Essay Sample on Dairy Farming Facilities and Staffing

Introduction

Dairy farming is one of the main economic activities in South Africa which enjoys a good climate for rearing milk producing dairy animals. Previous research has shown a decline in dairy milk farmers in South Africa from 1997 by a significant margin which affected the overall milk production in the country (Grobler, Scholtz, Bester, Mamabolo, & Ramsay, 2008). The research forecasted an increase in demand for milk products by 25% in South Africa which is being witnessed today mainly due to the rise in population (Grobler et al., 2008). A report shows an increase in milk production between 2017 and 2018 as the amount of milk imports in South Africa increase more than the amount of export by 8 million (Coetzee, 2018). This information shows that milk production South Africa is improving compared to previous decades since the beginning of production decline in 1997 (McCullough, 2017). Staffing and facilities play a significant impact on the overall production of the dairy farming industry and when staffing and facilities improve production increases. This paper will assess the facilities and staffing resources in dairy farming in South Africa and their development impact on milk production.

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Staffing

Staffing refers to the number of professionals who are engaged in a particular industry within a given period. In South Africa, the country has invested in educating professional to guide farmers and also to conduct research which is necessary for sustainable milk production in the African nation. In South Africa, there are approximately 45000 people employed in dairy farms and 1600 dairy farmers who require education and guidance on dairy farming. Besides, the veterinarian and the agricultural officers in South Africa has also played an important role in milk production (MPO. 2018).

Extension, Veterinary, and Agricultural Officers

Increase in milk production in SA has been achieved through the use of extension officers from local education institutions to educate farmers regularly to equip them with proper skills to manage dairy farms which is responsible for the recent increase in dairy milk production between 2017 and 2018 (Coetzee, 2018). The research and teaching institutes in SA has increased the number of qualified extension and veterinary officers who work in rural areas to provide the local farmers with the necessary skills for dairy farming and also advise them on the best practices such as the best breeds of cattle suitable for their environment and how to produce animal feeds (Coetzee, 2018). Veterinary officers who are highly mobile due to the use of motorcycles to reach rural areas has significantly improved the wellbeing of livestock and has been able to respond spontaneously to disease epidemics which are a significant threat to dairy farming. Farm managers and dairy managers contribution to milk production is immense due to their ability to strategically plan on how to manage milk production by seeking to develop markets through marketing initiatives (Coetzee, 2018). Besides, managers help to ensure that the resources available are appropriately used to minimize feeds shortages and maintain sustainable production capacities.

Facilities

South African has invested in dairy farming facilities such as coolers, processing plants, and research institutions with the aim of increasing production. The investment in cooling and processing facilities has reduced wastages and increased overall revenues from daily farming by increasing the capacity of the country to add value to its milk products which can be exported (Ndambi, 2008). Education institutions for veterinary doctors and extension officers have increased the ability of the country to encourage best practices in dairy farming which has increased the production capacity in 2017 and 2018 despite the low number of farmers across the country. Organizations such as Agriculture and Agro-Processing Finance has improved milk production by extending equipment and livestock finance facilities to farmers (MPO. 2018).

Conclusion

In 2017 and 2018 there has been an increase in the overall milk production in South Africa due to the improved staffing and facilities available to dairy farmers. Staffing plays a significant role in milk production and the increase in extension and veterinary services due to the increasing number of officers from training institutions has increased milk production. Financial facilities extended to farmers and increased capacity in processing plants has also increased production and the ability to absorb the growing milk production.

Coetzee, K. (2018). Making a difference with dairy. The Dairy Mail, 25(1), 11-13.

Grobler, S. M., Scholtz, M. M., Bester, J., Mamabolo, J. M., & Ramsay, K. A. (2008). Dairy production systems in the emerging and communal sectors of South Africa: Results from a structured survey. Appl. Anim. Husb. Rural Develop, 1, 25-30.

McCullough, C. (2017, April 23). Why the number of South African dairy farmers has slumped from 50,000 in 1997 to just 1,600 today. Retrieved January 3, 2019, from https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/dairy/why-the-number-of-south-african-dairy-farmers-has-slumped-from-50000-in-1997-to-just-1600-today-35629779.html

MPO. (2018, May). Dairy Markets Trends. Retrieved from https://www.mpo.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Dairy-market-trend-May-18.pdf

Ndambi, O. A. (2008). Perspectives for Dairy Farming Systems in Africa (Doctoral dissertation, Universitatsbibliothek Kiel).