Milk Production Sector Research Articles

Organic Milk Production Sector in Poland: Driving the Potential to Meet Future Market, Societal and Environmental Challenges

During the pandemic, health and environmental issues were re-evaluated, stimulating interest in organic food. Organic milk is more beneficial than conventional milk in terms of the health-promoting substances (e.g., vitamins, fatty acids), particularly regarding its protein and lipid fractions. Poland is the main producer of cow’s milk in the EU, but only 0.2% of this production is organic. To identify the antecedents and obstacles to increasing organic milk production in Poland, the aim of this study is to explore the low level of organic cow’s milk output in Poland compared with sector leaders in the EU. We analyzed statistics on milk production, including unpublished data collected by the Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection, Poland, with the use of descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Over the period 2010–2020, the number of farms producing and selling organic milk and the number of farms with organic pastures and meadows decreased significantly in Poland. A limited number of certified farms sell their milk as organic. If all production of organic milk was sold as organic, the supply would have increased by 56% in 2020. Organic milk processing is highly concentrated which is an obstacle to the development of organic milk farming. Due to its high instability and the spatial differences in the locations of sellers (producers) and buyers (processors) and inconsistent production volumes, the supply of organic cow’s raw milk does not meet the demand from Polish dairies. Cooperation between producers and processors is essential. Providing organic dairy farms with production and market advice, as well as technical support, is crucial for the development of farms and the organic milk sector as a whole, as is, to a certain extent, evidenced by Austria. The specific nature of the raw milk market requires the procurement of organic milk on a lasting basis regarding guarantees of purchase and farmgate prices. In this way, the continuity of organic raw milk supply would be secured and the sector of organic dairy products should grow.

The Impact of Standardization of Livestock Products on the Economy of Farmers and the Local Economy

Abstract There is a strong link between agriculture and the economy. Smallholder farmers are the foundation of the livestock sector and an essential element in building and developing the local dairy value chain, critical to the development of its local economy. Economic growth is necessary for poverty reduction. The main objective of the study is to know the impact of livestock production on the regional economy of Gjirokastra. The result of the study identifies employment generation and income generation as the major benefit of standardized livestock production. The study hereby recommends that the government should take standardized livestock production as one of the major factors contributing to the economy and also put some policies in place in order to encourage farmers to collaborate in this regard. In Gjirokastra, and despite the efforts made since the transition from the communist regime until now, farmers still face many problems that prevent them from participating effectively in the development of the milk value chain. This research study refers to the views of small farmers in the Gjirokastra region about the milk production sector and the problems faced by these farmers. This study also investigates the effect of several factors (ethical factors, tradition, animal welfare, cultural factors, etc.) on the milk value chain. Convergence model was used in mixed method triangular design as a methodology for this research study. As part of the social data, 34 farmers who produce and sell milk and cheese in the Gjirokastra District were interviewed. The results showed the influence of ethical, cultural and traditional factors on the development of the value chain. The results also showed the problems and difficulties faced by small farmers in rural areas, on the one hand, and the gap between these farmers and government and private organizations on the other.

Constraints and opportunities of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) silage production and utilisation by smallholder milk production sector in Zimbabwe.

The objective of the scoping research was to evaluate the current situation, constraints and opportunities of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) silage production and utilisation by the smallholder dairy farmers in Zimbabwe. Cross sectional surveys were conducted from 61 households of six milk producers' associations (MPAs) in Chipinge, Gokwe, Mutasa, Seke, and Umzingwane districts, which were in different agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe. Purposive and stratified random sampling was done to select households to administer structured questionnaires so as to collect data on socio-economic characteristics and dairy production. Key informant' interviews, case studies, and focus group discussions were the other data collection tools used. Total MPA dairy herd size mean differed (P < 0.05) in all MPAs averaging 16, ranging from 1 to 41 herd. Mafumise MPA had the least (P < 0.05) dairy herd size (7), whilst Gokwe, Tsonzo, Marirangwe, Claremont, and Umzingwane MPAs, had similar herd sizes (P > 0.05). There were positive (P < 0.001) relations between MPAs by seasonal milk yields, lactation days, calving intervals, dry days for different dairy breeds. Milk yields across MPAs and breeds were seasonally sensitive, being high in the wet season than dry season. All farmers (100%) had access to formal milk markets such as Milk Collection Centres, large dairy processors, and parallel markets. Farmers indicated non preference of sweet sorghum silage by their cattle as well as recurring drought affected their maize silage production. Farmers lacked knowledge on how to improve utilisation of sweet sorghum silage by using yeast, and bacteria and this justifies the need to use these probiotics in mitigating utilisation challenges for sustainable milk production.

