The Dutch Dairy Day was held in September on the base of the dairy farm “Kyshchenzi” (Dobra village, Cherkasy region). The event was organized by the Association of Ukrainian Dairy Producers, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine and Dykun Company.
Dutch Embassy
For the third consecutive year this event remains of key importance and its issues are getting more interesting and diverse. It is important to admit that the amount of Dutch companies, interested in cooperation, has also increased from 14 to 25 compared to I Dutch Dairy Day. The official part of the event was opened by Agricultural counselor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Evert Jan Krajenbrink. Despite complex situation in the world dairy industry, he believes that Ukrainian dairy market can be competitive. Thus it is important to improve raw milk quality and work closely with all participants in the dairy chain. One of the initiatives of the Embassy is setting up the Dutch-Ukrainian Dairy Training Center. Ukrainian and Dutch partners are working actively to ensure this.
Ministry of Ukraine
Deputy Director of Department of livestock in the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Olena Alshanova continued her speech analyzing current state and problems of the sector. In particular there is a significant decrease in milk production in private households. According to the deputy, positive aspects should be seen in this trend because this niche should be occupied by dairy farmers. The authority also described the steps that the Ministry currently takes: “We are trying to ensure deregulation and minimize bureaucratic obstacles. The proof is a draft law on deregulation already submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. As for the livestock, breeding genetic resources trade license has already been canceled. The next step would be the rejection of state certification”.
Dutch experiences
Global dairy market one way or another influences Ukrainian dairy market and determines strategy and further development of the national dairy sector. The representative of Rabobank Jakob Brand acquainted the participants with its current tendencies. He believes that such factors as establishing an education, research and consultancy network, cooperation in the value chain and setting up an agricultural guarantee fund will enhance the Ukrainian dairy sector development.
Currently the Ukrainian dairy producers experience acute need in improving milk quality and optimizing the internal processes to be able to search for the new markets. Udder health plays a large role in it. Director of Veepro Holland Company Erik Gostelie dedicated his speech to this theme. He paid a close attention to heifers’ udder health as they are future of any dairy farm. Clinical mastitis costs 200 euros and subclinical — 83 euros. Thus it’s beneficial to commit all possible resources to prevent this disease than treat it later.
More Dutch
Optimal usage of multi-ration grouping system was presented by Ben Braakman, a nutritionist of Friesian Company. He mainly focused on dry cows as most of the time producers don’t pay enough attention to this group of cows. Far off and close up dry periods require more energy and crude protein in the rations for dry cows. This compensates decrease in feed intake during the dry period.
Rene Kremers, Managing Director of DIFCO International BV, told about main breeding aspects of dairy cows. He emphasized that breeding should be regarded as investments in future farm profits. Semen selection is not just improving some cow’s qualities but higher production, more fat in milk and better physiological traits.
Final speech
The final speech was delivered by Kees Huizinga, Director of “Kyshchenzi” LLC. He shared the successes and difficulties he had faced in Ukrainian realities. He is sure that today association and cooperation is the only way out and a new opportunity for milk producers.
During the practical part of the Dutch Dairy Day participants took part in the
excursion around the farm and got first-hand information from the farm managers.
Thanks to the Dutch Embassy and Dykun Company in UA.
