The Dairymail March 2026

Vol 33 • No 03 • MARCH 2026

R46,50 incl VAT • ISSN: 1561-4301

BIOSEKURITEIT,

MISDAAD en die toekoms

van die SUIWELBEDRYF

Building resilient dairy

herds THROUGH

NUTRITION

IN THIS ISSUE: BEK IN SUID‐AFRIKA: WAAR STAAN ONS NOU? | HOW THE IRAN WAR IS RESHAPING

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY GLOBALLY | BUDGET 2026: WHAT SA FARMERS NEED TO KNOW

EXTEND HER STAY AND

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NAAB CODE NAME HHP$ PL LIV CFP

250HO17387 POPLAR 1118 6.1 1.5 148

14HO17216 DAY TRIP 1087 6.4 3.0 162

250HO17346 BOLDNESS 1056 4.2 1.6 147

7HO17338 NONI 1043 4.5 2.1 174

14HO17764 WISHON 1009 5.3 1.1 126

7HO17220 ROSEMARY 933 4.5 2.5 135

14HO16393 ORGANIC 891 7.2 5.0 70

7HO16485 SUNDANCE 846 5.4 3.2 96

9HO17743 GLOWSTICK-S 712 4.9 2.4 75

7HO15945 ROSWELL 657 5.0 2.2 73

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otherwise noted. 12/25 CDCB data. 250HO17387 Rel.%: LIV

74, Production 82, PL 77; 14HO17216 Rel.%: LIV 74, Production

82, PL 77; 250HO17346 Rel.%: LIV 73, Production 82, PL 76;

7HO17338 Rel.%: LIV 74, Production 82, PL 77; 14HO17764

Rel.%: LIV 72, Production 80, PL 74; 7HO17220 Rel.%: LIV 73,

Production 81, PL 76; 14HO16393 Rel.%: LIV 79, Production

94, PL 84; 7HO16485 Rel.%: LIV 73, Production 82, PL 78;

9HO17743 Rel.%: LIV 72, Production 80, PL 74; 7HO15945

Rel.%: LIV 84, Production 98, PL 88.

SOOS ONS DIT SIEN • AS WE SEE IT

The year has opened with an

unmistakable blend of pressure and

perseverance, here in South Africa

and across the global dairy landscape. As

dairy farmers, processors, veterinarians and

industry supporters, we continue to carry the

dual realities of challenge and determination.

Despite an ongoing and severe FMD crisis,

the 193rd SA Dairy Championships recorded

the highest number of entries, products and

producers in its history. An extraordinary

1 227 products from 81 producers were

judged, including an unprecedented

700 cheeses: a remarkable achievement

in a season defined by strain. That such

participation is possible amid tightening

disease and economic pressures speaks

to a deeprooted resilience within our dairy

community, a quiet but powerful reminder of

the spirit that sustains this industry.

The seriousness of the FMD outbreak,

however, remains a sobering reality. It has

already cost South Africa market access

in key export destinations such as China

and Zambia; a stark illustration of how

quickly credibility can be lost when disease

control falters. Against this backdrop, the

broader agricultural economy reflects a

complex picture. Agriculture grew by 17.4%

in 2025, becoming one of the strongest

contributors to national economic stability,

yet confidence has slipped. The Agribusiness

Confidence Index fell to 49 in the first quarter

of 2026 - its lowest point since 2024 - as

producers grapple with input cost pressures,

diseaserelated constraints, weaker global

commodity prices and uncertainty amplified

by geopolitical tensions affecting fertiliser and

energy markets. It leaves the outlook mixed:

undeniable strength on one side, significant

pressure just beneath the surface.

Globally, dairy markets mirror this tension.

Milk production remains high across major

exporting regions, keeping prices under

pressure even as recent Global Dairy Trade

auction results show early signs of firmer

sentiment. Producers around the world face

tight margins, weighed down by elevated

feed, labour and financing costs, despite

moderately improving demand from importing

regions. At the same time, consumers are

shifting toward dairy that is sustainably

produced, nutrientdense and transparently

sourced, a trend favouring producers willing

to invest in ethical systems and longterm

stewardship.

Much like the seasons that shape our

farms, this is a period of transition. Yet even

in uncertainty, South African dairy continues

to stand tall - defined by recordbreaking

excellence, scientific investment and the

steady resolve of producers nationwide. In the

face of challenges that would buckle lesser

industries, ours continues to move forward

with the quiet confidence of people who

understand both the weight they carry and

the purpose behind it.

MARCH 2026 • THE DAIRYMAIL 1

Pannar’s silage maize hybrids

deliver the kind of dry matter

performance that turns hectares

into horsepower.

2 THE DAIRYMAIL • MARCH 2026

FROM THE PUBLISHERS DESK

If there’s one thing the start of 2026 has

reminded us, it’s that South Africans

don’t scare easily. We take the knocks,

square up our shoulders, and keep moving

- because that’s who we are, and right now

our shoulders are carrying more than their

fair share. Alongside the ongoing FMD

challenge, which continues to pressure

livestock producers, close export doors

and disrupt rural economies, we now face a

deepening diesel and fuel crisis that touches

every corner of our value chain. Farms cannot

run without diesel; milk cannot be collected

without fuel; processors cannot maintain cold

chains without stable energy; and transport

costs keep rising, adding strain to businesses

already navigating tight margins and rising

biosecurity demands.

En tog, hier is ons nog. Koeie word steeds

gemelk, kalwers gevoer, pompe reggemaak,

roetes beplan, aflewerings gedoen. Suid-

Afrikaners hou nie op nie. Ons staan op, selfs

wanneer die grond onder ons bewe. En juis in

hierdie tyd van druk sien ons die diepte van

ons mense se karakter.

Even as confidence across agribusiness

slipped to its lowest level since 2024,

agriculture remained one of the few sectors

anchoring national economic resilience,

recording an impressive 17.4% growth in 2025

and helping stabilise the country when other

Reg oor die wêreld worstel

suiwelprodusente met hoë

insetkoste, dun marges en

veranderende verbruikersgedrag

- ’n duidelike teken dat ons

uitdagings nie uniek is nie.

sectors faltered. That growth didn’t come from

boardrooms. It came from milking parlours at

dawn, tractors grinding through long days,

workshops lit late into the night, and familyrun

dairies that refuse to let go of hope.

Maar ons is nie alleen in hierdie

stryd nie. Reg oor die wêreld worstel

suiwelprodusente met hoë insetkoste, dun

marges en veranderende verbruikersgedrag

- ’n duidelike teken dat ons uitdagings nie

uniek is nie. Die wêreld verander vinnig, en

suiwel verander daarmee saam. En dit vra

aanpassing, kreatiwiteit en vasbyt - drie dinge

waarin Suid-Afrikaners al vir eeue uitblink.

As publishers, our commitment remains

steady: we will bring you honest coverage,

spotlight innovation, amplify your voice and

stand with you through every challenge this

sector faces. Suid-Afrikaners is bekend vir

baie dinge, maar een eienskap staan altyd uit:

wanneer die las swaarder word, sak ons nie

ineen nie - ons dra meer. Ons werk harder.

Ons skouers is breed, en skouerteenskouer

staan ons stywer saam.

The fuel crisis will pass. Disease pressure

will stabilise. New opportunities will appear

where old ones have closed. Want die

ruggraat van hierdie bedryf is nie masjinerie,

markte of melk nie. Dis jy - die Suid-Afrikaanse

melkboer, die vrouens wat parte en medisyne

aanry, die kind wat nog voor sonop opstaan

om in die melkstal te help. Die gesin wat

aanhou glo, al voel die toekoms onseker.

Ons skouers is breed. Ons wortels is diep.

En ons toekoms bou ons saam - standvastig,

met waardigheid en volharding. ’n Boer maak

altyd ’n plan!

Jacques Basson

Publisher, The Dairymail


CONTENTS INHOUDSOPGAWE

16

35

1 Soos ons dit sien • As we see it

3 From the publisher’s desk

7 Meet the team • Suiwelkalender

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

8 Van “hulle” na “ons”: Willie Clack oor

biosekuriteit, misdaad en die toekoms

van die suiwelbedryf

13 BEK in Suid-Afrika: Waar staan ons nou?

Maart 2026-oorsig vir die suiwelbedryf

16 Black Quarter: A fast‐moving,

high‐fatality clostridial threat

20 Dairy economic indicators

25 Dairy digits

27 How the Iran war is reshaping the dairy

industry globally

33 Kortliks • Briefly

VOER • FEED

35 When feed additives become

“pharmaceuticals”: why the ration

matters more than the bottle

PRODUKSIE • PRODUCTION

39 Building resilient dairy herds

through nutrition

45 The fresh cow period as a profit centre in

modern dairy systems

RENTMEESTERSKAP • STEWARDSHIP

51 Alternative energy – Part 2: WIND

BESTUUR • MANAGEMENT

55 Die personeelverminderingskonsultasiekennisgewing


INHOUD • CONTENTS

55

Produced by

Editorial contributions

Email: content@maxmediagroup.co.za

Advertising & rates

58 Labour column

Addressing workforce shortages in the

South African dairy industry

62 Financial column

Budget 2026: What SA farmers need to

know – plain & practical

NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING •

RESEARCH AND TRAINING

65 Research column

Biofilms in the dairy chain: Understanding

the hidden microbial threat

69 Animal welfare, human rights and TB –

why dairy’s daily decisions matter

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

SOME EVENTS TO

LOOK FORWARD TO

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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

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

Lana Strydom lana@mpo.co.za 079 191 6985

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.

23 APRIL – 2 MAY 2026

Bloem Show

Showgrounds Curie

Avenue, Bloemfontein

12 – 15 MAY 2026

Grain SA NAMPO

NAMPO Park, Bothaville

31 MAY – 2 JUNE 2026

6 – 8 AUGUSTUS 2026

KragDag – Selfstandigheid

Wegbreek Landbou Energie Ekspo

Diamantvallei Landgoed,

Rayton

9 – 10 MAY 2026

KZN MPO Dairy Fest

Fordoun Farm Village,

Nottingham Road

SA Large Herds

Conference

KwaZulu-Natal

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 die volledige

gesprek op YouTube te kyk.

VAN “HULLE”

NA “ONS”:

Willie Clack oor biosekuriteit,

misdaad en die toekoms van

die suiwelbedryf

Die bek-en-klouvirus ken nie grense nie

– en hy wag nie vir toestemming nie.

In hierdie uitgawe van The Dairymail deel ons

’n kragtige episode uit die gewilde Herkouerspodcast,

as deel van ons deurlopende spesiale

reeks oor bek-en-klouseer (BKS).


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Jacques Basson gesels met Willie

Clack, ’n landbounavorser aan UNISA

en ’n gesoute produsent met 41 jaar

se praktiese ondervinding. Clack bring ’n

vars, dog dikwels ongemaklike perspektief

na die tafel: hy glo die grootste struikelblok

in die huidige krisis is nie net die virus onder

’n mikroskoop nie, maar die menslike psige

en die “ons-hulle”-houding wat binne die

boerderygemeenskap heers.

Terwyl die Suid-Afrikaanse vee- en

suiwelbedryf tans ’n “perfekte storm” van

biosekuriteitsbedreigings, verouderde

wetgewing en misdaad trotseer, dien hierdie

gesprek as ’n noodsaaklike ontleding

van hoe ons van isolasie na “geforseerde

samewerking” moet beweeg om die bedryf se

toekoms te verseker.

Die “sneeubal-effek” en die

einde van isolasie

Die 2019-uitbraak van bek-en-klouseer (BKS)

in Polokwane dien as ’n pynlike les in hoe

vinnig siektes vandag versprei. Diere van een

enkele veiling is na 187 verskillende punte

versprei, wat ’n massiewe “sneeubal-effek”

veroorsaak het. Clack beklemtoon dat die dae

waar ’n boer ongestoord “agter sy eie draad”

kon boer, verby is. Wanneer ’n buurman of

’n ander provinsie geraak word, affekteer dit

direk elke produsent se marktoegang en die

hele waardeketting.

Biosekuriteit: Die silwer randjie

vir misdaadvoorkoming

Hoewel biosekuriteit dikwels as ’n

administratiewe las gesien word, het dit ’n

onverwagse voordeel gebring: veediefstal

het nasionaal met 30% afgeneem. Dit is

hoofsaaklik te danke aan:

» Streng veilingsprotokolle: Die

vereiste vir duidelike brandmerke en

gesondheidsertifikate het die ‘kanaal’ vir

gesteelde vee effektief verstop.

» Tegnologiese monitering: Stelsels soos

die Eyes to Ears (E2E) kameranetwerk

dwing misdadigers om vee ure lank te voet

aan te jaag om kameras te vermy, wat die

risiko vir hulle verhoog en boere meer tyd

gee om te reageer.

Die tragedie van

naspeurbaarheid en wetgewing

’n Groot bron van frustrasie is die vertraging

van die LITS SA-stelsel. Ten spyte van

miljoene euros se befondsing en die

kapasiteit om 10 000 transaksies per sekonde

te hanteer, is die stelsel in 2023 gekelder deur

samesweringsteorieë en vrese dat data met

die belastingman gedeel sou word.

Verder probeer die bedryf om ’n

2025/6-krisis te bestuur met die Wet op

Dieresiektes van 1984. Hoewel ’n moderne

wet reeds in 2002 geteken is, lê dit al dekades

lank en ‘stof opgaar’ omdat die nodige

regulasies nooit geskryf is nie.


