

enabling farmers to work with biological

processes instead of against them.


Genetic evaluation:

Making nature predictable

Recording alone does not improve

genetics. Its value lies in enabling accurate

genetic evaluation.

Modern evaluation methods such as

the genomic BLUP (gBLUP) predictions

performed by SA Stud Book combine

performance records with genomic

information to predict an animal’s breeding

value with greater accuracy at an earlier age.

This allows farmers to identify genetically

superior animals more accurately, sooner, and

shorten the generation interval.

An important recent development in South

African dairy evaluations is the incorporation

of SNP genotype information from foreign

artificial insemination (AI) bulls into the local

SA Stud Book genomic evaluation. Many

Figure 1. gBLUP genetic merit, on the South

African scale, for a top AI Jersey bull (source:

SADairyBulls.com)

dairy herds rely extensively on imported

genetics, but historically the genetic merit

of foreign bulls could be difficult to interpret

under local conditions. Performance figures

generated in high-input environments

do not always translate directly to South

African production systems, where climate,

feeding regimes and management differ

substantially.


By incorporating SNP genotypes of foreign

AI bulls into the local gBLUP evaluation, these

bulls are genetically connected directly to

the South African reference population. This

improves the estimation precision of their

breeding values within the local environment

and allows a more realistic prediction of how

their daughters are likely to perform in South

African herds.

This process is further strengthened

using the Interbull multiple across country

evaluation (MACE) and, increasingly, genomic

MACE (gMACE). These approaches use

international data, while accounting for

genotype-by-environment interactions

between countries. The result is a more

accurate reflection of genetic merit across

different production systems. For South

African dairy farmers, this means imported

genetics can be evaluated not only on

overseas performance, but on expected

performance under local environmental and

management conditions.

These values are made available on

the SABairyBulls.com website for all dairy

producers and their genetic service providers.

Working with nature in this context means

selecting genetics that fit the production

environment, rather than attempting to

compensate for genetic mismatch through

additional inputs.

Figure 2. Illustration of the genetic tools (gBLUP, MACE and gMACE) for correct reranking

and more precise genetic merit predictions where their daughters must produce.



Bull selection and

replacement females

Bull selection remains one of the most

powerful tools available to dairy farmers. Each

bull influences a very large portion of future

herd genetics, making accurate information

essential. Increasingly, successful breeding

strategies place a more balanced emphasis

on fertility, health, longevity and functional

efficiency alongside milk production. Typical

examples are the SAINET (Jersey) and

Logix Merit Index (Ayrshire and Friesland/

Holstein types) and indices or sub-indices

aimed at specific needs such as the Fluid

Merit Index, Cheese Merit Index, Efficiency

Index, and others.

The incorporation of genomic information

and international evaluation data enables

farmers to select both foreign and local bulls

on a comparable basis. This allows bulls to be

chosen not only for production potential, but

also for their ability to transmit robustness,

fertility and adaptability under South

African conditions.

The same principle applies to the selection

of replacement females. Recording systems

enable farmers to identify cow families that

remain productive for longer, conceive

consistently and maintain good udder

health. Retaining daughters from these cows

gradually develops a herd that requires

less intervention and delivers more reliable

performance.

Lower replacement rates, reduced total

costs and improved lifetime productivity are

direct outcomes of selecting animals that are

biologically suited to their owners’ production

systems and, ultimately, to their physical

environment.

Technology, data exchange

and benchmarking

One of the most significant developments

in recent years has been the automated

exchange of data between milking systems,

farm software and central databases.

Information captured during routine

milking or daily activity is transferred

automatically to platforms such as Logix,

reducing administrative workload while

improving data accuracy. Logix Sync is one

such automated process and helps Logix

Milk participants make timely, informed

management decisions.

Figure 3. Example from a Logix Milk report

reflecting heifer mortalities in a specific herd

At an industry level, this enables

meaningful benchmarking. Farmers can

compare herd performance with regional

or national averages, allowing them to

identify strengths and areas for improvement

under comparable production conditions.

Benchmarking provides realistic targets

grounded in actual biological performance

rather than theoretical ideals. This shared

data environment benefits the entire industry:

individual farm records feed into national

genetic evaluations, while farmers gain access

to more accurate selection tools and deeper

management insights.


Figure 4. Example from a Logix Milk Report depicting Cow Erosion,

Days to Conception and Calving Interval with benchmarks

Sustainable progress through biological efficiency

The future of dairy farming will increasingly

depend on efficiency rather than expansion.

Rising input costs, environmental pressures

and climatic variability demand production

systems that are both resilient and adaptable.

Working with nature does not mean

producing less, it means producing more

efficiently by aligning genetics, management

and the environment. Recording systems,

genetic evaluation and modern data

technologies provide the tools needed to

achieve this alignment.

Through the systematic recording and

evaluation of economically important

traits, SA Stud Book supports dairy farmers

in making decisions that improve both

productivity and long-term sustainability. By

understanding how cows naturally perform

under local conditions, and selecting

accordingly, farmers can build herds that

thrive not because they are pushed harder,

but because they are better matched to the

production systems in which they operate.

Modern dairy production demonstrates

that technology and nature are not opposing

forces. When applied correctly, technology

helps farmers understand biological reality

more clearly, enabling breeding and

management decisions that work with nature

rather than against it.

Figure 5. Example from a Logix Milk report giving a precice picture of production

and reproduction statistics enabling precise managment interventions


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The Dairymail Feb 2026

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