MPO Milk Bulletin 13 October 2017

High alert warning about plant pests

Following the recent outbreak of African army worm in canola and wheat in the Western Cape, plant pests are expected to increase significantly in summer. Reports indicate that farmers will most likely face a challenging season. The invasive army worm is expected to emerge again in summer rainfall areas and the Western Cape.
CropLife South Africa urges producers to invest in scientific monitoring tools such as pheromone traps and to start pest vigilance programmes in all crops.  It is also advised that early detection of plant pests should become standard practice for all farmers to ensure that pests can be effectively controlled before inflicting serious damage to crops. To read more, click HERE.

The MPO administers a statutory measure in terms of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (47 of 1996), which requires milk producers to register with the MPO and provide records and returns to the organisation. Questionnaires requesting information on milk product and cow numbers were sent out to all milk producers registered with the MPO last week and are being followed up by telephone. Producers are requested to complete the questionnaires and return them to the MPO by email as soon as possible.
The information is needed as it will enable the MPO to provide milk producers with updated and accurate statistics on the primary dairy industry. For further information contact Dr Koos Coetzee at 012 843 5600 or send an email to koos@mpo.co.za.

Dairy Herd Management Innovation Awards 2017 

The winners of the 2017 Top 10 Dairy Innovation Awards and the People’s Choice winner were announced at the World Dairy Expo, Madison, Wisconson last week. Dairy Herd Management’s Innovation Awards recognise and celebrate the top new products that assist  dairy farmers in improving their efficiency, productivity and profitability. Entries were assessed for their usefulness, uniqueness, return on investment and ability to improve herd performance or day-to-day dairy farm management. The top 10 products in the 2017 Dairy Herd Management Innovation Awards include a hand-held forage analysis tester, a smartphone feed app, an automatic calf feeder, a livestock water recycling system and a bedding dryer.  To read more, click  HERE.

Economists at Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) state that New Zealand’s exports of infant formula to China have increased by 40% since 2010. They forecast that export value will soon rise above NZ$1 billion. New Zealand is a major player in the Chinese infant formula market even though stringent infant formula regulations were introduced thath resulted in only 13 New Zealand-based manufacturers being allowed to export the products to China. ANZ further projects the growth of the Chinese infant formula market at 5,4% annually to 2021 owing to, among other things, higher income, continued urbanisation and the relaxation of the one-child policy.  To read more, click HERE.

A survey conducted by the European Whey Processors Association (EWPA) indicated that there is a nutritional knowledge gap and untapped potential in the EU market for whey protein. It was found that, although consumers are interested in nutrition and exercise, there is a lack of awareness and communication about the nutritional benefits of whey protein. The EWPA Secretary General said: “The survey shows there is no doubt that clear, targeted communications will create increased demand for whey protein in European markets.” To read more, click HERE.

“Making a Difference with Dairy” is the theme of the World Dairy Summit (WDS) 2017 to be held in  Belfast, Ireland from 29 October to 3 November 2017. WDS 2017 will give dairy farmers a good overview of the role dairy plays in feeding the world and the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with their counterparts from all over the world.  From the opening symposium with presentations from leaders of international dairy companies to sessions on the marketing of dairy, nutrition, animal health and welfare, developing dairy leaders, breeding and managing future dairy herds, and all of the people needed to make the business work, it will be worthwhile for farmers to attend.
The technical tours offered at the end of the week provide an ideal opportunity to network and see all of the technical developments taking place in Northern Ireland.
The IDF states: “The dairy market is global these days and the IDF World Dairy Summit is the best chance there is to understand what the future holds for those farmers that plan to be growing their businesses and feeding the world over the next 50 years.” To read more, clickHERE.