Milking challenges while drinking foreign milk: the case of Ghana’s dairy sector

While the domestic milk production sector of Ghana remains stagnant over the years, dairy processing on the other hand is continually witnessing growth relying largely on milk powder and other dairy products imports mainly from EU member countries. The EU is blamed for the underdevelopment of the domestic dairy sector of many African nations. However, evidence that either prove or refute these growing criticisms are missing. This study was thus initiated to examine Ghana’s dairy sector with an emphasis on those parts of the value chain where imported milk powder is used. The study shows that the dairy processing industry is continually expanding relying largely on milk powder imports mainly from EU member countries. Also, processors expect an increase in consumer preferences for more diversified dairy products in the near future. This implies further growth of the processing industry which already relies largely on imported input. The study identified myriads of challenges facing the Ghanaian dairy sector which altogether contribute to its inability to contribute to the processing industry’s needs. Notwithstanding, any attempt to address the challenges of the sector should focus not only on economic and political aspects such as self-sufficiency, sovereignty, and trade dependency but also climate conditions, the use of natural resources and their subsequent environmental impacts should be considered.

Milk Production Sector in India: Analysis of Trend and Pattern

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Desarrollo rural y actores locales. Los interrogantes de una Organización Institucional de Competencia Económica Dinámica en crisis: El caso SanCor en la provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina

El estudio de caso de SanCor Cooperativas Unidas Limitada es relevante por varios motivos. El primero, por la importancia económica y social que tiene en el sector lácteo nacional y en las localidades del interior donde radican sus plantas en las tres provincias más importantes de la Argentina: Santa Fe, Córdoba y Buenos Aires. En segundo lugar, constituye un ejemplo de un proceso organizacional evolutivo que atraviesa distintos estadios, nace como cooperativa de segundo grado y, luego de casi un siglo de existencia, se reconvierte en una cooperativa de primer grado, para terminar finalmente enajenando la casi totalidad de sus activos y gerenciamiento a otras empresas del sector. Tercero, su evolución comprueba una hipótesis planteada hace tiempo sobre el resultado de una de las dos opciones posibles de evolución que presentaban los tipos de Organizaciones Institucionales en Mutación en las tipologías cooperativas propuestas por Lattuada y Renold (2004). Finalmente, como actor destacado del desarrollo territorial local y regional que culmina en un escenario de crisis irreversible, y dada la envergadura alcanzada por la organización, el impacto de su desmembramiento, enajenación y cambio de naturaleza cooperativa, deja enseñanzas y abre numerosos interrogantes sobre sus efectos en la cadena de valor láctea y en el desarrollo de las comunidades donde se encuentra inserta. The case study of SanCor Cooperativas Unidas Limitada is relevant due to several reasons. First of all, SanCor Cooperativas Unidas Limitada has got a big economic and social importance in the national milk production sector as well as in provincial towns located in the three major Argentine provinces: Santa Fe, Córdoba and Buenos Aires. Secondly, it is an example of an evolving organisational process going through different degrees: emerging as a second-degree co-operative society, a century after, it becomes a first-degree co-operative society, and finally, it disposes of almost all of its assets as well as its management to other companies of the dairy sector. Thirdly, its evolution verifies a hyothesis that had been stated long time ago about the results of one of the two possible evolution choices which could be carried out by the types of Everchanging Institutional Organisations, according to the co-operative societies typologies proposed by Lattuada and Renold (2004). Lastly, as a leading actor of territorial development, it ends up with an irreversible crisis scenario. Due to the big size reached by this organisation, the impact of its breakup, its disposal and its change in its cooperative society nature, it teaches us some lessons, and poses numerous questions about its effects on the dairy value chain as well as on the local development of those communities where it is inserted.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE MILK PRODUCTION SECTOR AND FOOD SECURITY – THE CASE OF POLAND

The aim of the work was to find an answer to the question of how the changes in the milk production sector in Poland, following the marketization of the economy, influenced the country’s food security in the context of food self-sufficiency. The paper uses cow milk balances developed by the Central Statistical Office and data concerning the distribution of domestic milk production from the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics National Research Institute. The study used a comparative analysis over time, indicators as well as descriptive and graphic methods. The indicators used concerned milk market output, food self-sufficiency and the milk balance structure. During the first few years of transformation, there was a sharp drop in domestic milk production. Since 2004, there has been, with minor exceptions, a systematic increase in production with a previous general fall in production volume. These processes were accompanied by changes resulting from the transformation of the economy in the milk production sector. These were associated with a drastic reduction, since 1990, of the number of farms involved in milk production and the decline in the number of dairy cows, albeit with a simultaneous increase in milk yield. The milk market output index increased. In 2015, resource in the milk balance returned to the level of 1991, i.e. over 14.5 bln liters. In 2017, this figure amounted to 15 bln liters. Domestic milk production is the main source of resource, though the volume of imports is significantly increasing. Despite dynamic growth of exports, milk is mainly used for domestic consumption. From 1990 onwards, Poland has significantly improved its self-sufficiency in milk production. Changes in milk production have significantly influenced food security in the country.

