Kategorie: News

An international analyses by the Belgian ILVO institute shows that Flemish dairy farmers produce milk with the worldwide lowest emission of greenhouse gasses: 0.99 kilogram CO2 equivalents per kilogram milk.

 

The Belgian dairy cooperative Milcobel will try to get 100 million kilogram from new members to use for the production of mozzarella. For this Milcobel is also trying to acquire new members in northern France where Milcobel has members already.

In Belgium research by the Flemish ILVO institute shows that investing in measures to limit heat stress can yield dairy farmers up to 35 euros per cow per year. Especially ventilators in combination with misting reduced stress and prevented a reduction in milk production.

In Belgium research by the Flemish ILVO institute shows that cows that get less concentrate feed after 80 days in lactation use this more efficiently. Cows that got 1 kilogram of concentrate per 1.7 kilogram of extra milk and heifers that got 1.6 kilogram of concentrate per extra kilogram of milk were compared with 1 kilogram of concentrate per 3 kilogram of extra milk. With cows this did not result in a lower milk production, fat or protein content. In heifers it did. However: other effects, such as fitness, health and fertility, were not considered.

In Belgium of the cows that in 2022 participated in milk production control average production in the northern part Flanders was as following: Black and white Holstein Friesian: 59125 cows in 345 days 910758 kilogram milk with 4.22 percent fat and 3.49 percent protein. Red and white: 11102 cows in 347 days 9598 kilogram milk with 4.44 percent fat and 3.58 percent protein. Montbéliarde: 944 cows in 351 days 7537 kilogram milk with 4.02 percent fat and 3.47 percent protein. In the southern part Wallonia: Black and white Holstein Friesian: 30104 cows in 354 days 9517 kilogram milk with 4.12 percent fat and 3.39 percent protein. Red and white: 4557 cows in 353 days 8616 kilogram milk with 4.18 percent fat and 3.43 percent protein. Montbéliarde: 944 cows in 351 days 7537 kilogram milk with 4.02 percent fat and 3.47 percent protein. Normande: 289 cows in 333 days 6930 kilogram milk with 4.08 percent fat and 3.54 percent protein. Over the past ten years, the number of cows that participated in milk production control increased by six percent in Flanders, while it decreased by 25 percent in Wallonia. Source: StatBel

In Holland next year combating Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) on cattle farms will become a legal obligation from July 1, 2024. Until now control has been voluntary. Last year 53.4 percent of dairy farms participating in the voluntary IBR control program had the IBR-free status, 24.6 percent had the IBR-unsuspected status and 16.5 percent vaccinated. Of the dairy farms participating in the voluntary BVD control program, 85.9 percent had the status of BVD-free or BVD-unsuspected.

In Holland the dairy cooperative Rouveen, which is specialized in special cheeses is developing a vegan cheese.

In Holland the furniture dealer IKEA no longer in its restaurants offers cow milk for drinking. Oat milk for drinking is fully available in IKEA restaurants.

In Holland in the political debate about reducing the number of cattle and other livestock to reduce ammonia emissions it appears that on the northern island Terschelling despite the fact that the number of dairy cows was reduced by 40 percent a few years ago ammonia emissions have not been reduced. Dairy cows are the only source of ammonia emissions on the island.

In Holland an analysis by Alfa Accountant shows that the most intensive (non-organic) dairy farms do not realize the highest balance. Farms with less than 15000 kilograms of milk production per hectare had 0.3 eurocent per kilogram of milk higher feed costs than farms with 15000 to 18000 kilograms of milk per hectare. This last group of farms had the lowest feed costs. These farms also achieved the highest feed profit: 5.93 euros per 100 kilograms of milk. On the most intensive farms with more than 25000 kilograms of milk per hectare this was 3.45 euros per 100 kilograms of milk.