PRAKTIESE RIGLYNE

vir die melkprodusent

Clack bied die volgende raad aan lesers van

The Dairymail om hul plase te beskerm:

1. Verander jou “geestelike

kapasiteit” en ingesteldheid

Die grootste struikelblok is dikwels die

houding dat bek-en-klouseer (BKS) “daardie

mense se probleem” is of dat dit net met

ander gebeur.

» Aanvaar eienaarskap: Moenie wag vir

die staat om jou te kom help nie; beskou

biosekuriteit as jou eie verantwoordelikheid.

» Breek die “ons-hulle”-muur: Besef dat ’n

uitbraak by jou buurman of in ’n ander

provinsie direk jou eie marktoegang en

waardeketting affekteer.

2. Belê in gratis opleiding

(FAO-kursusse)

Clack beveel aan dat produsente en hul

personeel aktief gebruik maak van die

gratis aanlyn kursusse wat deur die VN se

Voedsel- en Landbou-organisasie (FAO)

aangebied word.

» Hierdie kursusse fokus op die basiese

beginsels van biosekuriteit, soos hoe om

korrek aan te trek, skoene skoon te maak en

toerusting te spuit om die verspreiding van

virusse te voorkom.

» Dit neem slegs sowat twee ure en bied

’n sertifikaat by voltooiing – ’n ideale

manier om ledige tyd op die plaas

produktief te gebruik.

3. Pas streng protokolle by

veilings en beweging toe

Die ‘sneeubal-effek’ van siekteverspreiding is

enorm; een veiling in Polokwane het diere na

187 verskillende punte versprei.

» Voldoen aan biosekuriteitsreëls: Moenie

probeer om kortpaaie te neem met die

skuif van vee nie. Maak seker alle diere is

duidelik gebrandmerk en vergesel van die

korrekte gesondheidsdeklarasies voordat

hulle by ’n veiling afgelaai word.

» Verstaan die waardeketting: Streng reëls by

veilings help nie net teen siektes nie, maar

dit het ook gehelp om veediefstal met 30%

te laat daal deur die kanaal vir gesteelde

vee te ‘verstop’.

4. Gebruik tegnologie en

naspeurbaarheid

Alhoewel stelsels soos LITS SA

politieke en administratiewe uitdagings

het, is naspeurbaarheid die enigste

langtermynoplossing vir marktoegang.

» Ondersteun naspeurbaarheid: Registreer

op beskikbare stelsels (soos die RMS of

LITS) om jou diere aan ’n GPS-punt en

eienaar te koppel.

» Benut kameras: Die Eyes to Ears (E2E)

kamerasisteem is uiters effektief om

misdaad te monitor. Misdadigers jaag nou

vee ure lank te voet aan om kameras te

vermy, wat die risiko vir hulle verhoog en

jou meer tyd gee om te reageer.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

5. Berei voor vir “geforseerde

samewerking”

Die tyd waar jy ongestoord agter jou eie draad

kon boer, is verby.

» Werk saam met staatsveeartse: Selfs al het

jy in 40 jaar nie ’n staatsveearts gesien nie,

gaan die huidige krisisse hulle na jou plaas

bring vir inspeksies of inentings.

» Ondersteun mekaar: Aangesien die staat

dikwels beperkte kapasiteit het, moet

bure en plaaslike gemeenskappe mekaar

help met opleiding en die implementering

van maatreëls.

Oor samewerking

en die toekoms

Willie se boodskap is duidelik: die krisis

dwing ons nou tot geforseerde samewerking.

Hy sien die huidige krisis as ’n bedekte

seën omdat dit die staat en die private

sektor dwing om hande te vat. Biosekuriteit

is ’n bestuurspraktyk. Sonder ’n aktiewe

verandering in houding – van “hulle

probleem” na “ons probleem” – sal selfs die

beste tegnologie nie ’n volhoubare verskil

kan maak nie.

KYK

Skandeer of klik om die volledige

gesprek op YouTube te kyk.


ALGEHELE

MELKHIGIËNE

Ons verskaf skoonmaak-in-plek stelsels, deeglike

skoonmaak - middels, ontsmettingsmiddels

en spesialis oplossings vir:

• Massatenks • Melkmasjiene

• Vervaardigingsaanlegte

011 708 0209

info@bransonchemicals.co.za

www.bransonchemicals.co.za


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

BEK in

Suid-Afrika:

Waar staan ons nou?

Maart 2026-oorsig vir die suiwelbedryf

deur The Dairymail redaksie

Suid-Afrika is in Maart 2026 steeds midde‐in een van

die mees omvangryke en ekonomies ontwrigtende

bek‐en‐klouseer‐uitbrake in ons land se geskiedenis. Die

hele waardeketting, van suiwel tot rooivleis, ervaar druk en

die regering se massiewe inentingsveldtog is nou in volle

gang, maar nie sonder uitdagings nie.

BEK is nie ’n risiko vir voedselveiligheid

of menslike gesondheid nie, maar die

impak daarvan op produksie, uitvoere,

voerlogistiek en boerdery‐inkomste is

enorm. Vir suiwelboere beteken dit verlore

melkvolumes, streng bewegingbeheer, hoë

voeruitgawes en groot onsekerheid oor die

pad vorentoe.

’n Nasionale ramp en die

omvang van die uitbraak

Die Suid‐Afrikaanse regering het op

13 Februarie 2026 BEK as ’n Nasionale Ramp

verklaar nadat gevalle die hoogste vlakke

in twee dekades oorskry het. Teen middel

Februarie is 24 400 gevalle in vee bevestig –

’n dramatiese styging vanaf die vorige rekord

van 7 700 in 2022.


Provinsies met

bevestigde gevalle (8 uit 9):

» Oos‐Kaap

» Vrystaat

» Gauteng

» KwaZulu‐Natal

» Limpopo

» Mpumalanga

» Noordwes

» Wes‐Kaap

Die Noord‐Kaap het teen middel Februarie

nog net vermoedelike gevalle gehad,

maar kwarantynmaatreëls is ingestel om

verspreiding te voorkom.

Vir die suiwelsektor beteken hierdie omvang

dat BEK nie meer ’n streekspesifieke risiko is

nie, maar ’n nasionale bedreiging.

Entstofvoorrade: groot

vordering, maar stadige uitrol

Daar is sedert laat Februarie meer as

2,5 miljoen BEK‐entstofdosisse in Suid‐Afrika

afgelewer, met miljoene meer onderweg, maar

die uitrol bly stadig en logisties kompleks.

Belangrike entstof verwikkelinge:

» 1,5 miljoen Dollvet‐dosisse van Turkye het

op 1 Maart 2026 by OR Tambo aangeland.

» 1 miljoen dosisse van Biogénesis Bagó het

reeds op 21 Februarie arriveer.

» ’n Verdere 5 miljoen multivalente dosisse

word teen einde Maart verwag, omrede

dit eers by die Pirbright Instituut vir

stampassingtoetsing is – die rede vir

die vertraging.

Die Minister van Landbou, John Steenhuisen,

het die aankoms van die entstowwe ’n

‘groot oorwinning in ons oorlog teen BEK’

genoem en beklemtoon dat die regering met

enige privaat vennoot sal saamwerk om die

nasionale kudde te beskerm.

Die Departement van Landbou bevestig dat

die staat die volle koste van alle entstowwe

dra, wat veral vir klein en opkomende boere ’n

groot verligting is.

Wat hierdie uitbraak vir

suiwelprodusente beteken

’n BFAP (Bureau for Food and Agricultural

Policy)‐verslag wys dat die ekonomiese impak

op die suiwelbedryf reeds meer as R1 miljard

beloop, met 91 suiwelplase waar gevalle

tussen 2024 en 2026 bevestig is; 52 van dié is

steeds aktief.

Suiwelspesifieke gevolge:

» Melkverliese van tot R5 000 per koei,

volgens gevallestudies.

» Hoër produksiekoste weens kwarantyn,

ekstra veeartsenykundige behandeling en

beperkings op beweiding.

» Toenemende risiko van

kontantvloeiprobleme op plase.

» Handel- en vervoervertragings wat

verkoeling, vervoer en voorsieningskettings

onder druk plaas.

KwaZulu‐Natal bly die episentrum, met

meer as 17 000 plase wat reeds oor een of

ander vorm van stabilisering of kwarantyn

gerapporteer het.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Boerdery- en ekonomiese

impak: ’n krisis wat diep sny

Teen einde Februarie het BEK reeds

meer as 297 000 beeste geraak en meer

as 120 000 diere is van kant gemaak om

verspreiding te beperk.

Hierdie druk lei tot:

» massiewe verliese vir vleis- én suiwelboere

» stygende kospryse

» werkverliese in landelike gebiede

» stilstand in uitvoere na lande soos China,

Zambië, Namibië, Eswatini en Zimbabwe

Vir suiwelboere is die grootste bedreiging

egter die voortgesette virussirkulasie, wat

produksie en kuddegesondheid verder in

gevaar stel.

Igsahn Felix in Humansdorp som die

bekommernis op: “As ons vroeër ingeënt was,

was die skade baie minder.”

Suid‐Afrika se BEK‐krisis gaan nie binne weke

opgelos word nie, maar die omvang van die

entstofvoorsiening, die wetlike raamwerk,

en die nasionale koördinering is nou meer

omvangryk as in 2024–2025.

Die BEK‐uitbraak van 2026 is ’n toets vir

Suid‐Afrika se biosekuriteitstelsel én vir ons

suiwelsektor se veerkragtigheid. Alhoewel

die uitdagings groot bly, skep die massiewe

entstofinsette, beter samewerking tussen

staat en bedryf, en vinniger beleidsreaksie

rede vir versigtige optimisme.

Suiwelprodusente word aangeraai

om streng bioveiligheid en -sekuriteit te

handhaaf, alle bewegingprotokolle te volg, en

inentingskemas noukeurig saam met veeartse

te bestuur.

Die pad vorentoe: van

reaksie na beheer

Volgens die Departement van Landbou

word Suid‐Afrika se strategie nou verskuif na

’n “BEK‐vry met inenting”–benadering. Dit

beteken massa inenting, beter opsporing en

strenger bioveiligheid is prioriteit.

Belangrike elemente van die

nuwe strategie:

» Massa inenting van tot 12 miljoen

beeste landwyd

» ’n Nuwe nasionale naspeurstelsel (LITS)

om alle ingeënte diere te monitor

» Hoflike maar ferm handhawing van

bewegingbeheer

» Opgradering van laboratoriumkapasiteit

vir stampassing en diagnose

» Herprioritisering van staatsfondse na

BEK‐beheer, goedgekeur deur die

Nasionale Tesourie


Black quarter &

manure evaluation:

WHAT DAIRY

PRODUCERS

NEED TO KNOW

The Dairymail editorial team

Black Quarter (BQ), also known

as Blackleg, remains one of the

most devastating acute diseases

affecting cattle in South Africa. It is caused

by Clostridium chauvoei, an anaerobic,

spore‐forming bacterium capable of lying

dormant in soil and in the tissues of otherwise

healthy animals for years.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Veterinary evidence shows that BQ targets

fast‐growing, well‐conditioned animals,

usually between nine months and two years

old, and outbreaks often follow periods of

good rainfall or soil disturbance such as veld

works or excavation.

Spores enter the body through:

» ingestion of contaminated soil or feed,

» wounds or bruising in large muscle groups,

» small mouth lesions caused by rough

grazing or shedding of teeth.

Once in the bloodstream, spores settle in

muscle and remain inactive until muscle

trauma creates a low‐oxygen environment

ideal for bacterial proliferation.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

CLINICAL SIGNS

BQ is notorious for its rapid course. Animals

may appear healthy and be found dead hours

later. When visible, symptoms include:

» sudden high fever,

» hot, painful muscle swelling (shoulders,

hindquarters),

» crepitus – a crackling sound caused by

gas under the skin,

» acute lameness, anorexia and collapse.

Carcasses bloat rapidly and produce a

distinctive rancid “butter” odour on

post‐mortem.

Prevention remains the

only real defence

BQ has a poor treatment prognosis;

vaccination and management are the only

reliable ways to protect a herd.

Manure Evaluation: Reading the

cow through the “three C’s”

Dairy producers observe their cows daily

– but few realise that manure offers one of

the cheapest, most accurate diagnostic

tools for understanding rumen function.

Cows excrete faeces 10–20 times per day,

each sample providing valuable clues about

digestion efficiency and health.

Experts such as Dr Mary Beth Hall

emphasise that manure reflects the interplay

between ration formulation, rumen

fermentation, hindgut activity and overall

cow comfort. Poor digestion or rapid passage

often shows up in the manure long before it

shows up in milk records.

Prevention strategies include:

» Annual vaccination, especially for animals

6–24 months old.

» Avoiding trauma during handling, branding,

or high‐stress movements.

» Managing high‐risk camps after heavy rains

or soil disturbance.

» Immediate removal and destruction of

carcasses to prevent soil contamination.

For dairy farms rearing replacement heifers

on high‐energy diets, BQ vaccination is a

non‐negotiable insurance policy.


The “three C’s” of

manure evaluation

Veterinary and nutrition literature encourages

producers to assess:

1. Consistency

2. Content

2. Colour

These three simple observations highlight

rumen stability, starch use, fibre digestion and

metabolic stress.

