Making NZ Dairy attractive for Global food producers.
In recent years, the global push for sustainability has permeated various industries, with the dairy sector being no exception. As large international companies, emphasise environmental and ethical standards, New Zealand dairy farms find themselves at the forefront of transformational change.
This article explores some of the strategies these companies advocate for and how the New Zealand dairy industry are adapting to meet these evolving demands.
We also delve into how we at DCT have been striving toward these goals for over 20 years and are creating innovative solutions, that are aiding farmers in this transition, to not only provide farmers with easier solutions for transition but to also reduce their costs and enhance their profits.
lets start by exploring what the companies that produce some of our favourite brands are seeking, while there might be some variations among different companies, the following several key points are typically recognised as the most significant across the board :
1. Sustainability:
A dedication to sustainability encourages dairy farmers to implement eco-friendly practices. This includes minimising greenhouse gas emissions, efficiently managing water resources, and fostering biodiversity on their farms.
2. Quality Milk:
High-quality milk is essential, adhering to stringent safety and hygiene standards. This entails milk that complies with specific requirements for fat content, protein levels, and the absence of any contaminants.
3. Animal Welfare:
Expectations for dairy farmers include maintaining high standards of animal welfare, which encompass providing suitable living conditions, proper nutrition, and humane treatment for cows.
4. Traceability and Transparency:
transparency in the supply chain, with clear traceability of milk back to its source. This helps ensure that the milk is responsibly sourced and allows food producers to monitor and verify its environmental and ethical impact.
5. Fair Business Practices:
It highlights the importance of fostering equitable and mutually advantageous relationships with farmers. This includes ensuring fair prices and providing support for their livelihoods, which may involve assisting farmers in enhancing their operations and productivity.
6. Commitment to Innovation:
Encouraging dairy farmers to adopt innovative technologies and practices that improve efficiency, sustainability, and the quality of the milk they produce.
Lets explore the Advantages for New Zealand Dairy Farmers to Align Their Practices with Global Brands.
New Zealand dairy farmers are at a crucial point as global brands emphasise sustainability and ethical standards.
Adapting farming practices offers several advantages:
Market Access: Aligning with global standards secures access to lucrative international markets and positions New Zealand dairy as premium and sustainably sourced.
Economic Benefits: Compliance can lead to premium pricing and long-term contracts, enhancing financial stability and supporting further innovations.
Environmental Responsibility: Sustainable practices preserve natural resources, reduce emissions, and promote biodiversity, ensuring long-term land health.
Consumer Demand: Meeting sustainability standards caters to consumers' growing demand for ethically produced food, fostering brand loyalty.
Innovation and Efficiency: Embracing new technologies enhances farm efficiency and product quality, reducing costs.
Enhanced Reputation: Leading in sustainable practices boosts New Zealand's reputation as a dairy industry leader, attracting investments and partnerships.
Regulatory Compliance: Proactive adaptation helps manage risks and ensures compliance with stringent regulations.
adopting these practices benefits New Zealand dairy farmers by securing market positions and promoting economic growth, environmental care, and global leadership.
Already we are seeing New Zealand dairy companies striving to make changes and passing on the economical benefit to dairy farmers with some dairy companies paying a premium to farmers for reducing urea use.
Let's Explore Meeting Requirements for Global Dairy Brands
To successfully meet the expectations of global dairy brands, New Zealand dairy farmers need to grasp the complexities of various requirements and the strategies necessary to address them. Let’s take a closer look at some key points and discuss practical steps farmers can implement.
Sustainability
The concept of sustainability in dairy farming encompasses reducing greenhouse gas emissions, efficient water management, and promoting biodiversity.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction:
Greenhouse gas emissions are a significant environmental concern for dairy farms, contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. Understanding these emissions' sources is essential for developing effective reduction strategies. Here are the primary causes of greenhouse gas emissions on dairy farms:
Methane from cows.
Manure decomposition - Methane and Nitrous Oxide.
Synthetic fertilisers - Nitrous Oxide emissions.
