April 28, 2008

Landliebe to use only EU-produced feed
 

German dairy producer Landliebe will be launching a new cattle feed concept as a major extension of its quality and origin program in the second half of 2008.

Starting from July, all Landliebe's fresh milk, long-life milk and school milk will come from cows fed exclusively on locally produced cattle feed.

Under the program, the cows' basic rations, feed, feed supplements and other feed components may only come from Germany and its EU neighbours.

The company is currently preparing for the concept, with many of Landliebe's dairy farmers in the German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia interested in it, including compound feed manufacturers.

About 450 dairy farmers in the federal state would be taking part in the concept and they would be paid an allowance in order to provide an incentive and help them to identify with the brand.

Specifications for the new feed concept have been agreed with the dairy farmers in a supplementary contract to the milk supply system.

A key part of the agreement includes the inspection of the purchase of additional feed and ensuring that it is separately stored.

"By giving our cows indigenous, traditionally grown feed, we are profiling ourselves even more distinctly as one of the most popular, leading dairy brands", said Cologne-based Kurt Gentges, who is responsible for contacts with the German member dairy farmers.

Landliebe is one of the biggest-selling daily fresh milk brands in Germany, and its farmers use locally grown feed for their cows.