1. Consistency: The first alarm bell

Ideal manure for lactating cows is a soft,

porridge‐like pat that forms a slight dome,

collapses slowly and splashes minimally.

Abnormal consistencies include:

» Loose, bubbly or foamy manure →

extensive hindgut fermentation, often

linked to low fibre or excess starch;

early warning for SARA (sub‐acute

ruminal acidosis).

» Very firm, stacked pats → insufficient

moisture or too much long fibre.

» Watery diarrhoea → hindgut overload,

feed contamination, or disease challenge.

2. Content: Undigested clues

Visual or sieved inspection helps identify

undigested material such as:

» whole maize kernels,

» long fibre pieces (>12 mm),

» cottonseed with lint still visible.

These indicate poor rumination, sorting,

inadequate physically effective NDF or

excessively fast passage. Consistently large

particles reflect a rumen that is not holding

feed long enough to ferment properly.

3. Colour: More than meets the eye

Colour shifts often reflect ration ingredients,

passage rate, bile levels or health challenges:

» Light “clay” colour → high starch

or minerals.

» Dark, almost black manure → high

digesta passage rate or possible

blood presence.

» Green, fibrous manure → fresh pasture

or high‐forage diets. While not diagnostic

on their own, colour patterns help

confirm what consistency and content

already indicate.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Why manure mirrors

rumen health

Manure changes when:

» rumen pH drops,

» fibre digestion is incomplete,

» feed sorting occurs at the bunk,

» hindgut fermentation takes over a job

meant for the rumen,

» feed hygiene is poor,

» cows experience stress or intake

suppression.

Because rumen fermentation and hindgut

fermentation produce similar acids and

gases, hindgut overload can mimic acidosis

symptoms – and manure exposes both.

Practical take‐home checks

for producers

Daily:

» Walk behind 10–20 cows during or

after milking.

» Note any drastic variation – the herd should

look mostly uniform.

Weekly:

» Perform a wash‐sieve test to check particle

length and grain digestion.

When abnormalities persist:

» Test for mycotoxins or feed hygiene issues.

» Check heat stress mitigation.

» Reassess cow comfort and bunk space.

Remember: “The cows are always

right.” Manure tells the truth about what

is happening inside long before the

milk tank does.

Conclusion

Black quarter and poor rumen function

may seem unrelated, but both pose silent,

costly risks.

» BQ demands strict prevention

through vaccination and good

environmental management.

» Manure evaluation empowers producers

daily through real‐time insights into rumen

health, efficiency and comfort.

Together, they form part of a robust

herd‐health strategy that protects

productivity, welfare and long‐term

profitability.

Sources:

dairyversekenya.com; agriorbit.com;

thebullvine.com

» Correlate manure findings with:

• TMR mix consistency,

• sorting at the feed bunk,

• changes in forage DM,

• water intake patterns.


DAIRY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

INTERNATIONAL

DAIRY TRADE

ENVIRONMENT

by Jade Smith, MPO economist

MPO Economic Desk:

Guided by science, rooted in knowledge

The MPO has compiled the following analysis of the international dairy trade

environment for the period January 2024 to January 2026, with a specific

focus on export and import volumes of long-life milk (UHT), skimmed milk

powder (SMP), and Cheddar and Gouda cheese.

(Source: SARS as supplied from Agri Inspec).


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 1: UHT Processed Milk Exports (in kilograms)

2026 2024 2025

Kg

14 000 000

12 000 000

10 000 000

8 000 000

6 000 000

4 000 000

2 000 000

0

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

Ј In January 2026, UHT export volumes increased by 18% compared to January 2024, in

contrast to an 11% decline recorded over the same period in 2025.

Ј Botswana accounted for 43% of total UHT export volumes in January 2026, with Eswatini

and Namibia contributing 16% each, and Lesotho 11%.

Ј During the first nine months of 2025, export volumes remained consistently above 2024

levels, with only October and November showing a slight decline.

Ј Overall, UHT export volumes increased by 21% from 2024 to 2025.

Kg

Figure 2: UHT Processed Milk Imports (in kilograms)

2026 2024 2025

140 000

120 000

100 000

80 000

60 000

40 000

20 000

0


Ј In January 2026, UHT import volumes decreased by 48% compared to January 2024, in

contrast to a 113% increase recorded over the same period in 2025.

Ј The increase is largely attributed to 24 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.

Ј Key import sources in January 2026 were Germany (22%) and Denmark (17%).

Overall, UHT milk exports exceeded imports by 8,56 million kilograms.


Figure 3: SMP Exports (in kilograms)

2026 2024 2025

1 800 000

1 600 000

1 400 000

1 200 000

Kg

1 000 000

800 000

600 000

400 000

200 000

0


Ј In January 2026, skimmed milk powder (SMP) export volumes increased substantially by

144% compared to January 2024 and by 11% compared to January 2025.

Ј January 2026 recorded the highest SMP export volumes to date, with key export

destinations including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Ј Total export volumes followed a declining trend in both 2023 and 2024, before increasing

by 54% in 2025 - a trend that continued into January 2026.

Figure 4: SMP Imports (in kilograms)

2026 2025 2024

1 800 000

1 600 000

1 400 000

1 200 000

Kg

1 000 000

800 000

600 000

400 000

200 000

0


Ј In January 2026, SMP import volumes increased by 13% compared to January 2025, in

contrast to a 66% decline recorded over the same period in 2024.

Ј Overall, SMP import volumes increased marginally by 3% from 2024 to 2025.

Ј Key import sources in January 2026 were France (54%) and Germany (18%).

Exports and imports were relatively balanced in 2024, with exports exceeding imports by

786 thousand kilograms. However, this shifted in 2025, when exports surpassed imports by

5,73 million kilograms.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

Figure 5: Cheddar Exports (in kilograms)

2026 2024 2025

Kg

800 000

700 000

600 000

500 000

400 000

300 000

200 000

100 000

0


Ј In 2025, Cheddar export volumes fluctuated, with no clear trend emerging, and recorded

a marginal increase of 0,67% compared to the same period in 2024.

Ј January 2026 export volumes were the lowest since February 2020, with only 98 thousand

kilograms exported.

Ј This represents a decrease of 25% and 58% compared to the same period in 2024 and

2025, respectively.

Ј Key export destinations in January 2026 included Namibia (37%) and Botswana (28%).

Figure 6: Cheddar Imports (in kilograms)

2026 2025 2024

60 000

50 000

40 000

Kg

30 000

20 000

10 000

0


Ј In January 2026, Cheddar cheese import volumes increased substantially compared to

the same period in both 2024 (364%) and 2025 (292%).

Ј No clear trend was observed in either 2024 or 2025, with overall imports declining by 27%.

South Africa remains a net exporter of Cheddar cheese, despite a substantial increase

in imports in January 2026, with key export destinations including Namibia, Botswana,

and Zambia.


Figure 7: Gouda Exports (in kilograms)

2026 2024 2025

225 000

200 000

175 000

150 000

Kg

125 000

100 000

75 000

50 000

25 000

0


Ј January 2026 recorded the lowest Gouda export volumes since May 2023, with 55

thousand kilograms exported.

Ј Key export destinations in January 2026 included Namibia (53%) and Botswana (19%).

Ј Compared to the same period in 2024 and 2025, Gouda export volumes in January 2026

declined by 35% and 30%, respectively.

Ј Overall, export volumes increased by 15% from 2024 to 2025.

Figure 8: Gouda Imports (in kilograms)

2026 2025 2024

Kg

20 000

18 000

16 000

14 000

12 000

10 000

8 000

6 000

4 000

2 000

0


Ј No consistent trend was evident across 2024 and 2025, although import volumes

increased modestly by 9% over the period.

Ј In January 2026, Gouda import volumes increased sharply by 964% compared to January

2024; however, this spike should be disregarded, as it reflects small, uniquely packaged

imports rather than a structural shift. Compared to January 2025, import volumes

declined by 23%.

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

How the

IRAN WAR

is reshaping the

dairy industry

globally

by The Dairymail editorial team

The escalating conflict involving Iran, the U.S. and Israel has

rapidly shifted from a regional confrontation to a global economic

shock. For the dairy sector, from small family farms to multinational

processors, the ripple effects are already visible in energy prices,

feed costs, shipping routes and overall market volatility.

As a critical agricultural industry highly

exposed to energy markets, fertiliser

supply chains, and international

shipping, dairy finds itself at the intersection

of multiple disruptions.

We look at how the Iran war is directly

influencing dairy production and markets

in South Africa, the broader African

continent, and worldwide – and how the

industry can respond.


WORLD WIDE SIRES

S O U T H A F R I C A


For more information contact your local WWS sales representative or:

Gerrit Eberson +27 82 456 6510 gerrite@iafrica.com | TK Khuzwayo +27 60 324 9027 tk@wwsires.co.za

BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

1. Energy price shock:

The immediate pain point

for dairy

Oil prices surged dramatically after the

conflict escalated, with Brent crude

exceeding $100 per barrel – the sharpest

increase since 1983. Shipping through the

Strait of Hormuz, a corridor moving 20% of

global oil and gas, has largely come to a halt

due to insurance withdrawals and security

risk, tightening global supply.

How this affects dairy:

Fuel & transport costs

» Rising oil prices push up the cost of

transporting milk, feed and inputs.

» Africa is especially vulnerable because

most countries are net importers of refined

petroleum products.

Electricity & processing costs

Dairy is energy-intensive: cooling, milking

systems, processing plants and distribution

rely heavily on stable electricity. Energy

volatility raises operational costs across the

entire value chain.

2. Fertiliser crisis:

The hidden threat to African

and global dairy

The conflict’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz

threatens up to one‐third of global

fertiliser trade. This is catastrophic for

African dairy farmers who depend heavily on

imported fertiliser to produce maize, soy and

forage crops.

» Nearly 46% of global urea comes from

Gulf producers, with Qatar alone supplying

14% of the world’s urea.

» With Gulf LNG facilities damaged, multiple

plants have shut down, causing urea prices

to spike by 40% in days.

Africa: Most exposed globally

African agriculture relies disproportionately

on imported fertiliser:

» Sudan imports 54% of its fertiliser via

Hormuz; Somalia 30%, Kenya 26%.

As fertiliser becomes scarce and expensive,

feed crop production costs will surge,

reducing farm productivity and raising dairy

feed prices for months or even years.

Feed & fertiliser costs respond

with delay

Energy shocks pass into agriculture with a lag:

» Oil prices jumped 19% in the first week

of March, while global feed prices

already rose 2.1% in February and

continue climbing.

» Fertiliser, a hydrocarbon‐derived input,

is directly impacted by LNG disruptions,

especially from Gulf producers.

This creates immediate margin pressure for

dairy farmers worldwide.


3. Shipping disruptions:

A blow to global dairy trade

The Iran conflict has triggered the most

severe dual chokepoint shipping crisis in

modern history, with:

» The Strait of Hormuz

effectively shut, and

» Renewed attacks forcing carriers to

abandon the Suez–Red Sea corridor.

Most container lines have suspended Middle

East routes altogether.

Impact on dairy exporters:

» Freight rates and insurance premiums have

soared globally.

» Perishable dairy; milk powder, butter and

cheese, faces delays, spoilage risk, and

rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope,

adding 10–15 days to voyages.

» New Zealand alone has 4,000+ containers

of dairy and meat stuck in transit due to

route suspensions through Hormuz.

Why this matters globally

The Gulf region imports 1.3 million tonnes

of dairy annually, worth $4.2 billion.

Countries like the UAE are among the

most dairy‐import‐dependent consumers

in the world.

Any disruption affects:

» global milk powder demand

» rebalancing of export flows from

NZ, EU, U.S.

» global price benchmarks

4. Africa:

Caught in the crossfire

Africa is one of the hardest‐hit regions,

despite being far from the battlefield.

Surging oil prices have triggered new inflation

pressures, weakening currencies, and higher

food prices across the continent.

Implications for African dairy:

» Transport and feed prices surge quickly.

» Currency depreciation makes imported

inputs such as fertiliser, fuel, vitamins and

supplements significantly more expensive.

» Countries already facing economic strain

have little buffer to absorb these shocks.

Many governments may be forced to raise

fuel prices or increase subsidies, which can

spill over into milk retail prices and reduce

consumer demand.

5. South Africa:

A test of resilience

South Africa’s dairy sector is highly efficient

but also highly exposed to global energy

markets and imported inputs.

Key impacts:

Fuel prices rise rapidly when the rand

weakens, as seen after the 2022 Ukraine

war, when transport fuel rose 25% in six

months – a dynamic analysts say is likely to

repeat now.

Feed costs follow global grain and oilseed

prices. Fertiliser shortages will push up the

cost of producing maize and lucerne.

Export routes for SA dairy ingredients

face the same shipping delays and cost

surcharges affecting all east‐bound trade.

Nevertheless, SA farmers have strong

adaptation experience:

» feed optimisation

» on‐farm energy efficiency

» alternative forage systems

» improved logistics and inventory planning

These strategies will now be essential.


BEDRYF • INDUSTRY

6. Global dairy market outlook:

Volatility with upward

price pressure

Despite disruptions, global dairy prices have

been rising, not falling:

» The Global Dairy Trade Index jumped

5.7% in early March, with strong demand

for milk powders and butter.

» Energy and freight constraints may

continue to push dairy prices upward even

as production remains steady.

In the short term:

Prices for milk powder, cheese and butter

are expected to firm.

