Dairy Diary: April business update

DSM-Firmenich announces Sustell collaboration with IFC

DSM-Firmenich announces that IFC, a global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets and a member of the World Bank Group, has agreed to use its Sustell in a program in Brazil to monitor emissions in the dairy supply chain. Sustell, a life cycle assessment platform, is a scalable platform that allows users and the value chain to measure and reduce the environmental footprint of their animal protein. By embracing green financing, disclosing environmental risks, and implementing credible measurement platforms, lenders can contribute to the greening of the financial system, the food system and foster a more sustainable future for both the planet and the economy.

BioLumic and AgriZero partner for low-methane ryegrass seed

AgTech startup BioLumic and AgriZero, a New Zealand-based joint venture firm focused on developing low-emissions pasture-based production strategies for cattle and sheep, have announced a $3 million investment to develop a low-methane ryegrass seed. BioLumic programs plant genetic expression using UVB light. The patented Light Treatment Platform combines molecular biological markers, plant science, and artificial intelligence to develop and deploy short-duration BioLumic Light Signal Recipes to both seeds and young plants, driving the rapid pace of crop production critical to solving global agricultural challenges. They are also working in corn, soybeans and rice seed. A key outcome is an increase in the lipid content of ryegrass, targeting a 12% reduction of methane emissions in pasture-based production systems. Higher dietary fat improves the metabolic performance of cattle and sheep.

Biodel AG and Carbon Asset Solutions partner

Biodel, a US carbon project developer focused on regenerative agriculture, and Carbon Asset Solutions, a carbon registry and MRV provider, have entered into a strategic partnership to deliver accurate carbon credit measurement and regenerative carbon programming as an integrated service offering. Biodel will initially target 50,000 acres of carbon projects in the western US in 2024. Biodel’s Regenerative Carbon Program, based on Carbon Asset Solutions’ carbon credit measurement solution, simplifies the process of carbon accumulation while generating greater income per acre.

Coöperatieve Rundveeverbetering celebrates 150 years

2024 marks the 150th anniversary of Coöperatieve Rundveeverbetering. During that century and a half, reliable figures and innovation have led to significant progress in breeding being achieved by Dutch and Flemish dairy farmers. In the first proof run of the anniversary year, through their daughters’ performance, CRV bulls confirm their genomic breeding values and the value of the reliable CRV breeding programme, says the company. In this proof run, early commitment to new developments translates into a flow of interesting new polled bulls and bulls for the FeedExcel breeding strategy.

DeLaval partners with milk cooling tank manufacturer, Serap

DeLaval has established a strategic alliance with cooling tank manufacturer, Serap. Commencing in the fourth quarter of 2024, Serap will assume full ownership over product development, manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance of DeLaval’s milk cooling tanks on a global scale. The DeLaval milk coolers, developed by and sourced from SERAP, will be DeLaval branded and will feature their own technical specifications.

DSM-Firmenich announces EU authorisation for Hy-D for ruminants

DSM-Firmenich has announced a renewal of the EU authorisation for 25OHD3 (Hy-D) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae CBS 146008 in pigs and poultry and extension for its use in ruminants. The company says that Hy-D is a reliable solution to reach optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) levels in plasma among ruminants. It enhances intestinal calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) absorption, critical to avoid complications during the transition period. Its role on improving Ca/P metabolism results in higher Ca/P retention throughout lactation to ensure females arrive stronger to next calving that also promotes yield increase in milk. Furthermore, Hy-D strengthens immune capacity.

Jorenku A/S strengthens its presence in Vietnam with new major contract

Jorenku, a Danish manufacturer of hygiene and disinfection products, has signed of a 1-year contract with one of Vietnam’s largest dairy farms. The contract marks a significant step forward for Jorenku’s presence in the Vietnamese market. The agreement involves the delivery of Staldren, Jorenku’s dry disinfection product, to approx. 45,000 dairy cows located at multiple sites in Vietnam. The company says that he product is known for its effectiveness against a wide range of bacteria and fungi.

Adisseo unveils 2023 Sustainable Development Report

Adisseo, which has published its 2023 Sustainable Development Report, says it has positioned sustainable development at the heart of the company’s strategy with a focus on zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and climate action. Within its sustainability strategy, Adisseo has develop 4 priorities for the period 2023-2025: reduce environmental footprint, contribute to the reduction of the environment footprint of their value chain, ensuring a responsible behavior towards employees, stakeholders, and society, and, strengthen Adisseo Governance & SD reporting.

The Canadian Dairy XPO celebrates 10 years

The Canadian Dairy XPO celebrated its 10-year anniversary in April. At the milestone event, dairy producers could see the latest in global dairy innovations and experience Canada’s largest live dairy daughter display from genetic companies. To commemorate the 10th anniversary, the Canadian Dairy XPO also announced the launch of the Canadian Dairy Business Summit, a high impact CEO training for dairy producers.

California hosts the 22nd annual national dairy challenge contest

The 2024 National Dairy Challenge Contest and Academy concluded on 6 April. Dairy-focused college students – 212 in total – traveled to Visalia, California, which was the first visit to a western dairy for many students. Over 37 schools attended, allowing students from across US and Canada to visit one of the 3 hosting dairy farms in California. Dairy Challenge provides a unique opportunity for students to engage in dairy industry management and communication, while networking with other students and exploring industry careers.

Ayrshire and Brown Swiss judges confirmed for UK Dairy Day 2024

UK Dairy Day will host the National Shows for the Ayrshire and Brown dairy breeds at the 10th anniversary event on 11 September at Telford, along with hosting the National Holstein Show. The event looks forward to welcoming dairy exhibitors from across the UK to complete in what was the largest show of in-milk cows seen last year in Britain. The 2024 National Show Judge for the Ayrshire classes is Ian Collins, owner and breeder of the Churchroyd herd, and for the Brown Swiss classes, the judge is Leicestershire dairy farmer Blaise Tomlinson.

AFMA awards call for nominations AFMA Person of the Year award

Nominations are open for the AFMA Person of the Year award, which is presented annually to give recognition to an individual who has made an outstanding and noteworthy contribution to the animal feed or feed-related industry over the past 2-year period. This award is presented during the 77th AFMA AGM in September, honouring the recipient’s outstanding achievements and significant impact on the industry. Individuals can be nominated from all facets of animal feed and feed-related industries, including animal feed and ingredient manufacturing, industry support, university, laboratories, equipment manufacturers, and government. Nominations should reach AFMA on or before 5 July 2024 and can be submitted here.

Nutreco and Skretting CEOs step down

Nutreco CEO Fulco van Lede has announced that he will be stepping down from his role this summer after leading the company for the past 3 years. In addition, Therese Log Bergjord, CEO of Skretting for the past 7 years has announced her decision to step down, also in the summer. With effect from June 1, 2024, David Blakemore will succeed Fulco as CEO. Blakemore joined Nutreco in 2022 as CEO of Trouw Nutrition, the company’s livestock feed business line, and member of Nutreco’s Management Board, and brings with him over 30 years of experience.

Ruminant technical team re-structure at UFAC-UK

The appointments of a new ruminant technical manager and regional business manager form part of the latest strategic restructuring for UFAC-UK. Steve Willats joins the team as business manager for South-West and Wales, as Mark Townsend steps up to the role of ruminant technical manager, recently vacated by the retirement of respected and long-serving nutritionist, Mike Chown. Mark Townsend steps across from his previous position as regional business manager, to head up the technical ruminant section. Steve Willats, an experienced feed and nutrition specialist and former professional showjumper, is taking over Mark’s previous role in the South-West and Wales region.