Milk

Like the Milk Development Council which it succeeds, DairyCo will aim to address market failure in the milk sector. But along with the new name comes a new focus.

DairyCo board members – eight of whom are working dairy farmers – believe the new organisation needed to take a fresh look at the industry. As a result, it aims to promote world class knowledge so farmers can profit from a sustainable future.

A wide-ranging strategy has already been consulted upon and covers a number of areas. It includes the provision of high quality information to help farmers and their representatives make the most of dairy markets and opportunities

Highlights this year will include a feeding campaign, research into efficient labour use, benchmarking and discussion groups to enhance business skills, a new mastitis plan to promote herd health and genetic evaluations.

“DairyCo will measure itself rigorously against the objectives set out in its business plan to ensure the delivery of world-class answers that address the needs of dairy farmers,” said chairman Tim Bennett.

“While we will continue to provide important services that help tackle the issues faced by the dairy industry, we will also do our utmost to encourage the industry to ultimately take over the provision of these services – either on a commercial or voluntary basis.”

DairyCo will also be carrying out climate change research to provide tools to help dairy farmers improve their environmental profile. It also hopes to promote a positive perception of dairy products and dairy farming among consumers.