Exporters with alternative shipping routes

(e.g., via Cape of Good Hope) may

capture premiums.

High input costs will squeeze farmer

margins worldwide.

7. What dairy producers should

watch in the next 90 days

1. Oil prices & fertiliser availability

If LNG and fertiliser flows through

Hormuz remain blocked, input costs will

escalate further.

2. Shipping route updates

Rerouting around Africa may become the new

normal for months.

Conclusion: A sector under

pressure – But also an

opportunity for leadership

The Iran conflict underscores how

interconnected the dairy world has become.

From energy markets to fertiliser supply

chains and global shipping, the dairy

value chain is deeply exposed to

geopolitical shocks.

For African and South African producers,

resilience will depend on:

» efficiency gains

» better energy management

» feed optimisation

» diversified supply chains

» strategic market intelligence

For global dairy, the coming months will bring

more volatility – but also opportunities for

producers and exporters who adapt quickly.

As the situation continues to evolve

The Dairymail will continue providing the

clarity, analysis and practical insights the

industry needs to navigate an increasingly

unpredictable world.

Sources:

Statista | www.statista.com &

Dairy Business | www.dairybusiness.com

3. Global milk powder demand

Gulf importers may stockpile, temporarily

boosting demand.

4. Feed markets

Expect maize, soybean and wheat price

volatility as fertiliser shortages impact

planting and yields.


Your facility needs dependable

dairy testing equipment

Testing during the dairy production

process is not just a nice-to-have, it is

a requirement, to ensure the aesthetic,

flavour, and shelf-life of goods.

Keep your operations running smoothly

with Hanna Instruments Professional

Portable Cheese pH Meter (HI98165)

A rugged, waterproof, Foodcare pH

meter that measures pH & temperature

using the specialized FC2423

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HI98165

This professional, portable meter

complies with IP67 standards.

It’s portable, perfect for the production

floor … test where you need to !

www.hanna.co.za

HEAD OFFICE – JHB

6 Vernon Road

Morninghill

Bedfordview

Johannesburg

T: (011) 615 6076

F: (011) 615 8582

E: hanna@hanna.co.za

CAPE TOWN BRANCH

Unit B 18 Bellville

Business Park

Belville,

Cape Town

T: (021) 946 1722

F: (021) 946 1723

E: ct@hanna.co.za

We also operate in: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique,

Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Contact apaka@hanna.co.za Cell: +27 (0) 72-910-5749

DURBAN BRANCH

Office 2 Dias Block

Fairway Green Office Park

3 Abrey Road

Kloof

Kwazulu Natal

T: (031) 701 2711

E: durban@hanna.co.za

EASTERN CAPE BRANCH

Southern Life Gardens

First Floor, Block F

70-2nd Avenue

Newton Park

Port Elizabeth 6045

T: (041) 450 5685

E: pe@hanna.co.za


KORTLIKS | BRIEFLY

VKB BIELIE-

MIELIEFEES

2026:

Landbou, gemeenskap

en innovasie vier

hoogty in Reitz

Die VKB Bieliemieliefees het van

26–28 Februarie 2026 weer

duisende besoekers Reitz toe gelok

en weer eens bevestig waarom dit een

van Suid‐Afrika se grootste en gewildste

landbou‐ en familiefeeste is. Organiseerders

beklemtoon dat die driedagprogram jaar

na jaar mense uit alle oorde byeenbring,

met tipiese Vrystaatse gasvryheid, nuwe

vriendskappe en ’n gees van samesyn wat

die terrein vul. “Die Bieliemieliefees is Reitz;

waar ou vriende mekaar jaarliks weer vind,

nuwe bande gesmee word en besoekers

egte Vrystaatse gasvryheid beleef,” sê

Hannelie Cronjé, feessameroeper, oor die

unieke gemeenskapskarakter wat die fees dra.

Vanjaar se aanbieding het ’n uitstalling

van meer as R60 miljoen se nuutste

landboutoerusting en -tegnologie ingesluit,

tesame met veekompetisies, ramveilings,

praktiese demonstrasies en die stampvol

kompetisieprogram wat alles dek – van

potjiekos, sterkman en woldra tot boeresport,

Bulletjie‐rugby en -netbal, asook hengel,

gholf en ’n marathon. Die verhoogprogram

het oudergewoonte groot skares gelok

met gewilde kunstenaars soos Rikus Nel,

Demi‐Lee Moore, Bobby van Jaarsveld,

Juan Boucher, Die Piesangskille en Sunset

Sweatshop – vermaak wat die feesterrein van

vroeg tot laat opgehelder het.

Die fees se familiekarakter was oral

sigbaar: kinders het die dierehoekie,

kameelritte, die pretpark en skattejag

geniet, terwyl ’n wye verskeidenheid

uitstallers – van kamp‐ en jagtoerusting

tot klere, juweliersware en kosstalletjies

– iets vir elkeen gebied het. Só het Reitz

opnuut gewys hoekom die Bieliemieliefees

dié kern‐gemeenskapsgeleentheid in die

Oos‐Vrystaat is.

Benewens die kuier en kultuur is die

landbouhart van die fees onmiskenbaar.

“Die fees is ’n beduidende ekonomiese

inspuiting vir die area en ’n toonvenster vir

landboutoerusting en -tegnologie wat ons

kliënte entoesiasties maak,” verduidelik Neil

de Klerk, VKB se hoof van bemarking en

kommunikasie. Sy woorde som die praktiese

waarde vir produsente op: die nuutste


tegnologie op een plek, gesprekke met

verskaffers en tyd om planne vir die nuwe

seisoen te slyp.

Vir borge en bedryfsvennote is die fees

eweneens ’n strategiese platform. “Dit is

nie net ’n viering van landbou nie; dit is

’n platform wat die bedryf ondersteun en

bevorder en mense van regoor die land

saambring,” voeg Brendan Jacobs, Standard

Bank se hoof van landboubesigheid, by. Dié

samevloei van boere, besigheid en breër

publiek vestig die Bieliemieliefees as meer as

net vermaak – dit is ’n plek waar verhoudings,

kennis en sakegeleenthede groei.

Die 2026 Bieliemieliefees het dus weer

bewys: Reitz is waar landbou, gemeenskap

en innovasie mekaar vind en feestelik

saam vorentoe beweeg!‐ Waarlik, die

fees met gees!!

Foto’s: VKB Bieliemieliefees FB Blad

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


VOER • FEED

When feed

additives become

“PHARMACEUTICALS”:

why the ration matters

more than the bottle

By Daniel Venter,

Meadow Feeds Technical Advisor

I was standing in a

pharmacy the other

day doing what all

responsible adults

(of a certain age)

do: squinting at a

shelf of vitamins and

pretending I understand the

difference between “immune

support”, “immune defence”

and “ultimate immune warrior”.

Vitamin C that promises the immune

system of a Spartan. Magnesium that

will apparently fix your sleep, your

mood and your group chat. Omega‐3 for your

brain. Collagen for your joints. Something

called “Ultra Men’s Vitality” that sounds like

it should come with a warning label and a

gym membership.

Now imagine you’re standing there thinking:

Which one is “best” for me?

You’re tired, you’ve skipped breakfast, your

lunch was a petrol‐station pie, and you’re

considering solving it with… vitamins. Treating

symptoms, not causes.

That pharmacy aisle is the perfect

metaphor for how many of us treat feed

additives in dairy nutrition.


In 2026, the dairy world has its own

“supplement aisle”: buffers, yeasts, direct‐fed

microbials, mycotoxin binders, enzymes,

emulsifiers, essential oils, organic acids,

trace‐mineral chelates, rumen‐protected

everything – and a few products that sound

like they were named by a Marvel villain.

Bottom line: the South African dairy

producer is swimming in choice.

And here’s the truth: additives can be

valuable – but only if the base diet is

doing the heavy lifting.

How big is the additive “aisle”

in South Africa?

If you want a sense of scale, look at

industry structure:

» AFMA (Animal Feed Manufacturers

Association) publishes member lists of

feed manufacturers (full members) and

ingredient/additive/premix/stock‐remedy

suppliers (associate members). Even a

quick scan of those lists shows dozens

upon dozens of companies supplying feed

inputs to South Africa’s animal industries.

» Many associate members explicitly cover

categories such as feed additives, premixes

and stock remedies.

So “how many companies?”

In practical terms, well over a hundred

organisations are active across

manufacturing, distribution and specialised

supply – before you even count independent

brands, agents and non‐AFMA suppliers.

Some suppliers carry catalogues rather than

product lists – a clue that we’re not dealing

with a handful of options. Many market

“complete ranges” of vitamins, minerals,

buffers, amino acids, flavourants and blends.

Then there’s the regulatory reality: South

Africa regulates farm feeds and stock

remedies under Act 36 of 1947, which governs

registration and control of these products.

In other words, many additive‐type

interventions are taken seriously enough to

be regulated within a legal framework – not

just a marketing brochure.

The key mistake: treating

additives like nutrition

Additives are not “nutrition” in the way energy,

protein, fibre, minerals and water are nutrition.

Ruminants evolved to host the microbiome

that digests natural fibre.

Nutrition is the foundation:

» Dry matter intake (DMI)

» Fermentable energy; rumen‐digestible and

effective fibre

» Rumen‐degradable vs bypass protein

» Starch management; physically effective

NDF and digestible NDF

• Feeding digestible NDF so ruminants can

do what they are supposed to do

» Mineral balance (including DCAD

where relevant)

» Water access; heat‐stress management;

consistency in mixing and delivery

Additives are only one set of tools in the

toolbox – tools that can improve efficiency,

reduce risk or target a defined bottleneck.


VOER • FEED

The trouble starts when the additive becomes

a substitute for fixing the basics:

» If the ration is short on effective fibre, don’t

expect a yeast product to “buffer” your way

out of acidosis risk.

» If intakes are collapsing due to heat

stress, the best “natural additive” is shade,

water flow and a feeding schedule that

respects physics.

» If chop length and sorting are a

mess, a flavour enhancer won’t stop

cows selectively eating the wrong

half of the TMR.

In pharmacy terms: vitamins won’t

out‐muscle a lifestyle built on

pies and stress.

Where “natural” additives

genuinely help

Natural feed additives are not nonsense.

Many have real mechanisms and real data

– but they work best when applied with a

clear objective.

Here are common “natural” classes

used in dairy systems, and what

they’re actually for:

1. Live yeasts and direct‐fed microbials

Used to stabilise rumen fermentation,

support fibre digestion and reduce risk

during transitions (fresh cows, ration

changes). Useful when the diet and

management are already close to correct.

2. Organic acids

More common in youngstock or

feed‐hygiene contexts. Useful for feed

and water hygiene and certain gut‐health

objectives, particularly under high

contamination pressure.

3. Essential oils and plant extracts

These may modulate rumen fermentation

or help with specific efficiency goals

– but responses can be variable and

diet‐dependent. Excellent when you

measure outcomes; disappointing when

you “sprinkle and pray”.

4. Mycotoxin risk management (binders/

deactivators)

If the risk is real (silage issues, suspect raw

materials), these are essential. But they

are not a licence to neglect bunker‐face

management, skip proper sampling or

compromise on supplier quality control.

5. Buffers (yes, often “natural”)

When diets are high in fermentable

carbohydrates, intakes inconsistent or

rumen pH margins tight, buffers can be

highly valuable.

A simple rule: diagnose first,

supplement second.


Before buying anything,

answer five questions:

1. What problem are we solving?

2. What is the limiting factor?

3. What does the data say?

4. What management change gives the

biggest return?

5. What additive has evidence for this

exact situation – and how will we

measure success?

If you can’t answer #1 and #5, you’re not

buying an additive – you’re buying hope.

You can’t supplement your way

out of a bad ration

A good additive can make a good

ration better.

A good additive cannot make a bad

ration good.

Natural additives have a role – a valuable

one – but their best use is purposeful,

measured and built on correct fundamentals.

Start with the ration, the mixing, the cows’

comfort and intake consistency.

Then – and only then – let the additive aisle

work for you, not against your budget.

A practical conclusion

The Dairymail readers can

use tomorrow morning.

Additives have a role – a real one. But they

belong after the basics, not instead of them.

Use additives to:

» reduce a defined risk,

» correct a measured constraint,

» improve efficiency where the ration is

already sound.

Do not use additives to:

» “fix” a ration with inadequate effective fibre,

» compensate for inconsistent

mixing or feeding,

» rescue DMI that is being crushed by heat

stress and water limitations,

» patch over poor forage quality.

If nutrition is right, additives can be valuable

finishing tools.

If nutrition is wrong, additives become an

expensive way of postponing the real work.

Or, back in the pharmacy aisle:

Vitamins can support health – but they

won’t out‐muscle a lifestyle built on

pies and panic.

FOR EXPERT ADVICE

CONTACT OUR TECHNICAL

ADVISORS NEAR YOU



BUILDING

resilient dairy herds

through nutrition

By Caitlyn de Vos,

Ruminant & Silage

Development Manager,

Vitam International

South African dairy producers are

farming through constant uncertainty.

Whether it’s disease pressure – such as

the current foot-and-mouth outbreak

– high mycotoxin challenge, heat

stress, drought, or simply the daily

demands of sustaining milk production,

resilience has become one of the most

valuable traits in any herd. A resilient

herd will convert feed efficiently,

maintain performance, and recover

faster from setbacks. Making resilience

synonymous with profitability,

efficiency, and sustainability.