Methane from cows or Enteric Fermentation
This natural digestive process, occurs in the stomachs of ruminant animals, such as cows, producing methane (CH₄) as a by-product.
There are numerous challenges associated with addressing this issue, and the significant time and money invested have resulted in a variety of potential options.
We have developed our own product that demonstrates significant potential in reducing methane emissions.
Our product, Animal Boost, is a natural feed additive registered with BioGro and has successfully passed a class determination from MPI being recognised as an oral gastro intestinal micro-flora enhancing compound and is exempt from registration as a veterinary medicine.
Reducing Methane Emissions with "Animal Boost"
"Animal Boost," a blend of humic and fulvic, that can be added to cow diets to potentially reduce methane emissions by:
Enhancing Digestive Efficiency:
Improves nutrient absorption, leading to efficient digestion and less undigested feed.
Promotes balanced rumen microflora for optimised fermentation, lowering methane production.
Supporting Overall Health:
Boosts immunity and feed conversion rates, reducing stress and methane emissions.
Enhances metabolism for effective energy conversion and reduced feed needs.
Manure Management
Manure decomposition is another significant source of greenhouse gases, primarily methane and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
When manure is stored or treated in systems without oxygen, such as lagoons or pits, methane is produced. Additionally, nitrous oxide can be released during the breakdown of manure, particularly when it is applied as fertiliser to fields.
Reducing Greenhouse Gases from Cow Manure with DCT's Lazerhume
DCT, offers an innovative solution to mitigate these emissions effectively. Here's how:
Enhancing Manure Management
Lazerhume enhances manure management by:
Accelerating Organic Matter Breakdown
Stimulates microbial activity, reducing methane production by promoting aerobic decomposition.
Improving Nutrient Cycling
Optimises nitrogen utilisation, decreasing nitrous oxide emissions during fertilisation.
Enhancing Soil Structure
Improves soil aeration and water retention, limiting anaerobic conditions that produce methane.
Promoting Carbon Sequestration
Increases soil organic matter, enhancing fertility and reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Synthetic fertilisers - nitrous oxide emissions.
The use of synthetic fertilisers contributes to nitrous oxide emissions.
Nitrous oxide is released through the process of nitrification and denitrification when nitrogen-based fertilisers are applied to soil. Inefficient fertiliser use can exacerbate these emissions.
its a big call to ask farmers to go cold turkey on synthetic fertilisers and probably not the right call after all it can take time for the natural process to come in and fill any gap left particularly with nitrogen, we at DCT have developed just the right product for this it still adds nitrogen but in a more controlled manor
Turbo N, Restore or Optimise iO
mitigate nitrous oxide emissions through:
Enhanced Nutrient Uptake:
Improves nutrient retention and root absorption, reducing excess nitrogen.
Microbial Activity Modulation:
Stimulates beneficial microbes, favouring nitrogen-fixing bacteria and minimising denitrification.
Improved Soil Structure and Aeration:
Enhances aeration and water retention, reducing anaerobic conditions that favour N₂O production.
Controlled Nitrogen Release:
Allows for slow nitrogen release, matching plant uptake and minimising gaseous losses.
Lower greenhouse gas emissions
Improved crop yields
Enhanced soil health
Quality Milk
Typically, when companies discuss milk quality, they focus on three key aspects: fat content, protein levels, and the absence of contaminants.
If you've spent time on dairy farms, you may have come across the term "milk solids" in relation to milk quality and pricing.
Milk Solids primarily refer to the non-liquid components of milk, which include fats and proteins, as well as lactose and minerals.
Milk solids are a major determinant of milk quality and are often used as a basis for pricing milk in the dairy industry. Higher milk solid content generally translates to higher-quality products and better market prices, Let's take a brief look at these aspects and explore how we are enhancing them for dairy farmers.
Fat Content
Milk fat is a critical component that contributes to the creamy texture and rich taste of dairy products. It provides essential fatty acids, aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and serves as a concentrated energy source. Optimal fat content in milk is crucial for maintaining these nutritional benefits.
