The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has established, in partnership with a Thai dairy farming equipment fabrication company, a pilot dairy demonstration farm and feed quality research laboratory in Thailand. The facility is already starting to showcase to small farmers how good animal husbandry and feeding techniques positively impact milk production and overall profitability.
Situated in Saraburi, Thailand, the demonstration dairy farm serves as a focal point for addressing challenges confronting the local dairy sector. Saraburi is home to approximately 2,600 smallholder dairy farmers who rely on raw milk production for their livelihoods. Among the predominant hurdles faced by these farmers is the exorbitant cost of milk production, primarily attributed to the inadequate quality of feed concentrates and limited forage availability. Consequently, the average daily milk yield per cow ranges from 8 to 10 liters, insufficient to sustain their economic viability.
“Through the establishment of the demonstration dairy farm and feed quality research laboratory, the Council endeavors to underscore the pivotal role of feed quality and the use of high quality material such as distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), in empowering local dairy farmers to enhance milk quality and elevate production levels,” said Caleb Wurth, USGC regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The demonstration farm will function as an educational platform, while the laboratory will serve as a central location to examine local feed ingredients to guarantee optimal nutrition for the region.
Coinciding with the inauguration of the demonstration dairy farm and feed quality research laboratory, the Council also organized a dairy seminar focusing on nutrition and management strategies aimed at optimizing milk production and efficiency. The seminar attracted local dairy farmers, farm service providers and local government officials. Dr. Walter Chen, a distinguished expert in the field, was invited by the Council to lead the seminar. The seminar garnered positive feedback, enlightening dairy farmers on the imperative to enhance feed quality to unlock the full potential of milk production.
“The opening of the demonstration farm coincided with the grain export mission and allowed corn and sorghum producers to be a part of the seminar and grand opening. Having our members contribute to the demand-building work of the Council and also get to interact with dairy farmers one-on-one is what the work of USGC is all about,” said Ellen Zimmerman, USGC director of industry relations.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.