A

dairy cow’s immune system is the

foundation of her productivity,

resilience and longevity. While

vaccination programs and good on-farm

management practices remain nonnegotiable

pillars of herd health, they

alone do not guarantee good immunity

and resilience. There is another, often

undervalued pillar: nutrition.

A strong immune system starts

with nutrition

The immune system is the animal’s defence

mechanism, intricately designed to

detect pathogens, clear foreign material,

and eliminate damaged cells. When it

comes to immunity, two things matter

most: readiness, the ability to detect and

respond, and recovery, how quickly the cow

returns to normal.

To accomplish this, the immune system

relies on a coordinated network of cells,

tissues and metabolites, divided into two

functional parts: the innate and adaptive

immune systems.


The innate immune system mounts a

rapid, broad, and inflammation-driven

response to eliminate threats. While

necessary, inflammation generates reactive

oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals as

byproducts, which can damage cells and

tissues. To counteract ROS, the body relies

on a finely tuned antioxidant system, but

when ROS production exceeds this capacity,

oxidative stress develops, damaging tissues,

prolonging inflammation, and suppressing

immune function. When innate mechanisms

fail, the adaptive immune response engages,

characterised by the generation of memory

cells that recognise a specific pathogen

antigen for a faster, stronger response on

re‐exposure – the basis of vaccination.

The immune system is metabolically

demanding; the production of immune

cells alone accounts for ~1–2% of total

maintenance energy cost, while an acutely

activated immune response in dairy cows

can require >1 kg of glucose over a 12-hour

period. Protein and specific amino acid

requirements also increase. Along with

macronutrients, cows frequently require

higher levels of micronutrients to achieve

optimal immune function and maintain

oxidative balance. Success in disease

resistance, therefore, starts with maintaining a

baseline of nutritional immune competence.

Microminerals: Small nutrients

with a big payoff

A balanced supply of micronutrients is

essential for production efficiency and

immune competence. Several microminerals

play fundamental roles in immune processes,

but their common mechanism is antioxidant

defence. Antioxidants act as the ‘clean-up

crew’ neutralising ROS, but the key enzymes

behind this defence depend on micromineral

cofactors, without which these enzymes

cannot function.

Zinc (Zn): A component of 200+ enzymes and

supports nutrient metabolism, gene regulation,

and hormone function. Zinc is a key cofactor for

the primary antioxidant superoxide dismutase

(SOD). Immunologically, Zn is indispensable

for epithelial barrier integrity (teat canal, gut),

the development and function of both innate

and adaptive immune cells, and for regulating

immune cell responses to pathogens.

Selenium (Se): Central to neutralising ROS

and attenuating inflammation and selfdamage.

It is an essential component of 25+

selenoproteins and is best known for its role as

a core component of glutathione peroxidase

(GPx), one of the body’s most important

antioxidants. Beyond its antioxidant activity, Se

boosts the function of specific innate immune

cells to destroy pathogens.

Copper (Cu): Key for antioxidant defences,

namely Cu-Zn SOD activity, and supports

innate and adaptive responses, namely

antibody production.

Manganese (Mn): Involved in antioxidant

protection (SOD activity), nutrient metabolism,

antibody production, and non-specific immune

responses in dairy cattle.

Supplementing key micronutrients has been

well-demonstrated to lower somatic cell counts

(SCC), strengthen immunity, and improve

antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory balance.

Even slight deficiencies can undermine a cow’s

natural ability to fight infections and blunt

vaccine performance – reinforcing that trace

minerals are small inputs with major immunity

consequences.


Mineral source matters

Not all mineral sources are created equal, and

in ruminants, they behave differently once

they reach the rumen. Inorganic Zn (e.g., zinc

sulphate/oxide) and Se (e.g., sodium selenite/

selenate) are cheaper and easier to produce

but dissociate into free ions in the rumen and

are quickly bound by antagonists (sulphur,

molybdenum, iron, and phytates), rendering

them insoluble and poorly absorbed. Typical

absorption rates are low (Zn ~ 5 – 10%;

Se ~ 10 -16 %), and Se is rapidly reduced

into unabsorbable forms by the rumen

microbes. Due to their low bioavailability,

inorganic sources are inefficiently utilised,

requiring higher inclusion rates to attempt

to meet the demands of high-performing

dairy cows. Conversely, organic forms of

Zn and Se, such as selenised yeasts, amino

acid complexes, and proteinates, avoid the

challenges posed by antagonists and offer

higher bioavailability. Additionally, organic

Se, supplied as selenomethionine (SeMet)

is taken up and retained by rumen microbes

far more effectively (5x), and is capable of

incorporation into tissue proteins to build a

biological Se reserve that can be mobilised

during stress conditions or when dietary Se

supply is sub-optimal.

To manage costs, choose mineral sources

with purpose. Inorganic forms can be

adequate under low antagonist pressure.

However, Zn and Se benefit strongly from

organic forms due to their high antagonist

sensitivity and central roles in antioxidant

and immune function. In practice, blended

approaches that use inorganic sources to

meet baseline requirements and organic

forms to target high-value windows offer the

best balance of cost and return.


Vitamins: Synergists to minerals

Vitamin A, D, and E, complement

microminerals to strengthen barrier function,

support immune responses, and mitigate

oxidative stress. Although their antioxidant

effect is less potent than that of the mineraldependent

antioxidant enzymes, they still play

a crucial role in managing oxidative stress.

Vitamin A: Supports the formation and

regeneration of the epithelium (skin, mucosa),

gut enterocytes, and the maintenance

of goblet cells, which produce mucin, a

microbial barrier in the gut. These functions

help maintain barrier protection against

pathogens. Additionally, it influences immune

cell development and signalling. Because

vitamin A is extensively degraded in the

rumen, by 40–70% in high-grain diets, rumenprotected

sources must be considered to

ensure reliable delivery.

Vitamin D₃: Acts as an immunomodulator,

strengthening both innate and adaptive

immunity. It helps immune cells destroy

pathogens, increases the production of

antimicrobial peptides, and regulates

excessive inflammation.

Vitamin E: Primary fat-soluble antioxidant,

acting as a ‘chain-breaker’ to prevent the

chain reaction caused when ROS attack cell

membranes to prevent lipid peroxidation and

protect membrane integrity. Vitamin E and

Se act synergistically; Se fuels intracellular

antioxidant enzymes; vitamin E protects cell

membranes. Their functions are distinct but

interdependent, and the best results are

achieved when both are optimally supplied.


Grape polyphenols

Beyond micronutrients, grape-derived

polyphenols are increasingly recognised for

their multi-action antioxidant activity, which

complements vitamins and microminerals

by reducing oxidative stress and modulating

inflammatory pathways. However, not all

polyphenols are created equal; prioritise

standardised and rumen-protected forms to

ensure consistent delivery and guaranteed

activity. A specific rumen‐protected source

has been shown to directly neutralise free

radicals, stimulate endogenous antioxidant

enzymes, and regenerate vitamins E and

C. Around vaccination in young cattle,

supplementation with this same source of

polyphenols was associated with higher

antibody titres, improved antioxidant status,

and faster development of protective

immunity. Under heat stress, polyphenols

have been linked to improved milk yield, lower

SCC, better thermoregulation, and favourable

immunometabolic markers. As such, grape

polyphenols should be considered around

vaccination and during high-stress periods

to limit oxidative load, allowing micronutrients

and immune cells to perform optimally.

Mycotoxins: The hidden

immunosuppressive risk

While infectious agents often receive the

most attention, mycotoxins remain one of

the most significant, yet underestimated,

feed-derived immunosuppressive

challenges. Aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol,

ochratoxin A, and fumonisins impair immune

function. Mycotoxins exhibit bidirectional

immunotoxicity, meaning they not only impair

immunity but can also overstimulate it and

drive inflammation. Research shows that

mycotoxins worsen infections by increasing

pathogen replication (especially viruses),

compromising mucosal barriers, heightening

inflammatory responses, reducing gut

microbiota diversity, and impairing immune

cell activity.

Unlike acute disease outbreaks, exposure

is often chronic and invisible, gradually

weakening immune competence, reducing

vaccine responsiveness, increasing SCC,

and eroding performance. Mycotoxins also

hinder nutrient absorption, counteracting the

value of targeted nutrient supplementation.

In this context, using a scientifically validated

mycotoxin binder is not simply a feed safety

measure but an immune-protection strategy.

Gut heath & immunity:

An intrinsic link

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is more than a

site for feed digestion; it is the body’s largest

immune organ, with more than 70% of immune

cells residing in the gut-associated lymphoid

tissue (GALT), which serves as a surveillance

system to detect threats and ensure an

appropriate immune response. Interestingly,

the GIT microbiota has recently been found to

interact with the immune system, influencing

not only the gut but all aspects of the body

through several microbiome-gut-organ axes

(MGOA) (e.g., gut-lung and gut-mammary).

These MGOAs enable bidirectional

communication between the GIT and other

organs via signalling pathways. Meaning

that stressors that disrupt microbial balance

open the door to pathogenic overgrowth and

downstream health issues.



Although the rumen is not typically

considered a major immune organ, rumen

health clearly influences immunity. A

stable rumen – with optimal pH, balanced

microbiota, and efficient fermentation

– supports nutrient supply, protects the

rumen wall, and limits systemic inflammation.

Interestingly, emerging research suggests

that the rumen does, in fact, contain

specific acquired immune cells within the

rumen papillae.

These insights reiterate the value

of probiotics. Two specific strains of

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, CNCM I-1079

and var. boulardii CNCM I-1077, are

well-demonstrated to stabilise microbial

populations, support favourable conditions,

strengthen epithelial integrity, and reduce

pro-inflammatory signalling, contributing to

stronger immune competence and resilience

under stress.

Ultimately, the gut–immune connection

is foundational for successful ruminant

production. When the microbial ecosystem,

epithelial barrier, and digestion are well

balanced, cows stay healthier, convert

feed more efficiently, and maintain strong,

consistent performance.

When cost-cutting

becomes costly

When margins are tight, cutting microminerals

and specialty feed additives often ‘saves

cents to lose rands’. Subclinical deficiencies,

mycotoxicosis, immunosuppression,

microbiota imbalance, and oxidative stress

manifest as higher SCC, greater disease

burden, reduced fertility, slower recovery, and

weaker vaccine responses. The cost of which

far outweighs any short‐term savings from

cutting supplementation. Instead, maintain

a robust core premix and layer targeted

strategies as needed, based on your herd’s

risk profile. Lastly, select micronutrients

and feed additives with intent, prioritising

scientifically backed solutions that offer the

strongest cost‐to‐return.

Bottom-line:

Challenges from diseases, climate variability,

metabolic stress, and management

pressures are unavoidable. What matters

is preparedness. Vaccination, biosecurity,

and sound management can only deliver

the best results when paired with strong

nutritional support. The science is clear: when

micronutrients and targeted feed additives

are dialled in, cows build stronger immunity,

respond effectively to vaccination, better

withstand stressors, and return to production

faster after setbacks.

In an industry where the unexpected is

guaranteed, resilience is one of the best

investments a dairy can make.

References available on request.

C

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THE

FRESH

COW

PERIOD

as a profit

centre in

modern

dairy

systems

With reference to South African production conditions

By Oleksandr Ovcharenko

The weeks immediately after calving

are widely recognised as the most

vulnerable stage in a dairy cow’s

productive life. They are often

discussed in the context of disease

risk, metabolic instability and

veterinary intervention. Yet in resilient,

high‐performing dairy systems, the

fresh cow period is not primarily

managed as a risk zone.

It is managed as a leverage point.

The first 21 days in milk determine the

trajectory of the lactation curve, the

stability of reproductive recovery and

the predictability of economic output. The

biological intensity of this phase makes it

sensitive – but it also makes it powerful.

When properly designed, the fresh period

becomes a profit centre, rather than a

cost centre.




Early lactation and

economic trajectory

Milk yield in early lactation defines more

than short‐term production. Peak milk level

influences total lactation yield, feed efficiency

and replacement pressure. Even moderate

improvements in peak can translate into

several hundred additional kilograms of milk

over a full lactation.

But peak is not created at 60 days in milk.

It is shaped during the first three

weeks postpartum.

During this phase, nutrient demand increases

sharply while dry matter intake (DMI)

lags behind. Negative energy balance is

physiologically unavoidable. The management

question is not whether cows experience

energy deficit – it is how deep the deficit

becomes, and how long it persists.

The duration and severity of negative

energy balance influence immune

competence, metabolic resilience and time

to first ovulation. In economic terms, they

influence cost per kilogram of milk sold.

Intake recovery as the central

control variable

In transition management, ration formulation

often receives primary attention. While

nutrient balance remains essential,

formulation alone does not secure

performance.

Dry matter intake recovery

is the principal stabiliser of

early lactation.

Research in subtropical dairy systems

– including analyses from Stellenbosch

University and reports from the Agricultural

Research Council (ARC) – has demonstrated

that elevated heat load can reduce intake

in lactating cows by approximately 8–12%

compared with thermoneutral conditions.

Even modest intake suppression during

early lactation can deepen negative energy

balance and delay metabolic recovery.

For this reason, intake recovery

must be treated as a measurable

performance indicator.