DCT Products work to improve soil health, the compounds in our products enhance soil structure and nutrient retention, leading to more nutrient-rich forage or cow food.
This boosted food quality promotes robust plant growth and increased chlorophyll production, resulting in superior pastures that contribute to higher milk fat content.
Protein Levels
Proteins in milk, such as casein and whey, are vital for muscle growth, repair, and overall body maintenance. They provide essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesise on its own. High protein levels in milk ensure that consumers receive these health benefits, making it an important dietary component, especially for children, athletes, and individuals requiring higher protein intake.
DCT products Enhance Nutrient Availability by stimulating beneficial soil micro-organisms, the compounds in DCT products ensure plants receive a balanced diet of nutrients, supporting high-quality forage that boosts protein levels in milk.
Absence of Contaminants
Contaminants in milk, such as bacteria, antibiotics, pesticides, and other harmful substances, pose health risks.
Ensuring milk is free from these contaminants is crucial for consumer safety. Contaminant-free milk adheres to stringent safety standards, protecting consumers from potential food borne illnesses and ensuring confidence in the dairy supply chain.
Our solutions foster a healthier soil ecosystem, minimising the reliance on chemical inputs. Healthier soil leads to fewer contaminants in the feed, ensuring that the milk stays pure and free from harmful substances.
By Stimulating Microbial Activity The compounds found in DCT products encourage the breakdown of certain contaminants, thereby reducing their presence in the soil and, in turn, in the milk.
We have indeed created a product that effectively eliminates herbicide contamination in soil or organic matter, allowing plants to thrive once more. By utilising this technology, we've developed a solution that, when combined with chemical herbicides, enables users to reduce herbicide usage by 30% while still attaining the same results. Additionally, our product helps to "clean" the over-spray or residues from the soil, safeguarding animals, insects, and plants.
Animal Welfare
Expectations for dairy farmers include maintaining high standards of animal welfare, which encompass providing suitable living conditions, proper nutrition, and humane treatment for cows.
Healthier plants play a crucial role in enhancing overall cow health by offering a balanced diet that promotes optimal welfare. This, in turn, results in increased milk yields and improved quality, ensuring that the finest milk products are available on the shelves.
One of our original taglines is "Healthy soils = Healthy plants." Just like the old saying, "You are what you eat," if you consume nutritious food, you enhance your chances of good health. The same principle applies to cows as well.
In New Zealand, since most dairy cows are grass-fed, it's essential to ensure that the grass we cultivate is nutritious.
We've already discussed how healthier soils result in better grass, which subsequently enhances milk quality. Now, let's delve into how the application of DCT products can promote healthier soils and grass, ultimately leading to healthier cows.
Incorporating DCT products into soil management practices of dairy farms can significantly enhance animal welfare. The compounds used in DCT products contribute to creating a healthier and more balanced ecosystem, which directly supports the well-being of dairy cows.
Here's how:
Nutrient-Rich Diet:
DCT products increase the nutrient availability in the soil, leading to more nutrient-dense forage. Cows grazing on such forage receive a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, which is crucial for maintaining their health and vitality.
Better Digestibility:
Enhanced digestibility of the forage, allowing cows to efficiently extract nutrients. This efficient digestion is vital for the cows' energy levels, growth, and overall health, reducing the likelihood of digestive issues and ensuring they receive optimal nutrition.
Microbial Balance:
The compounds in DCT products stimulate beneficial microbial activity in the soil, promoting a balanced ecosystem. A healthy microbial population supports the growth of diverse plant species, providing cows with a variety of forage options that can meet their dietary needs more comprehensively.
Reduced Chemical Dependency:
By improving soil health naturally, there is less need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, which can have residual effects on cows. Reducing these chemicals in the environment minimises the risk of exposure to harmful substances, promoting better health and welfare for the animals.
Stronger Immune System:
A nutrient-rich diet derived from improved forage quality helps strengthen the cows' immune systems. Well-nourished cows are more resilient to diseases and stress, reducing the need for veterinary interventions and ensuring they remain healthy and productive.
