July 16, 2010

UK Welsh Assembly launches dairy efficiency initiative

The Supply Chain Efficiencies Project, being funded under the Wales Rural Development Plan, will focus on a wide range of on-farm practical issues. It will explore farmer-to-farmer collaboration possibilities and work with processors and retailers in a bid to increase operational returns.

At no cost to producers, the three-year project is a partnership venture between the Coleg Sir Gar-based Wales Dairy Development Centre and DairyCo.

"The dairy industry is hugely important to Wales and there is no doubt that, as far as the future of the Common Agricultural Policy is concerned, innovation, research and development are going to be critical for the industry's sustainability over future generations," said the Minister.

"This project can provide practical information to help the industry improve efficiency and, in turn, increase farm income. It represents a real opportunity for how best to develop the dairy industry in Wales," she said.

Starting in autumn, it will examine everything from on-farm energy use, to animal health, forage utilisation and look seriously at opportunities for dairy farmers to work together in areas such as contract rearing, machinery and labour sharing.

One of the first activities to be undertaken will be an energy efficiency analysis of 250 dairy farms. Experts will look in detail at diesel, electricity and water use in order to identify areas where savings can be made. That information will then be distributed to every other dairy farm.

Open days will focus on main animal health issues, with advice to reduce treatment costs. Monitor farms will be selected to provide year-round information on grass growth and the best timings for maximum utilisation.

"Hopefully each and every dairy farm will benefit in some way from this initiative," said project administrator, Michael James.