In Great Britain the dairy cooperative Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (Omsco) has changed its name into Organic Herd

In Great Britain a survey of 600 of the 7500 British dairy farmers shows that almost 10 percent of them say they are likely to stop producing milk by 2025. Insufficient returns, volatile markets and the scale of on-farm investment required are most for this. In addition to those who are looking to stop production all together, a further 23 percent of all milk producers are ‘unsure’ if they are going to continue production beyond the next two years. Farmers producing less than 1 million litres of milk per year are more likely to stop production before March 2025, compared to those producing higher volumes. Last year 4.8 percent of the British dairy farms stopped milking. Over half (52%) of producers stopping production are unable to keep up with the scale of investment required for their enterprise to stay compliant, such as slurry storage, a factor that is highlighted as a main concern for the majority (91%) when considering whether to increase production in the future. Better access to labour is also a key component, with almost three quarters (74%) of respondents seeing this as a barrier to the growth of their business. However: over one third (36%) of those ceasing production are doing so due to retirement, with almost a fifth (18%) handing over their farm to the next generation.

In Great Britain in 2022 the share of dairy farms that were using block calving has increased to 18.7 percent. In 2016 this was 6.6 percent. The number of farms with all year round calving was still around 30 percent. Autumn block calving increased from 2.6 percent in 2016 to 5.4 percent in 2022. Spring block calving was in 2022 used by 5.3 percent of the farms and dual block calving by 4.2 percent. Of the larger farms with more than 500 births per year 63.3 percent was using all year round calving. Of the farms with less than 200 births per year 62.0 percent had a non-defined calving pattern, 25 percent all year round and 12.5 percent was using block calving. (AHDB)

In the United Kingdom the Denmark headquartered dairy cooperative Arla has taken full ownership of MV Ingredients. For more than ten years in a joint venture Arla and the British company Volac each owned 50 percent of MV Ingredients. MV Ingredients produces permeate powder sold by Volac and liquid whey protein concentrate (WPC) sold to Volac. Arla will for a period of time continue to supply Volac with WPC liquid.

In the United Kingdom a new report faces the challenges by UK cheddar makers and the impact they could have on the future of the cheddar market states that the current market conditions are adversely affecting the security of cheddar supplies for the UK market, with short-term thinking currently prevailing over a long-term strategy. Cheddar makers suffer on weak demand due to inflationary price increases at retail level, strong milk volumes, expensive stocks valuations from record milk prices, the high cost of borrowing, and a weak negotiating position with retailers. Some cheddar processors are undoubtedly vulnerable and there is a real risk of long-term damage to the sector unless there is a greater understanding of how the supply chain works, and greater buyer empathy towards the challenges it currently faces. According to the report it is not in the long-term interests of British retailers to put pressure on British cheddar makers for low prices as is currently happening. If they continue to do this, cheddar makers and their supplying farmers will suffer further losses and the net result will be less British milk and cheese available for the UK market as the number of cheesemakers and their supplying farmers decreases.

In Ireland the Kerry Group offers milk supplying dairy farmers a forward price scheme of 33.5 eurocent per litre milk, including VAT, based on milk containing 3.6 percent fat and 3.3 percent protein. The price scheme applies for the period March to October 2024 and includes an adjustment for feed and fuel prices that should protect dairy farmers against unforeseen increases in compound feed and energy prices.

In Ireland produced cow milk is healthier than milk produced in other countries, according to Irish research. The Irish research institutes Teagasc and Food for Health Ireland compared milk produced on the ration with a lot of grass, which is mainly used in Ireland, with a ration with a medium share of grass and a ration with little grass, which is most often used elsewhere in the world. The milk produced on the Irish ration contained up to 83 percent more omega-3 fatty acids; up to 141 percent more conjugated linoleic acids (CLA); the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids (including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and the lowest content of saturated fatty acids.

In Ireland a practical test by Teagasc shows that the product 3-NOP (Bovaer) can reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by a quarter during the winter barn period. The cows were given a ration of grass silage, corn silage and concentrates, with the only difference being 3-NOP added or not. The cows with the addition produced the same or slightly more milk, fat and protein. Methane emissions were reduced by 26 percent per cow per day and 27 percent per amount of fat and protein produced. However, in Ireland cows are on pasture for a large part of the year, usually day and night, while 3-NOP only stays in the rumen for three hours. To be effective, the product should therefore be fed and consumed throughout the day.

