Farming Monthly National September 2017 | Page 29

| Livestock & Dairy

Dairy is fit for the future - but only if we seize the moment globally

The dairy industry plays a key role in feeding the world and must respond dynamically and forcefully on a global level to those who challenge its nutritional and environmental integrity according to Dr Judith Bryans , President of the International Dairy Federation .

S peaking at the China Dairy Industry Association Annual Conference held in Hohhot , Inner Mongolia , Dr Bryans said increased demand for dairy products around the world is offering multiple opportunities that need to be grasped .

Dr Bryans said : “ Milk is one of the most produced and valuable commodities traded globally . Day after day , dairy provides nutrition and value and as such it enriches people ’ s lives .
“ When the United Nations set in place its Sustainable Development Goals as a universal call to action it was clear that dairy was a part of the solution in terms of helping to deliver a number of these goals around nutrition , healthy people , a healthy planet , helping to lift people out of poverty and hunger and empowering females who can then empower their own families .
“ So , if we are part of the solution then we must have opportunities and be ready and equipped to take them . We know the world ’ s population is growing and will reach over 9 billion by 2050 . We know that the world ’ s demographics are changing and that soon we ’ ll have more older people in the world than new births . We know that as people prosper their desire to consume dairy goes up .
“ Dairy has a role in meeting their needs if we have the right products and ingredients and if people understand the benefits . To be fit for the future we need to continue to be innovative and make sure we have the right products available that are culturally acceptable , nutritious , safe , sustainable and affordable and delivered in a way that makes them relevant to the lives of our consumers . That will vary from country to country and continent to continent . And we must never get complacent and forget to tell consumers why we are important to them and the world .
“ Dairy has long been recognised as providing high quality nutrition but the sector is now being attacked on this by anti-dairy groups and plant based alternatives . Our environmental credentials are also being questioned . As a sector , we know we have a strong case to put forward to policy makers as to why dairy farming and dairy products should form an integral part of feeding the world and helping to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals . It ’ s essential that we do that at every opportunity ”
Dr Bryans told the conference that there is optimism in world dairy markets at the moment but the caveat to that is that dairy markets have always experienced cyclical volatility . It can have profound effects on dairy farmers and processors alike .
She added : “ We need to continue to develop a range of tools to help our dairy farmers through those difficult periods of time . “ In 2016 , the FAO signed the Dairy
Declaration of Rotterdam with the IDF in which the FAO recognised the importance of dairy , with the IDF committing to continuous improvement , with the declaration setting out a number of principles for doing so . A number of IDF member countries have endorsed the Dairy Declaration since then . Dr Bryans congratulated the China Dairy Industry Association for being the first country to endorse the principles . The Declaration aims to underline the integrated approach that the dairy sector takes to promote the sustainability of dairy systems , taking into consideration social , economic , health and environmental dimensions .

Farmer launches British Blue herd in late wife ’ s memory

Powys farmer Emyr Wigley has developed a unique herd of British Blue cattle in memory of his late wife , Evelyn .

T he Old Stackyard British Blue herd will exist solely to raise funds for two charities close to Emyr ’ s heart , the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution ( R . A . B . I ) and Ovarian Cancer Action . R . A . B . I is farming ’ s oldest and largest welfare charity , which gives £ 2m per year to farming people in financial hardship . Before their retirement , the Wigleys , from Llansantffraid , used to keep a small herd of British Blue cattle alongside a dairy herd . Following Evelyn ’ s death , Emyr decided to start another herd in her memory and began buying prime heifers from some of the UK ’ s top breeders .

“ Evelyn and I built up a dairy herd with hard work and long hours ,” explained Emyr .
“ Our plans for travel , our caravan holidays , and walking in the beautiful British countryside loved by us both were put on hold until our retirement . It was a devastating blow to learn in the first few years of our retirement , that Evelyn had ovarian cancer . She was a very special lady , kind , caring and multi-talented and after a lifetime of work the majority of her retirement years were stolen from her . Whilst tragically too late to help my dear Evelyn , I wanted to do something to help combat this evil disease as a tribute to my wife .”
The couple had sold their farm and built a house for their retirement , whilst keeping some land . However , Evelyn ’ s cancer diagnosis changed everything and sadly she passed away in October 2015 , aged 69 .
In order to develop his new herd Emyr had to start again , but he has received tremendous support from friends , businesses and the local community . The herd is accommodated in a purpose-built housing unit next to grassland paddocks .
Emyr recently hosted an open farm evening , giving the public an opportunity to view the stunning heifers and calves . People also got a chance to look around ‘ Eve ’ s garden ’, a delightful mix of flowers , fruit and vegetables , designed by Emyr and lovingly maintained in his wife ’ s name . Lord Digby-Jones , ex-director general of the CBI and patron of Ovarian Cancer Action , was guest speaker at the open evening , which was also attended by Malcolm Thomas MBE , chairman of R . A . B . I .
Becky Davies , R . A . B . I regional manager for North Wales , said : “ Emyr ’ s story – and his commitment to both us and Ovarian Cancer Action – is remarkable . We ’ ve already received a cheque for £ 1,072 . At the open evening a young local singer called Megan Keaveny performed one of Eve ’ s favourite songs ‘ Coat of Many Colours ’. I ’ m sure Eve would be very proud of everything that Emyr has achieved in her honour .” www . farmingmonthly . co . uk September 2017 | Farming Monthly | 29