| 2018-04-06 |    |
Increased Need For Dairy Farmers to Consider Hygiene Products
As opportunities to export increase, consumers take a greater interest in what they are eating and drinking, and milk buyers toughen their standards, dairy farmers are being strongly advised to consider the suitability of their dairy hygiene products for their specific end market.
That’s the message from Rob Kelly, regional sales director for leading hygiene product company Diversey, who carry the Deosan brand in its product range.
Rob Kelly
“It’s no longer a case of one size fits all,” he says. “As an industry, we must work together to protect the wholesomeness of milk, and farmers need to start thinking about the complete milk market. Food safety starts on the farm and, while it’s already a key part of production, it’s going to increase in importance post-Brexit.”
Rob warned producers to look at the growing concern surrounding the use of certain agrochemicals – glyphosate and neonicotinoids for example – and said he was certain farm hygiene chemicals would be put under the same microscope moving forwards.
“In the future we’re not going to see the bulk of liquid milk going into one big, single, reservoir,” he says. “Export opportunities will come, but at a price, and with caveats. We’re aware of the challenges producers will face and we’re already working to help them make the most of high margin opportunities.
He says dairy farmers need to pay more attention to the content of the hygiene products they are using, adding that different end markets, and different farming systems, will require different approaches. He urges farmers to look carefully at what chemicals are in their dairy hygiene range, and make sure they are not at risk of being banned in the future.
“When you’re producing milk for infant formula powder, you should ensure that the dairy hygiene products you use meet with the demands of the contract. These demands are often more stringent than the requirements for the low margin, low cost skim market, for example. Producers need to be prepared to make sure they’re compliant with the latest regulations from the industry and from their buyers.”
“Also, plenty of producers take short cuts, but they need to consider if it is really cost effective. You may be tempted to cut costs on chemicals – typically you can save around 35p per day by using inferior products - but as a result, you may find you are replacing costly liners more frequently as the acid eats away at the rubber or silicon, you may experience an increase in treatment costs or even a missed milk hygiene bonus. It may prove be a very costly exercise.
“Don’t take that risk. If you need advice, get it. No two products are the same, and it is crucial farmers understand what they are buying. Being tempted by cheap chemicals often results in additional costs later. Ultimately, you pay for what you get.
“Dairy farmers work in a business environment that has some uncontrollable variables such as weather and milk pricing, however they can protect their business by adopting best practices to produce high quality milk. By maximising milk quality, you ensure the best possible milk price which will stand you in good stead for the future marketplace.