Organisation: Italian Exhibition Group SpA; edition: 45th; frequency: annual; event: international trade show; entry: trade only; info: www.sigep.it

Sigep -The World Dolce Expo, organised by Italian Exhibition Group, whose 45th edition will be held from 20th to 24th January at Rimini Expo Centre, is fast approaching.
The event, a reference point for the dolce foodservice world, will showcase the very best of everything linked to artisan gelato, pastry, bakery, coffee and chocolate supply chains. The halls will include numerous sector innovations accompanied by the latest trends in terms of consumption and new formats for venues.

SIGEP, A DOLCE FOODSERVICE CATALYST
Sigep’s supply chains will occupy the Expo Centre’s 28 halls with a new and functional layout for buyers and operators and more than 1,200 exhibitor brands occupying the 129,000 square metres of exhibition space, 90% of which is already sold out.
Thanks to collaboration with the sector’s artisan and trade associations, national and global Master gelato, pastry chef, baker, barista and coffee specialist associations, SIGEP 2024 will favour new business and networking opportunities and provide in-depth information on foreign markets. Everything from new products within the various sectors, the latest trends from packaging to technologies related to machinery and systems, with special focus on current issues involving company and staff management. Ample space will be given to the topics of sustainability, product culture and marketing development, through to digital innovation.

SPOTLIGHT ON INTERNATIONALITY
Sigep’s international launch is escalating rapidly: the recent expansion towards Asian markets with the strategic opening on the Chinese market with SIGEP China, in the city of Shenzhen, and the launch of Sigep Asia in Singapore, are the proof.
The continuing and deployed support of ITA – Italian Trade Agency – for the promotion and internationalisation of Italian companies abroad, will exponentially enhance the already large representation of buyers expected to arrive in Rimini in January, where they will be greeted with a specific and full programme for meeting the sector’s top companies that have always featured at Sigep. Internationality will also be spotlighted in the “Vision Plaza” where scheduled talks will provide information on the most competitive aspects of the international artisan dolce foodservice business, as well as the most pressing topical issues: sustainable development, training and technology.

BIG INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN THE ARENAS
International championships are one of the event’s driving forces, a unique opportunity also for young recruits to meet the great masters and learn technical skills, creativity and innovation.
The six specialised “Arenas” will host international competitions, workshops and demos.
The Gelato Arena will once again be staging the Gelato World Cup, the world’s most eagerly awaited and important international competition that includes trials in gelato making, pastry and chocolate making, catering and ice sculpting, with 12 teams taking part. The competition will decide the winning team for the title of Gelato World Champion 2024. Moreover, Sigep Gelato D’Oro will award the best Italian gelato and pastry professionals, who will compete in the second edition of the Gelato Europe Cup, scheduled to take place at Sigep 2025.
Competitions in the Pastry Arena will include: the Junior Pastry World Cup, JPWC, which enhances the talents of young under-23s with12 teams competing on the theme “Myths and Legends”; the Senior and Junior Italian Pastry Championships will be held on the themes “Travelling to the East” and “A Sustainable Future” respectively.
The very youngest pastry chefs will be competing in the SIGEP Giovani training project, in collaboration with “Pasticceria Internazionale”, Sigep exhibiting companies and hotel and catering schools from all over Italy, in order to put into practice the knowledge and skills learnt at school.
Attention will once again be paid to young people in the Bakery Arena with Young Ideas, the competition aimed at bakery talents from Italian hotel and catering schools and professional training organisations, whose efforts will be judged by expert bakers.

 

 

Ireland loses derogation from the European nitrate directive. According to the European Union, Ireland has not been able to sufficiently reduce nitrate levels in ground and surface water. Without a derogation all Irish dairy farmers may use a maximum of 170 kilograms of nitrogen from animal manure per hectare in 2026 instead of the current 250 kilograms. In some parts of the country already a maximum of 220 kilograms of nitrogen from animal manure per hectare may be used by 2024.