Level of knowledge of small-scale milk producers on bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis) in selected parts of Chongwe district

Aim: This study was intended to establish the level of knowledge of small-scale milk producers on bovine tuberculosis (BTB), one of the neglected zoonotic diseases. Materials and Methods: In this study, a descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. A total of 369 small-scale milk producers were interviewed using a pretested interviewer questionnaire. Using a computer, data obtained from the operator-administered questionnaires were entered in Epidata ® and exported to Stata 10.0 ® for analysis with which descriptive statistics were generated for analysis. The level of knowledge on BTB for both male and female small-scale milk producers was analyzed in relation to membership to cooperative, frequency of TB tests in cattle, availability of extension services, and milk handling and utilization practices. The relationships between the different hypothesized confounders and the binary outcome (BTB testing) were investigated with Pearson’s Chi-squared test for association. Logistic regression model describing the BTB cattle testing among the farmers controlling for hypothesized confounders was finalized using likelihood ratio testing to screen the significance of posited confounders in the model. To ensure validity and eliminate bias of data, the interviews were limited to three interviewers. The questionnaires were pre-tested for clarity as well as to avoid confounding questions. Results: Majority (95%) of the small-scale milk producers across the study had heard about BTB. The proportion of those who knew that it is transmittable to humans was low (43.8%). The proportion of those who knew its mode of transmission to humans was also low (32.4%). However, it was high in milk producers belonging to dairy cooperatives followed by producers in livestock cooperatives. It was noted that a small proportion of small-scale milk producers ensured that their cattle were tested for BTB. Logistic regression showed that there was 73 times likelihood that small-scale milk producers belonging to dairy cooperatives will have their cattle tested for BTB. Conclusion: The study established a low level of knowledge on BTB transmission and prevention. It also concluded that few cattle in the small-scale milk production sector get tested for BTB and that the level of knowledge of the milk producers on BTB, in this sector, is associated with this.

Technology and Innovation in Agriculture: The Azores Case Study

&lt;p class="0abstract"&gt;A growing population world might exceed its food supply in the future. Food availability needs an increasing agricultural productivity and production through technology and innovation. European concerns about innovation policies reflected on the Lisbon Agenda include the European program PROPRURAL+ for the Portuguese Azores Islands. The agricultural innovation in the Azores started with the Green Revolution, which increased agricultural production, using seeds, fertilizers, chemical products and agricultural equipment. But much more innovation is needed for the Azores to became a well-sustained and competitive European region in this economic sector. For example, concerning milk, the region is responsible for more than 30% of the national production. But, since the liberalization in EU imposed by the global markets, a crisis in the sector is installed. Dairy producers are now facing many difficulties in trying to enhance the profitability of their farms, by reducing costs and improving efficiency. A characterization of the Azorean agriculture, emphasizing the milk production sector is presented. The specificities and the potential of the region are discussed and some agricultural innovations with IoT technologies are pointed out.&lt;/p&gt;

The costs of seasonality and expansion in Ireland’s milk production and processing

Abstract Ireland’s milk production sector relies on grass-based spring-calving systems, which facilitates cost advantages in milk production but entails a high degree of supply seasonality. Among other implications, this supply seasonality involves extra costs in the processing sector including elevated plant capacities and varying levels of resource utilisation throughout the year. If both the national raw milk production increased substantially (e.g. post-milk quota) and a high degree of seasonality persisted, extra processing capacities would be required to cope with peak supplies. Alternatively, existing capacities could be used more efficiently by distributing the milk volume more evenly during the year. In this analysis, an optimisation model was applied to analyse the costs and economies arising to an average Irish milk-processing business due to changes to the monthly distribution of milk deliveries and/or the total annual milk pool. Of the situations examined, changing from a seasonal supply prior to expansion to a smoother pattern combined with an increased milk pool emerged as the most beneficial option to the processor because both the processor’s gross surplus and the marginal producer milk price increased. In practice, it may however be the case that the extra costs arising to the producer from smoothing the milk intake distribution exceed the processor’s benefit. The interlinkages between the stages of the dairy supply chain mean that nationally, the seasonality trade-offs are complex and equivocal. Moreover, the prospective financial implications of such strategies will be dependent on the evolving and uncertain nature of international dairy markets in the post-quota environment.

