Feed concentrates from partner firm Alema Koudijs. Farmer training programs led by partner firms and government extension staff. Guaranteed markets and better prices. 2SCALE’s holistic approach has helped small-scale dairy farmers increase milk yields and quality, and become competitive and commercially viable.
Farmers supplying to Etete and Family Milk continued to get high quality AKF feed concentrates on credit, at local milk collection centers. So far this year, more than 100 tons of feed have been distributed to about 600 farmers. Etete Dairies has given farmers a 11% price increase to reward improvements in milk quality, and to offset the costs of feed concentrates.
We’re also promoting fodder production to complement the use of concentrates. Last year we completed a small pilot to test a new double-cropping forage system that combines oats and vetch. The benefits were evident: more and better quality feed, balanced nutrition, improved soil fertility thanks to nitrogen-fixing by the vetch plants. We scale out this season with a training and demonstration program led by 42 ‘lead farmers’. Each farmer has established a quarter-hectare demo plot where vetch and oats will be grown with the recommended agronomic practices (optimal planting date, seed rate, GAPs). Inputs were supplied by the three partner firms. The plots are ready, and planting will begin shortly.