Execution factors become critical:

» Adequate bunk space and

reduced competition

» Consistent feed push‐up frequency

» Reliable water availability and flow rate

» Effective ventilation and cooling

» Stall comfort and lying time

No nutritional model can compensate for

inconsistent environmental execution. Fresh

cows respond rapidly to stress, and metabolic

instability often reflects environmental

variability rather than dietary imbalance.


Heat stress and South African

production realities

In South African dairy systems,

climate variability adds complexity to

transition management.

Seasonal heat load – particularly in

inland and subtropical regions – increases

maintenance energy requirements while

simultaneously suppressing feed intake.

ARC extension literature and regional

climate impact analyses consistently

highlight reductions in milk yield during

high heat load periods, often ranging

between 5–15%, depending on severity and

management capacity.

For fresh cows, the implications are

amplified. Reduced intake under heat stress

increases the depth of negative energy

balance, elevates circulating non‐esterified

fatty acids, and can compromise immune

function. The result is not only reduced milk

output, but also higher reproductive delay

and increased health‐related interventions.

In pasture‐based systems, where teff

and maize silage frequently form part of the

forage base, variability in forage quality may

further influence intake patterns. During

warm seasons, lower fibre digestibility

combined with heat load can compound

metabolic pressure.

Climate adaptation in the fresh pen is

therefore not optional – it is central to

economic design.

Breed considerations:

the Jersey dimension

Jersey herds represent a substantial portion

of dairy production in parts of South Africa

due to their feed efficiency and adaptability.

However, breed characteristics influence

metabolic dynamics.

Lower body mass and higher relative

milk‐solids output may alter the expression

of energy deficit under heat load conditions.

While Jerseys are often considered more heat

tolerant than larger‐framed breeds, they are

not immune to intake suppression during high

THI periods.

Fresh Jersey cows may exhibit different

patterns of body condition mobilisation

compared with Holsteins. Monitoring body

condition change during the first 30 days in

milk becomes particularly relevant in systems

where Jerseys predominate.

Breed‐specific transition strategies

should therefore complement general

metabolic principles.

Milking strategy and

metabolic load

Milking frequency in early lactation is typically

discussed as a production stimulant. However,

increased milking frequency also increases

metabolic demand.

In systems where intake capacity is

constrained – whether due to heat load,

competition or forage variability – aggressive

early‐lactation milking intensity may deepen

energy deficit rather than enhance long‐term

performance. Structured adaptation of milking

intensity during the first days postpartum,

aligned with intake capacity and cow comfort,

may support smoother metabolic adjustment.

The objective is not immediate extraction

maximisation, but balanced stimulation.

The relationship between production

stimulus and metabolic capacity should guide

early lactation management decisions.



Calcium stability and

intake preservation

Calcium metabolism is commonly

addressed as a clinical risk – prevention of

milk fever and hypocalcaemia. However,

calcium balance is directly linked to rumen

motility, muscle contraction and uterine

recovery. Subclinical hypocalcaemia,

even when not clinically visible, can impair

intake and prolong metabolic instability.

Effective close‐up mineral management

– including appropriate dietary

cation‐anion difference (DCAD) and

monitoring – supports rapid restoration

of calcium homeostasis. When calcium

stabilises quickly, intake recovery is

more consistent.

Under heat stress conditions,

where intake is already compromised,

maintaining mineral stability becomes

even more critical. Calcium management

is therefore not a veterinary add‐on. It is

part of intake protection strategy.

Body condition and

energy mobilisation

Body condition score at calving

reflects dry period design quality.

Over‐conditioned cows face increased

risk of excessive fat mobilisation

postpartum. Under‐conditioned cows

lack sufficient reserves to support early

lactation demands.

The objective is not to eliminate fat

mobilisation – it is physiologically required.

The objective is to prevent excessive

mobilisation that overwhelms hepatic

capacity and prolongs energy deficit.

Rapid body condition loss during

the first 30 days in milk is associated

with delayed cyclicity and reduced

reproductive efficiency. Stable, moderate

body condition change indicates more

balanced adaptation. Effective fresh cow

programmes begin before calving.

Reproduction begins

in the fresh pen

Reproductive programmes are often evaluated

at 60–80 days in milk, yet reproductive success

begins immediately after calving. Extended

negative energy balance delays first ovulation.

Metabolic disorders impair uterine recovery. Each

additional day open increases feed cost and

reduces herd‐level efficiency.

Stable fresh cows typically demonstrate earlier

cyclicity and improved pregnancy rates.

Transition management is therefore

inseparable from reproductive economics.

Measuring stability

under local conditions

Transforming the fresh period into a profit centre

requires tracking relevant metrics:

» Intake recovery trends

» Peak milk by parity and breed

» Body condition change from calving to 30 DIM

» Incidence of metabolic events

» Early culling rates

» Seasonal production variation during

high heat load

In South African systems, seasonal comparison

becomes particularly valuable. Monitoring

fresh cow performance across cool and warm

periods can reveal climate‐related vulnerability in

early lactation.

Predictability – rather than maximum

short‐term yield – defines long‐term resilience.


Designing for

controlled variability

The fresh cow period should not be

approached as a fragile stage requiring

reactive intervention. It is a high‐impact

economic window requiring structured

design. Energy balance management,

intake recovery, mineral stability, breed

considerations and climate adaptation are

interconnected components of one system.

When early lactation stability improves:

» Peak production becomes

more predictable

» Reproductive recovery accelerates

» Replacement pressure decreases

» Seasonal variability narrows

Profitability in modern dairy systems rarely

results from a single breakthrough. It emerges

from controlled variability.

The fresh cow period offers one of the

strongest opportunities to design that control.

And in doing so, it transforms from a risk zone

into a profit centre.

Author bio

Oleksandr Ovcharenko works with

large industrial dairy farms, focusing on

transition management, metabolic stability

and system‐based herd performance.

His approach integrates practical farm

execution with modern nutritional

modelling to improve productivity,

predictability and long‐term profitability.


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


ALTERNATIVE ENERGY – PART 2:

WIND

Wind energy on South African dairy farms

The Dairymail editorial team

This article is Part 2 in our Alternative Energy for Dairy series.

Part 1 (February) explored how the sun can power milking, cooling

and irrigation. This month we turn to the wind – where and when it

works best, and how it can complement solar in hybrid systems.


Wind power plays a growing role in

South Africa’s renewable energy

landscape, especially along

the coastal belt. Large‐scale wind farms,

particularly in the Western and Eastern Cape,

already contribute significant capacity to the

national grid due to consistently strong wind

speeds in these regions. For farmers situated

in high‐wind areas, wind turbines can provide

an effective alternative – or complement – to

solar installations. While not as widespread

on small farms as solar, wind‐energy adoption

is increasing among farmers with the right

conditions, and hybrid systems are becoming

more common.

Why wind works for dairy farming

1. Power generation day and night

Unlike solar, wind energy is not limited

to daylight hours. Many coastal farms

experience strong night winds, allowing

turbines to continue producing power

while dairy operations draw energy for

refrigeration and water heating.

2. Excellent complement to solar

Wind strength often increases during

winter and cloudy periods – exactly when

solar output decreases. This natural

balancing effect makes wind ideal for

hybrid renewable systems.

3. Long‐term economic benefits

Although turbines have higher upfront

costs than solar panels, their running

costs are low, and output can be

substantial in the right regions. Farmers in

the Western Cape’s high‐wind corridors,

for example, may find wind highly

cost‐effective over time.

Wind vs Solar

Typical capital &

running costs

Solar PV

(roof/ground, 50–300 kW):

» Capex: Moderate (often the lowest per

kW among renewables).

» O&M: Low (module cleaning, inverter

swap at year ~10–12).

» Yield: Strong in summer/daylight; falls on

cloudy days and winter.

Farm‐scale wind

(≈15–100 kW turbine):

» Capex: Higher per kW than PV; crane/

mast/foundation add to cost.

» O&M: Moderate (annual service,

occasional gearbox/blade work).

» Yield: Good where mean wind speeds

are robust; valuable at night & winter.

In many SA cases, PV delivers the first,

fastest payback; wind strengthens

the case if the site’s wind regime is

demonstrably strong.

4. Proven performance in agriculture

A growing number of South African

farmers have installed small‐scale

wind turbines where wind conditions

allow, demonstrating the viability of the

technology for powering farm operations

and reducing reliance on the grid.


Wind vs Solar

Indicative payback bands

» Solar PV: Often shortest payback

where daytime self‐consumption is

high (milking, pumping, hot water).

» Wind: Payback tightens in coastal/

ridgeline sites with proven wind;

further improved in PV+Wind hybrids

due to higher self‐use and reduced

evening imports.

Sensitivity drivers: Eskom tariff &

escalation, wind capacity factor, PV yield,

finance rate, and maintenance.


Best conditions for wind

Wind power works best for dairy

farms located in:

» Coastal areas with consistent wind

(Western Cape, Eastern Cape)

» Elevated sites or ridgelines where wind

speeds are higher

» Farms seeking hybrid setups to balance

solar production cycles

In summary: wind’s strengths

» Effective in strong wind zones

» Produces power day and night

» Balances solar output seasonally

» Works well in hybrid systems

» Scalable for small or large installations

Bottom line: Wind is a strategic option

for dairy farmers who have the right

environmental conditions or who want to build

a resilient solar‐wind hybrid system.

Wind vs Solar

Regional suitability

» Western Cape (coastal & ridges):

Strong candidate for PV + Wind

hybrid; night winds common.

» Eastern Cape (coastal): Similar hybrid

potential; verify turbulence & setbacks.

» Inland Highveld: PV‐first; wind is

site‐specific (local ridges can work).

» KZN coastal: Mixed; some pockets

suit wind, PV remains baseline.


Conclusion: sun or wind?

Both solar and wind offer powerful solutions

for dairy farmers seeking stable, renewable

and cost‐effective energy.

» Solar is the best choice for most farms

due to its broad suitability, predictable

output and favourable costs.

» Wind excels in specific high‐wind

regions and is particularly valuable when

paired with solar in a hybrid system.

Together, they offer a practical path toward

energy security for the South African dairy

sector – supporting stable milk production,

lowering operating costs and contributing to

a more sustainable future.

Wind vs Solar

Wind vs Solar

Decision checklist

» Do we have bankable wind data (not

just “it’s breezy”)?

» Can we self‐consume most kWh

(parlour, pumps, heating)?

» Are permits & grid

interconnect feasible?

» Is there a local O&M pathway?

» Does the combined PV+Wind curve

lower peaks and imports enough to

move the payback?

Worked example

A 150‐cow parlour with bulk‐tank chilling

and hot water demand.

» Base load shape: Peaks at milking

times + evening hot water.

» PV‐only: Cuts midday imports;

evening imports remain.

» Add 20–60 kW wind: Night/

overcast production reduces evening

imports, smoothing monthly bills

and improving asset utilisation of

inverters/balance‐of‐plant.

Take‐home: If wind data confirms a solid

resource, hybrid beats single‐tech on

stability and often on payback.

Editorial note: Indicative ranges only. For

project‐specific accuracy, obtain quotations

from local EPCs and OEMs – wind/solar

resource, Eskom tariff structures, finance

terms and O&M provisions will materially

influence results.


Deur Meyer Louw


Die PERSONEEL-

VERMINDERINGS-

KONSULTASIE-

KENNISGEWING:

Die vertrekpunt van ’n regverdige

personeelverminderingsproses

Wanneer ’n werkgewer personeelvermindering oorweeg, begin die

proses gewoonlik met ’n skriftelike kennisgewing aan die werknemer of

sy verteenwoordiger waarin die eerste konsultasie met betrekking tot die

personeelvermindering aangekondig word. Hierdie kennisgewing is nie net

’n formaliteit nie, maar vorm die grondslag vir die hele konsultasieproses. Dit

moet genoegsame inligting bevat sodat die werknemer werklik kan verstaan

wat bespreek gaan word en hoe hy/sy by die proses betrek kan word.

Die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge Wet 66

van 1995 (WAV) bepaal welke elemente

in die kennisgewing moet verskyn. In

die konteks van die nuwe Goeie Praktykskode

van Ontslag (skedule 8 van die WAV) wat

in September 2025 inwerking getree het,

is daar ’n paar praktykveranderinge wat

werkgewers van moet kennis neem. Die

nuwe Kode het die vorige, afsonderlike

riglyne oor ontslag weens operasionele

vereistes vervang en hierdie beginsels nou

binne een geïntegreerde raamwerk vir alle

vorme van ontslag saamgevoeg, insluitend

personeelvermindering.


Vereiste elemente sluit in:

» Redes waarom personeelvermindering

oorweeg word:

Hierdie redes vorm die raamwerk waarbinne

die gesprek gevoer gaan word. Dit beteken

nie net ’n vae verwysing na “bedryfsredes”

nie, maar ’n volledige beskrywing van

die omstandighede wat noodsaak dat

personeelvermindering moontlik nou

op die tafel is. Die doel hiervan is dat

die werknemer die konteks verstaan

en kan voorberei om ’n daadwerklike

bydrae te lewer op besprekingspunte

by die konsultasie om die effek van die

personeelvermindering sover moontlik

te kan beperk.

» Beoogde aantal werknemers

en poskategorieë wat moontlik

geraak kan word:

Op hierdie stadium is dit slegs nog ’n

oorweging en dui op die moontlike

aantal werknemers, maar die werknemer

moet wel weet of hy of sy moontlik direk

geraak kan word.