Improved Comfort and Well-being:
Cows that are well-fed and healthy exhibit better overall well-being. They experience fewer health issues, such as lameness or mastitis, which can cause significant discomfort. A focus on preventive health through nutrition leads to happier, more comfortable animals.
Grazing Opportunities:
By enhancing pasture quality, cows have more opportunities to graze naturally, which is a key component of their behaviour. Access to high-quality pastures allows cows to exhibit natural foraging behaviours, which contributes to their mental and physical well-being.
The application of DCT products on dairy farms fosters an environment that supports the health and welfare of dairy cows.
By improving forage quality, enhancing soil health, and supporting the cows' immune systems, these natural compounds contribute to a more sustainable and welfare-oriented farming practice.
This approach not only benefits the animals but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for ethically produced dairy products, our clients have also seen a reduction in animal health costs.
Combining the quality of forage with with Animal Boost
The synergy between enhanced forage quality and the benefits of Animal Boost (which I plugged earlier) creates a holistic nutritional plan that supports optimal cow well-being,
This approach aligns with sustainable farming goals by reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and antibiotics. The natural enhancement of cow health and productivity supports environmental stewardship and meets the growing consumer demand for responsibly produced dairy products and offers a powerful strategy for dairy farmers aiming to improve cow health naturally.
This not only leads to better animal welfare but also supports a more sustainable and profitable dairy farming operation.
DCT's Commitment to Innovation:
Pioneering the Future of Sustainable Dairy Farming
At DCT, innovation is not just a buzzword—it's the core of everything we do. Our commitment to pioneering new solutions and improving existing products drives us to continually push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable agriculture. We recognise the rapidly evolving needs of the dairy industry and are dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that help our clients meet their environmental and productivity goals.
Continuous Improvement Through Rigorous Trials
Innovation at DCT is fuelled by our rigorous commitment to both laboratory and field trials. We understand that the journey from concept to market-ready solution requires meticulous research and development. That's why our team of experts work tirelessly to test and refine our products, ensuring they deliver tangible benefits to our clients.
In-Lab Excellence
The use of state-of-the-art laboratories are the heart of our innovation process. Here, researchers delve into the complexities of soil chemistry, plant biology, and animal nutrition. By leveraging advanced technologies and methodologies, we develop products that address the specific challenges faced by dairy farmers. Whether it's enhancing soil health or improving nutrient absorption in crops, our lab-based innovations are designed to yield superior outcomes.
On-Field Validation
While laboratory research is crucial, real-world application is where true innovation shines. We conduct extensive field trials across diverse agricultural settings to validate the effectiveness of our products. These trials allow us to assess how our solutions perform under varying conditions, enabling us to fine-tune formulations and application methods. This hands-on approach ensures that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients, offering reliable and impactful results.
A Cycle of Innovation and Improvement
At DCT, we believe that innovation is a continuous cycle. Each product we release undergoes a process of ongoing evaluation and enhancement. Feedback from farmers and agricultural partners is invaluable in this process, guiding us in refining our offerings to better meet their needs.
Tailored Solutions for Optimal Performance
We understand that no two farms are alike, and our innovative solutions are designed with this in mind. By collaborating closely with our clients, we tailor our products to suit specific farming environments and objectives. This personalised approach ensures that our clients receive the most effective solutions for their unique challenges, leading to improved productivity and sustainability.
Embracing New Technologies
Our commitment to innovation extends beyond product development. We actively explore and integrate emerging technologies into our research and operational processes. From precision agriculture tools to data-driven insights, we harness the power of technology to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of our solutions, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a competitive industry.
Delivering Exceptional Outcomes
The ultimate goal of our commitment to innovation is to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. By improving soil health, enhancing animal nutrition, and boosting crop yields, our products contribute to the overall success and sustainability of dairy farms. Our clients benefit from increased productivity, reduced environmental impact, and better economic viability, positioning them as leaders in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.