Zmiany w sektorze produkcji mleka na przykładzie województwa warmińsko-mazurskiego

The main objective of this publication was to characterize and evaluate changes in the milk production sector (number of dairy cows, production volume, individual milk quotas, the number of suppliers in various districts) in the province of Warmia and Mazury in 2005&ndash;2014. The region of Warmia and Mazury is characterized by the Podlasie the greatest concentration province herd of dairy cows in Poland. Analyses were based on data from the Central Statistical Office publications and the Agricultural Market Agency. The basic scope of time covered the years 2005&ndash;2014. In the analysis of suppliers and supply volumes in specific districts of the province characterized the period 2010&ndash;2014. The study used descriptive method and dynamics indicators were used. The observed results indicate a decrease in the number of suppliers with a simultaneous increase in the quantity of milk delivered.&nbsp

Monitoring Milk Somatic Cell Counts

The presence of somatic cells in milk is a widely disputed issue in milk production sector. The somatic cell counts in raw milk are a marker for the specific cow diseases such as mastitis or swollen udder. The high level of somatic cells causes physical and chemical changes to milk composition and nutritional value, and as well to milk products. Also, the mastitic milk is not proper for human consumption due to its contribution to spreading of certain diseases and food poisoning. According to these effects, EU Regulations established the maximum threshold of admitted somatic cells in raw milk to 400000 cells / mL starting with 2014. The purpose of this study was carried out in order to examine the raw milk samples provided from small farms, industrial type farms and milk processing units. There are several ways to count somatic cells in milk but the reference accepted method is the microscopic method described by the SR EN ISO 13366-1/2008. Generally samples registered values in accordance with the admissible limit. By periodical monitoring of the somatic cell count, certain technological process issues are being avoided and consumer’s health ensured.

Status of milk production sector in Montenegro

Quantitative and qualitative parameters of the milk production sector in Montenegro, addressing both production and processing have been evaluated. In Montenegro, livestock production is focused on cattle, sheep and goats and to lower extent pig and poultry. Montenegro dairy sector characterized by small-scale farming. Milk production based on about 26270 farms with average herd size of 2.9 cows and milk yield 2700 kg/cow has a very different structure to that in the EU-27. The small-scale structure of Montenegrin milk production results in the sector operating with a number of inefficiencies at the production level. Regarding processing diary industry there have been the positive changes: new dairies were established, collection area is enlarged, range of products is also widened. Maybe the most promising change is cheese production and its presence in many markets. Total self-sufficiency rate of milk and dairy products is at a level of about 60%. The remaining needs are imported, which is around 30 million euros. In order to strengthen production and market position of domestic dairy products and to further develop dairy sector, as very specific and sensitive one, the efforts should be focused on remove weak points and to make stronger the whole value chain. In addition to the domestic support schemes, pre-accession EU support (IPARD) should target investments in primary production of milk and processing sector.

A Multi-Criteria Analysis of Sustainability Effects of Increasing Concentrate Intensity in Swedish Milk Production 1989–1999

The concept of sustainable development is forcing standard economic analysis to acknowledge and address the existence of dimensions of performance, which are not reducible to monetary accounting. In particular, the implementation of this concept in practice requires: (a) the simultaneous handling of indicators developed in different disciplinary fields; and (b) an approach more related to the procedures adopted by consultants (Participatory Integrated Analysis), rather than theoretical academic analysis looking for ‘the’ optimal solution. The case study considered in this paper is a multi-criteria analysis of changes, which occurred in the Swedish milk production sector for the period 1989–1999. Multi-criteria impact matrices and multi-criteria representations are used to provide a transparent method of integrated analysis. Changes are characterized and quantified in a way that makes it possible to relate the impact of existing trends in relation to different sub-objectives (variation in performance in relation to social, economic and ecological indicators). The results of this analysis confirm a few well known predicaments of sustainability associated with agriculture. The growth of Sweden economy is driving a major increase in material throughputs within its agricultural sector. The need of increasing agricultural throughput (especially labour productivity) has moved the Swedish dairy sector in a clear situation of decreasing marginal return ( = large increases in inputs are not reflected in a proportional increase in output). Therefore, sound policies of development of this sector aimed at increasing the goal of sustainability have to be developed by considering several indicators of performance, and not only economic variables.

Characteristics and economic viability of milk production in the smallholder farming systems in The Gambia

Domestic milk production has been for a long time hindered by many factors including lack of interest from decision makers, distorted economic policy and biotechnical constraints. For the last 20 years, many developing countries have been attempting to develop the domestic milk production sector. However, research on the basic realities and the viability status of enterprises within this sector remain largely unproved in many developing countries. This study focuses on the characteristic of smallholder milk producers in The Gambia. Data were collected from 90 smallholder farm households to characterise milk producers and evaluate the profitability and viability status of this activity. Based on current typology of farms and gross margin analyses at farm level, the study identified two resource-based types of smallholder farms. The current milk production system is surely viable. Constraints to increased productivity include lack of improved technology at farm level and weak institutional support. Despite the low viability status, it is shown that milk production generates reliable incomes, which could be a departure for most farmers to intensify farming systems, particularly in areas where no loan schemes exist for purchasing agricultural inputs.