» Voorlopige seleksiekriteria wat die

werkgewer oorweeg om poste/

werknemers wat geraak kan

word te bepaal:

Hierdie kriteria moet billik, objektief en

regverdigbaar wees, aangesien dit later

duidelik en op feite gegrond gemotiveer

sal moet kan word om die besluit te

regverdig by die Kommissie vir Versoening,

Bemiddeling en Arbitrasie (KVBA) of

Arbeidshof indien ’n geskil verwys word.

» Hoe die proses gaan lyk en die tydperk

waaroor, asook wanneer, die moontlike

personeelvermindering gaan plaasvind



» Redes wat reeds oorweeg is om

personeelvermindering te vermy:

Personeelvermindering moet nie as die

eerste of enigste opsie voorkom nie. Indien

herstrukturering, taakverskuiwing, die

vermindering van werksure, of ander maniere

om koste te bespaar ondersoek is, moet

hierdie alternatiewe genoem word. Hierdie

inligting toon dat die werkgewer nie oorhaastig

besluite neem nie, maar die situasie deursigtig

benader. Enige redes waarom hierdie

alternatiewe nie vir die werkgewer werkbaar is

nie moet ook ingesluit word. Die werknemer

moet weet wanneer die konsultasies beplan

word en dat geen finale besluit geneem word

voordat die konsultasieproses afgehandel is

nie en dat die werknemers geleentheid het om

insette te lewer.

» Besonderhede oor voorgestelde

skeidingsvergoeding:

Insluitend hoe dit bereken sal word en of dit

bo die statutêre minimum vereistes strek.

» Bystand aan werknemers:

Watter bystand, indien enige, kan

geraakte werknemers verwag, soos hulp

met werksoek, CV-opstelling of ander

ondersteuningsmaatreëls.

» Moontlikheid van toekomstige

herindiensneming:

Aan wie sal herindiensneming eerste

aangebied word en hoe sal kontak behou

word. Die WAV vereis ook dat die kennisgewing

die totale aantal werknemers in diens, asook

die aantal werknemers wat in die voorafgaande

12 maande weens operasionele vereistes

ontslaan is, vermeld, ten einde deursigtigheid

en billike konsultasie te verseker.

Ter opsomming kan ons sien dat die kennisgewing

dus ’n mate van duidelikheid gee en situasies

voorkom waar werknemers met die konsultasie vir

die eerste keer hoor dat, en hoe, hulle moontlik

geaffekteer word.


LABOUR

COLUMN

by FERDI HARTENZENBERG

Addressing

WORKFORCE

SHORTAGES

in the South African

dairy industry:

A pragmatic approach

Workforce shortages are increasingly

affecting South Africa’s dairy industry.

Whether they operate family farms or

large processing plants, numerous

enterprises face challenges in

recruiting and retaining skilled

personnel. As technological progress

advances and regulations become

more rigorous, the demand for trained

and dependable staff continues

to escalate.

Within the South African dairy

sector, this issue transcends

human resources; it fundamentally

concerns ensuring the sector’s future

sustainability. Addressing this challenge

requires pragmatic strategies, industry‐wide

cooperation, and decisive leadership, all of

which are supported by the Dairy Farmers of

South Africa (DFSA).



1. Attracting talented workers

to rural communities

Dairy farming is a continuous year‐round

endeavour. Cows require daily milking,

herds demand meticulous management,

and equipment must function efficiently.

Processing facilities are equally vital,

adhering to rigorous food‐safety standards

and consistently delivering products of

superior quality.

Nevertheless, many rural areas face

challenges that significantly affect local

communities:

» As young people relocate to urban areas,

rural communities may experience an

ageing farming population and a decline

in available local workers. Although these

changes are difficult, they also create

opportunities for growth and innovation.

» Embracing these shifts can enable

communities to flourish in new and

inspiring ways.

» Against this backdrop, it becomes

increasingly difficult to identify

suitable candidates for roles such as

herd managers, milking supervisors,

maintenance technicians, quality‐control

officers, and plant operators and engineers.

These teams ensure the seamless

operation of our facilities; their teamwork

and commitment contribute directly to

daily success.

Practical, helpful solutions for dairy farmers

should be straightforward to understand and

easy to implement – small changes that make

a big impact on daily routines.

To enhance recruitment efforts, the industry

can prioritise strategies that make entry

welcoming and effective:

» Forge deeper partnerships with

agricultural colleges and training

institutions. Structured apprenticeships

and learnerships that include practical,

hands‐on training and clear career paths

invest in current employees and attract

new talent. Training local people not

only fulfils immediate staffing needs, it

strengthens the long‐term resilience of

rural communities.


2. Encouraging youth

engagement in dairy

professions

Many young South Africans perceive

agriculture as:

» physically demanding,

» low‐paying,

» limited in career growth.

However, contemporary dairy farming tells a

different story. Modern farms use:

» automated milking systems,

» data‐driven herd management,

» precision feeding systems, and

» sustainability monitoring tools.

Career opportunities extend well beyond

on‐farm labour and include:

» animal nutrition,

» environmental sustainability,

» laboratory science,

» food‐safety management,

» plant automation.

Transforming the perception

To attract younger generations, the

industry should:

» participate in career expos and school

outreach programmes;

» offer internships and graduate

development programmes;

» promote authentic success stories from

young dairy professionals;

» use social media to highlight modern

dairy operations.

Young professionals are motivated by

purpose, innovation, and impact. The

dairy sector contributes to food security,

rural employment and national nutrition – a

compelling message that deserves consistent,

visible communication.

3. Government immigration

policies and labour stability

In specific regions, dairy farms rely in part

on migrant labour. Because dairy production

is continuous rather than seasonal, farms

require stable, year‐round staffing. Uncertain

or restrictive immigration policies can result in:

» labour instability,

» increased operational costs,

» production risks.

At the same time, compliance with labour

legislation, equitable remuneration, and

safe working conditions are non‐negotiable.

A balanced approach

The South African dairy industry should:

» engage constructively with government on

pragmatic labour policies;

» support fair and ethical

employment practices;

» provide skills development and integration

support where needed.

Stable policy frameworks are essential to

maintaining operational continuity across the

value chain.



4. Employer branding:

Competing for talent

Dairy enterprises now compete not only with

other farms, but also with urban industries for

skilled people. The significance of employer

branding cannot be overstated.

A robust employer brand should

communicate:

» job stability;

» opportunities for career advancement;

» safe, well‐maintained working

environments;

» investment in training;

» commitment to employee wellbeing.

Highlighting community involvement and

employee success stories enhances both

recruitment and retention. Using digital

platforms and social media is especially

important when engaging younger

candidates. Transparency about working

conditions and clear development pathways

builds trust.

Industry leadership: The role of

Dairy Farmers of South Africa

The Dairy Farmers of South Africa

(DFSA) plays a crucial role in supporting

workforce development. Through training

initiatives, farmer‐support programmes and

engagement with policymakers, DFSA helps

to strengthen the industry’s human‐capital

foundation. Workforce sustainability cannot

depend on individual farms alone; it requires

coordinated, industry‐wide effort.

Conclusion: People are the

future of South African dairy

Workforce shortages in rural South Africa

are a structural challenge – but not an

insurmountable one.

By:

» investing in skills development,

» actively attracting young talent,

» collaborating with government on labour

stability, and

» strengthening employer branding,

… the dairy industry can secure the workforce

it needs for the next decade.

Ultimately, dairy farming is more than milk

production or processing efficiency; it is

fundamentally about people. Strengthening

the rural talent pipeline is essential to sustain

long‐term growth, drive innovation and

ensure food security in South Africa.

About the author

Ferdi Hartenzenberg is a management

practitioner in the South African dairy

sector, focused on workforce systems, rural

talent pipelines and practical leadership

at farm and plant level. His work combines

pragmatic, on‐the‐ground solutions with

industry collaboration to build resilient

teams and sustainable operations.

Contact him for practical advice related

to workforce strategy in the dairy industry:

ferdi@hartcorp.co.za


FINANCIAL

COLUMN

by THE DAIRYMAIL EDITORIAL TEAM

BUDGET 2026:

What SA farmers

need to know

– plain & practical

The 2026 Budget brought a mix of

good news and a few disappointments

for farmers. Here’s what actually

matters on the farm, without all the

technical and financial jargon.

GOOD NEWS FOR FARMERS

1. You keep a little more money in

your pocket

Government adjusted the income‐tax

brackets to keep up with inflation.

This means your tax doesn’t jump just

because prices went up.

» If you earn a salary from the farm, you will

pay slightly less tax this year.

Nothing massive – but every rand counts.


2. You can save more tax‐free

You can now put R46 000 per year into a

Tax‐Free Savings Account (TFSA).

This helps farmers build an emergency fund

without paying tax on interest or gains.

3. Retirement savings get a boost

You may now claim up to R430 000 per year

on your retirement annuity contributions.

If you’re trying to save properly for retirement,

this helps reduce your taxable income.


4. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

gets easier

If you ever sell:

» the farmhouse where you live,

» a piece of land,

» inherited property,

» or other farm assets

then Budget 2026 increases the amount

you can exclude from CGT.

New exclusions:

» Annual CGT exemption: R50 000

» Primary home exclusion (farm

homestead): R3 million

» Death‐event exclusion: R440 000

This helps with succession, estate planning

and farm restructuring.

5. VAT registration threshold jumps

to R2.3 million

A big win for smaller and emerging farmers.

You only need to register for VAT once your

turnover passes R2.3 million (previously

R1 million).

This means:

» Less admin

» Less red tape

» Easier cash flow

Many small farmers may now choose to

deregister if they fall under the threshold (but

get advice before doing so – you’ll lose input

VAT refunds.

6. Lower risk of penalties for

provisional taxpayers

If your farm income fluctuates and you

struggle with provisional tax estimates,

the penalty‐free threshold was raised to

R1.8 million.

This helps during tough years when income

is unpredictable.

NOT‐SO‐GOOD NEWS

FOR FARMERS

1. No relief for diesel, fuel or

transport costs

The Budget did not offer any new diesel

rebate improvements or direct fuel relief –

disappointing given high input costs.

2. No change to the sugar tax

Sugar‐cane farmers were hoping for a break.

But the Health Promotion Levy (sugar

tax) stays – hurting demand from

beverage companies.

3. No dedicated new money for

animal health

Even with the FMD outbreaks and biosecurity

challenges, the Budget did not allocate a

clear, ring‐fenced fund for animal‐health

systems, vaccines or veterinary upgrades.

This is a concern for livestock and dairy

farmers who depend on government support

to control FMD, TB, brucellosis and AI.

4. Donations between non‐resident

spouses now taxed

If you and your spouse live or farm across

borders (e.g., Botswana/Namibia/Eswatini),

donations between spouses will no longer

be tax‐free unless both are SA residents.

This affects cross‐border family farms and

estate planning.


WHAT THIS BUDGET MEANS

FOR YOUR FARM

The Good

» Slightly lower personal tax

» Better savings options

» Bigger CGT cushions for property

and succession

» VAT threshold increase reduces admin for

small farmers

» Easier provisional tax compliance

The Bad

» No help with diesel/fuel costs

» No sugar levy relief

» No strong commitment to

animal‐health funding

» More complex rules for bigger, multi‐entity

farming businesses

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR 2026

1. Review your structure and

succession plan

The higher CGT exclusions make 2026 a good

year to tidy up:

» wills and trusts

» inter‐generational transfers

» consolidation of family land

» selling unused portions of land

2. Check if you should deregister

for VAT

If turnover < R2.3 million, this might

lighten your admin load – but speak to an

accountant first.

3. Adjust your provisional

tax estimates

Use the new R1.8 million safe‐harbour to

avoid penalties.

4. Strengthen your own biosecurity

Because government support remains

uncertain, invest in:

» vaccination

» fencing and movement control

» good herd‐health records

» vet partnerships

5. Make use of the new TFSA and

RA limits

A good way to smooth cash flow and

reduce tax burden.

IN A NUTSHELL

Budget 2026 gives farmers some small wins,

especially around VAT, savings, CGT and

personal tax – but it fails to address the big

pressures like diesel costs and long‐term

animal‐health funding.


NAVORSING EN OPLEIDING • RESEARCH AND TRAINING

RESEARCH

COLUMN

by DR HEINZ H. MEISSNER

BIOFILMS

IN THE DAIRY CHAIN:

Understanding the hidden

microbial threat

Fresh milk contains a complex microbial

community, including micro‐organisms of

nutritional and technological importance such

as lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This microbial

population can shift dramatically depending

on the environment, hygiene practices and

handling processes. These shifts influence milk

composition, processing behaviour, spoilage

patterns and, ultimately, consumer health.

A

critical concern in dairy hygiene is

the formation of biofilms — highly

organised microbial communities

embedded in a self-produced polymeric

matrix. Biofilms provide structural and

environmental protection to the bacteria

within them, making these organisms

significantly more resistant to standard

cleaning and disinfection. Besides

contributing to pitting and corrosion of

dairy equipment, biofilms act as persistent

sources of contamination, and they

frequently harbour human pathogens such

as Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Listeria

monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica and

Staphylococcus aureus.


The sections below explore these dynamics in more detail:

The microbial

environment in milk

Milk is an ideal growth medium and naturally

hosts a diverse community of bacteria

and yeasts. Beneficial organisms include

LAB, Corynebacteriaceae, Geotrichum

candidum and Kluyveromyces lactis, all of

which contribute positively to dairy product

development. However, contamination during

production, milking, storage or transport can

introduce spoilage and pathogenic species.

