What else? 169th Edition of Foodcom DAIRY Newsletter

Europe

Ukraine increases dairy exports

Despite extremely difficult conditions, Ukraine has managed to increase exports of dairy products, mainly cheese, powders and ice cream. In February 2023, Ukraine exported nearly $20 million worth of dairy products, 34.15% more than in January. The main recipients of Ukrainian cheese in February were Kazakhstan (59.87%), Moldova (19.79%), Libya (5.76%), Jordan (5.29%) and Azerbaijan (4.71%). Not cheesy news, you have to agree.

The Portuguese media is sounding the alarm about the extreme price increases of basic foodstuffs

Experts in the dairy industry have no doubt: the main reason is the sharp increase in production costs. In the last two years, energy prices have increased by 60%, feed prices by 58% and fertilizer prices by 200%. It is not particularly surprising that this is directly reflected in the prices on the shelves, but it is not exactly reassuring for consumers…

Austrian cattle farmers are fans of sustainability

More and more of them are opting for haylage farming. Its proponents emphasize that it protects the climate and soil and promotes biodiversity. Perhaps more importantly for many, it also provides tangible financial benefits (which many are using to further invest in sustainability…). Some even argue that this is part of the Austrian character. Admit it, have you also previously associated Austria with hay farming?

The Americas

The massive drought in Argentina will have disastrous consequences for the country’s economy

Argentina is being hit by one of the worst droughts in history, which has virtually halted its main agricultural exports. It was already predicted that agricultural losses would be extremely high, but current forecasts are even more pessimistic. According to experts, Argentina’s gross domestic product will shrink by up to 3% in 2023, primarily as a result of the natural disaster.

Is a revolution in the dairy industry imminent?

It looks like it, even if cow farmers and traditional dairy producers will not be thrilled. Lab-grown meat has been discussed for a long time, but regulations and also the enormous production costs stand in the way of its spread. It’s a different story for lab-produced dairy, which is already securing a place on store shelves. One of the best-known companies in this field is Perfect Day, based in California. Its products are made through a process called ‘precision fermentation,’ which uses yeast and fungi. Enthusiasts argue that this will be a breakthrough for the dairy industry. No matter how it turns out, it’s always better when the revolution flows with milk and not blood…

Lactalis? No longer in Argentina.

Although Lactalis is present in 70 countries around the world, the company has closed all its branches in Argentina. Well, apparently all they need is the remaining dozens of countries in which they operate…

Asia & Oceania

Is genomic research the future of cattle farming?

Dairy farmers in Ondit, Australia, believe this is possible. Conducting genomic testing allows them to make optimal decisions from both a herd and business perspective. The knowledge they gain allows them to make decisions regarding breeding, culling and bull selection. Will other breeders follow in their footsteps? Time will tell.

How long does it take to figure out that cow’s milk is not everything?

As far as the Norco dairy cooperative is concerned, it’s probably a little over 100 years. The cooperative recently expanded its offerings to include alternatives to cow’s milk: Norco P2 Pea Protein and Oat Mylks. Company representatives argue that the new plant-based alternative to milk contains the same amount of protein and calcium and has the same creamy texture as cow’s milk. It contains no gluten, soy, nuts or lactose. Actually, only one question remains: How are these peas and oats milked?

Scientists argue that milking once a day is better for everyone

Granted, these are not American scientists (who are known to have the greatest authority in the world), but researchers from Massey University in New Zealand. According to their research, milking cows once a day instead of twice a day benefits both the cow, the herd and the farmer. This may come as a bit of a surprise, since less frequent milking means less milk. That is true, but less frequent milking also saves money because less feed is used, and less lameness occurs, among other benefits.