Author: DC Team

The Camilk project in Morocco, led by HAFL Hugo P. Cecchini Institute and HAFL Food Sciences & Management, is advancing efforts to boost camel milk production and develop sustainable feeding practices. With Morocco celebrating the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024), the project explores innovative approaches to camel dairy farming, focusing on creating high-quality, marketable camel milk products and improving feed using agricultural by-products. The research team, in collaboration with Ibn Zohr University, engaged with local farmers and consumers, uncovering both significant interest in camel milk products and challenges related to feed shortages and underdeveloped infrastructure. The project’s next steps…

Climate campaigners have filed a lawsuit against the European Commission, challenging its 2030 emissions targets as insufficient to meet global climate goals. The case, brought before the General Court of the European Union, could push the EU to adopt stricter climate policies in response to demands for more ambitious targets. Environmental campaigners have taken legal action against the European Commission, challenging its 2030 emissions-cutting rules. The lawsuit, filed by the non-profit organizations Climate Action Network and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), argues that the current regulations fall short of the Paris Agreement’s climate targets. The case was lodged with…

Facing declining milk consumption and financial challenges, Japan’s dairy farmers are increasingly turning to wagyu breeding as a means to sustain their livelihoods. However, the influx of new breeders risks oversupplying the market, potentially driving down wagyu prices further. In Japan, dairy farmers are shifting to wagyu cattle breeding to survive amidst declining milk consumption and challenging market conditions. Despite Japanese wagyu beef prices being at their lowest in years, these farmers see wagyu breeding as a viable alternative to sustain their income. However, the increasing number of new breeders may lead to an oversupply in the market, further pushing…

The Michigan Milk Producers Association and Dairy Distillery have launched a new ethanol plant in Constantine, Michigan, which will convert dairy byproducts into low-carbon fuel. This project aims to add value to dairy operations while contributing to environmental sustainability. On August 6, 2024, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and Dairy Distillery launched a groundbreaking ethanol plant in Constantine, Michigan, designed to convert dairy byproducts into low-carbon fuel. MMPA, a prominent dairy cooperative based in Michigan, supports local dairy farmers through milk collection, processing, and distribution. Despite challenges like limited marketing opportunities, MMPA remains committed to enhancing dairy farming practices…

The U.S. dairy industry is launching a new initiative to highlight the critical role of dairy in early childhood brain development. Spearheaded by the dairy checkoff organizations, the campaign aims to emphasize dairy’s importance during the first 1,000 days of life through media partnerships, social media engagement, health collaborations, and checkoff-produced content. The dairy industry in the United States is launching a major initiative to spotlight the vital role of dairy in early childhood brain development. Spearheaded by the dairy checkoff organizations—including Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy Council (NDC), the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, the U.S. Dairy…

The Cooperative Working Together (CWT) program, established by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in 2003, is undergoing significant changes to boost U.S. dairy exports. Proposed enhancements include expanding product eligibility, targeted support programs, increased bid flexibility, and improved market insights. With new changes set to be approved by January 1, 2025, the program aims to enhance its impact and support U.S. dairy farmers in international markets. The Cooperative Working Together (CWT) program, a farmer-funded initiative established in 2003, is set for a significant transformation aimed at enhancing the export of U.S.-made dairy products. Administered by the National Milk Producers…

Hickory Hill Milk in Edgefield, South Carolina, is leading the way in sustainable dairy farming through innovative technology and resource recycling. Partnering with The Dairy Alliance, the farm has improved efficiency and reduced its environmental impact. Technologies such as advanced genetics and data-driven management tools enhance productivity while reducing emissions. The farm’s practices, including recycling sand and reusing water, reflect a strong commitment to sustainability. Hickory Hill Milk, a family-owned dairy farm in Edgefield, South Carolina, is revolutionizing sustainable agriculture through its commitment to environmental stewardship. Partnering with The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization funded by dairy farm families, Hickory…

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University has raised concerns that milk, eggs, and meat from cloned animals might soon be available in Canada without consumers’ knowledge. Charlebois, an expert in food and farming, highlighted his worries regarding Health Canada’s consultations on updating policies related to cloned animal products. Although the interim policy classifies these products as “novel foods,” there are concerns about the lack of mandatory labeling, which could affect consumer trust and market perceptions. Charlebois argues that without transparent labeling, consumers may not have a truly informed choice about the food they consume. In Canada, concerns are growing over…

India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ strategy is focusing on achieving a Green Revolution-plus through advanced horticulture and enhanced staple crop productivity. With over 1,300 million tones of agricultural output in 2023-24, India is food secure but faces issues like nutritional deficiencies and low farmer incomes. The strategy emphasizes expanding horticulture’s role to boost nutrition, farmer incomes, and ecological sustainability. Key areas of focus include improving water efficiency, reducing food waste, enhancing market access, and upgrading agri-processing. By targeting higher horticulture output and integrating scientific research and technology, India aims to address future agricultural challenges and support its long-term development goals. India’s Strategy…

Washington State University Tri-Cities receives $200,000 from the Washington State Conservation Commission to advance manure management research. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance dairy farm efficiency, and improve cow health using innovative pre-treatment technology. The Washington State Conservation Commission has awarded $200,000 to researchers at Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities to investigate a pioneering approach to manure management. This funding is set to support a novel process aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, boosting economic efficiency for dairy farmers, and improving cow health. Washington State University Tri-Cities, renowned for its research excellence in agriculture and environmental…