Poor hygiene allows the proliferation

of psychrotrophic bacteria such as

Pseudomonas spp., spore formers like

Clostridium and Bacillus, and well-known

pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes,

Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, and

certain mycotoxin producing fungi. Mastitis

infected cows further contribute pathogenic

species such as Staphylococcus spp.,

Pseudomonas spp., Streptococcus spp. and

Klebsiella spp.

Psychrotrophic spoilage organisms

are of particular concern due to their

ability to produce heat stable enzymes.

Storage temperature, too, affects microbial

populations: Pseudomonas dominates at 4°C,

while Lactobacillus becomes more prevalent

around 25°C. Of these, Pseudomonas

fluorescens is a key species responsible

for spoilage, especially when biofilm

forming strains survive and thrive under

cold conditions.

Spore forming bacteria such as Bacillus and

Geobacillus present additional challenges.

Their heat-resistant spores can withstand

pasteurisation, sterilisation and routine

cleaning, later germinating and causing

spoilage. Their ability to form robust mono and

multispecies biofilms makes them continual

sources of contamination throughout the

dairy chain.

The biofilm challenge

Biofilms are structured microbial communities

surrounded by an extracellular matrix of

polymeric substances, including proteins,

carbohydrates, extracellular DNA, lipids and

signalling molecules. This matrix forms a

physical barrier that limits the penetration

of disinfectants while regulating nutrient

exchange, waste removal and cell-to-cell

communication.

Biofilm development is a multi‐stage

process influenced by nutrient availability,

cellular stress, microbial interactions and

quorum sensing — the mechanism by

which bacteria coordinate gene expression

based on population density. Through these

interactions, mixed microbial communities

can enhance each other’s adhesion, growth

and resistance to cleaning agents.

Biofilms may be simple single layer

structures or complex three-dimensional

systems with internal water channels that

improve resilience. Their architecture adapts

to environmental conditions: hydrodynamic

forces such as fluid shear play a significant

role, with higher shear often producing

denser and more resistant biofilms. Under

the right conditions, biofilms can develop

within hours.



QUICK FACTS

Biofilms in the milking

machine environment

Milking systems contain numerous

components — stainless steel, plastics, rubber

and pipes with varying geometries — making

them highly susceptible to biofilm formation.

Studies consistently identify Pseudomonas

spp., Lactococcus lactis, Klebsiella,

Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus

faecalis in milking machine biofilms.

Listeria monocytogenes has been isolated

from stainless steel, rubber and plastic

components including milk meters, teat cup

liners and bulk tank outlets.

Milk composition plays a significant

role: residual proteins, fats, minerals and

carbohydrates adhere to surfaces, forming

conditioning films that encourage bacterial

attachment. These films are often not fully

removed during cleaning. Warm milk flowing

through the system at approximately 38°C

provides ideal conditions for bacterial growth,

including mesophilic organisms such as LAB

and pathogens like E. coli.

Different parts of the milking installation

— teat cup liners, pipes, bends, valves and

bulk storage chambers — frequently retain

undrained fluid, creating micro‐environments

where biofilms persist. Mechanical wear

introduces microscopic surface imperfections

that shelter bacteria from cleaning.

Regular maintenance, including the timely

replacement of liners and hoses, is essential

for reducing these risks.

Efficacy of cleaning and

preventative actions

Research shows that even stringent cleaning

and disinfection programmes cannot

eliminate all micro‐organisms. Complex

system design, inaccessible surfaces and the

inherent resistance mechanisms of biofilms all

reduce cleaning efficacy.

What are biofilms?

Structured microbial communities

embedded in a protective matrix that adhere

to surfaces in the milking system.

Why do they matter?

» Highly resistant to cleaning and

disinfectants

» Harbour spoilage organisms

and pathogens

» Continuous source of milk and equipment

contamination

» Can survive pasteurisation in spore forms

» Lead to quality loss, equipment wear and

food safety risks

Where do they form?

» Teat cup liners

» Pipelines, bends and valves

» Milk meters and bulk tank outlets

» Areas retaining undrained milk or moisture

» Worn or damaged equipment surfaces

Chemical disinfectants vary widely in

effectiveness. Quaternary ammonium

compounds (QAC) readily kill planktonic

cells but are far less effective against mature

biofilms. Strong oxidising agents such as

chlorine and peracetic acid remain widely

used, but chlorination can create harmful

by‐products such as trihalomethanes. Biofilm

resistance to these agents is often due to the

protective extracellular matrix and adaptive

bacterial physiology.

Alternative treatments show promise — for

example, chlorine dioxide and electrolysed

water systems — but their success is limited

by factors such as biofilm thickness and

correct procedural sequence. In practice,

elimination is rarely complete.


QUICK FACTS

Biofilm control on farm

Effective biofilm management requires

integrated farm wide strategies involving:

» hygienic equipment design,

» appropriate chemical and

mechanical cleaning,

» strict adherence to milking system

maintenance schedules, and

» continuous monitoring of highrisk

components.

Cleaning remains the cornerstone of

prevention. Well-designed equipment, correct

cleaning procedures and regular replacement

of wear prone parts are essential in limiting

biofilm establishment and preventing the

spread of spoilage and pathogenic organisms.

In conclusion

Managing biofilms in dairy systems requires

more than simply increasing the strength or

frequency of cleaning agents. It demands

an integrated, science-based approach

that considers equipment design, milking

hygiene, regular maintenance and proactive

monitoring. Biofilms form quickly, survive

harsh conditions and act as persistent

reservoirs of spoilage organisms and

pathogens - meaning that once established,

they are extremely difficult to eliminate.

For producers, the most effective strategy

is therefore prevention: ensuring correct

cleaning protocols, maintaining equipment

properly, and adopting a risk aware mindset

throughout the milk harvesting system. When

hygiene practices work with the biology of

microbial systems rather than react to them,

dairies can significantly reduce contamination

pressure, protect milk quality and strengthen

overall food safety.

Key species involved:

Pseudomonas spp., Staph. aureus, Listeria

monocytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella,

spore‐formers (Bacillus, Geobacillus).

Why are they difficult to remove?

» EPS matrix blocks disinfectants

» Mixed bacteria cooperate and become

more resistant

» Hydrodynamics and shear force shape

stronger structures

» Heat‐resistant spores survive treatments

Effective control strategies:

» Hygienic equipment design

» Correct cleaning sequence

and chemicals

» Regular maintenance and replacement of

liners/hoses

» Monitoring high‐risk areas

» Managing temperature and milk residues

Reference

Desmousseaux, C., Guilbaud, M., Jard,

G., Tormo, H., Oulahal, N., Hanin, A.,

Bourdonnais, E., Jha, P.K. & Laithier,

C. (2025). Biofilm Formation in Dairy:

A Food Safety Concern—Biofilms in

the milking machine, from laboratory

scale to on‐farm results. Journal

of Dairy Science, 108, 8120–8140.

https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2024-25352



ANIMAL WELFARE,

HUMAN RIGHTS

AND TB – why dairy’s

daily decisions matter

South African dairy is built on people, animals and

communities. March offers three timely prompts to align all

three: (1) the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and WOAH

emphasis on outcome‐based welfare and responsible animal

health; (2) Human Rights Day on 21 March;

and (3) World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March,

which calls for country‐led, people‐centred

TB control, including attention to bovine TB

within a One Health frame.


1) Animal health & welfare:

outcomes you can measure

(and manage)

International standards are clear: welfare

should be evidenced by animal‐based,

outcome‐based indicators, not just facility

checklists. WOAH Terrestrial Code Chapter

7.11 lists practical measurables (e.g., lameness,

mastitis, injury rates, body condition, lying

time, behaviour and morbidity trends) to

monitor the impact of both design and

management on the herd. The IDF Guide

to Good Animal Welfare in Dairy Production

2.0 provides a farmer‐friendly framework

across stockmanship; feed and water;

housing/physical environment; husbandry

practices; and health management, with

example outcome measures to track

progress over time.

Milking hygiene is welfare. Calm handling,

clean equipment and consistent routines

reduce stress and mastitis pressure, improve

milk quality and support udder health.

Well‐maintained parlours and automatic

cluster removers help prevent over‐milking

and teat‐end trauma, both linked to higher

mastitis risk – areas repeatedly highlighted

in IDF bulletins and in South Africa’s Dairy

Standard Agency (DSA) Code of Practice.

Evidence is growing on animal‐based

indicators. Reviews increasingly link housing

and management to lameness, cleanliness,

behaviour and stress physiology (e.g.,

heart‐rate variability) and propose novel

markers such as hair cortisol. While farms

vary, the direction is consistent: use validated

protocols, focus on outcomes, and trend

your data to demonstrate improvement – an

approach fully aligned with IDF/WOAH.

Prudent antimicrobial use (AMR):

prevention first, smart use when needed. The

IDF Animal Health Report 2024 centres AMR

prevention on disease prevention, husbandry,

vaccination, and data‐driven antibiotic

stewardship within a One Health strategy; IDF

notes its updated global guidance on prudent

use for dairy. Milk SA also points farmers to the

IDF Prudent Use 2.0 framework.

2) 21 March – Human Rights

Day: dignity, decent work and

the right to safe food

Human Rights Day reminds South Africans

that rights are indivisible – dignity, equality

and freedom apply at work, on farms

and across the dairy value chain. For

producers, this translates into three practical

responsibilities:

1. Safe, nutritious food. South Africa’s

food‐based dietary guidelines explicitly

recommend ‘Have milk, maas or yoghurt

every day.’ Delivering on the right to food

hinges on robust farm and plant controls

and national food‐control systems,

supported locally by DSA codes and

inspection frameworks.

2. Decent, safe work. A culture of care

extends from animals to people – fair

conditions, training and safe procedures in

parlours, yards and plants, which supports

retention, performance and our national

human‐rights ethos. The DSA Code of

Practice for Milk Producers (2022) embeds

training, hygiene and biosecurity as

sustainability pillars.

3. Respectful engagement. Human

Rights Month activities call us to deepen

justice and inclusion and agriculture is

no exception (see Government Gazette

updates for dairy‐related food safety

regulations).



3) 24 March – World

Tuberculosis Day: “Yes! We can

end TB!” – and dairy has a role

This year’s theme, ‘Yes! We can end TB!

Led by countries. Powered by people,’

urges country‐led, community‐powered

action to accelerate diagnosis, treatment and

prevention. TB remains one of the world’s

deadliest infectious diseases, and progress

depends on multi‐sector collaboration,

including agriculture, given the interface with

bovine TB (Mycobacterium bovis).

Zoonotic TB basics

M. bovis can infect humans, especially via

unpasteurised dairy, direct animal contact

or aerosols. Pasteurisation remains a proven

control, eliminating M. bovis from milk;

public‐health agencies advise extra caution

for vulnerable groups (children, pregnant

women, elderly and immunocompromised

individuals).

Standards & newer guidance

The WOAH 2024 Guidelines for control

of MTBC in livestock (“Beyond test and

slaughter”) recommend integrated

approaches tailored to epidemiology and

wildlife interfaces – highly relevant for parts of

Southern Africa. Work with your veterinarian

on testing, movement controls and carcass

management under the Terrestrial Code.

Public‐facing message

Reinforce the benefits of pasteurisation and

discourage raw‐milk consumption, especially

for vulnerable groups—aligned with WHO/

PAHO and CDC messaging on zoonotic TB

and food safety.

Why this matters for South African

dairy right now

» Consumer trust is earned when farms

demonstrate measurable welfare outcomes,

prudent antimicrobial use, and food safety

– the very areas where IDF/WOAH and

local standards converge.

» Human dignity is lived out in safe

workplaces and safe food—a fitting way to

honour the legacy of Human Rights Day.

» TB control protects workers, families and

markets. Pasteurisation, surveillance and

One Health collaboration are proven tools;

dairy is part of the solution.


A PRACTICAL MARCH

CHECKLIST FOR YOUR DAIRY

Welfare & Health

» Score and trend lameness, body

condition, lesions, lying time,

cleanliness, mastitis KPIs (SCC, clinical/

subclinical rates); set thresholds and

improvement plans.

» Audit parlour performance (vacuum,

pulsation, liner wear) and cluster‐removal

settings; document maintenance.

AMR Stewardship

» Confirm diagnostics (culture &

sensitivity) pathways, prescription

discipline, on‐label dosing/withdrawals

and record‐keeping; align with IDF

Prudent Use 2.0.

Human Rights & Workplace

» Run a safety‐and‐welfare toolbox talk;

connect calm handling and correct

milking to udder health and worker

safety; cross‐reference the DSA COP.

TB / One Health

» Co‐develop a bTB surveillance and

movement‐control schedule with your

veterinarian using the WOAH Terrestrial

Code and 2024 MTBC Guidance.

» Reinforce the pasteurisation message

to staff and your community;

discourage raw milk.

Sources:

IDF Animal Health Report & Guide to Good

Animal Welfare in Dairy Production 2

WOAH Dairy Cattle Welfare

WHO World TB Day 2026

DSA Code of Practice for Milk Producers


PROTECT YOUR

LIVESTOCK.

STOP DISEASE

AT THE GATE!

NRCS/8054/279/855/1322

CONTACT US for expert advice and solutions

Visit our Website

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Representative in

your Area


The Dairymail March 2026

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