Dairy farmers and dairy processors from around the world attended an international dairy summer school at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst campus to help improve farm productivity and efficiency.
Dairy produce is increasingly in demand in Africa and Asia. Industry delegates from six countries including India, Uganda, Greece, Lebanon and Pakistan came to the UK to find out more about the latest techniques being employed at the University’s 200-acre Wood Park dairy farm.
The aim was for the delegates to learn from staff at the University’s School of Veterinary Science and from each other in order to enhance animal health, productivity and the efficiency of farms.
Increasing demand
The Summer School was the idea of Dr Khalid Mahmood, from Global Agri Food Summer School, who identified a need for greater skills in developing dairy nations. He said: “Countries with increasing demand of milk products have started focusing more and more on dairy farming, but are facing the challenge of a lack of skilled managers to drive production forward.”
His views were echoed by Mr Adeel Aali, Head of Dairy Development and Milk Collection for Nestle in Pakistan. He said: “The Summer School initiative is allowing me to learn modern dairy practices and also how to make best use of research knowledge to solve real problems on the farms.”
The course delegates also visited the Royal Bath and West of England Dairy Show and the University is planning to run an international dairy summer school on a regular basis with next year’s course planned to take place in July 2015.
Professor Rob Smith, from the School of Veterinary Sciences, said: “The wide range of experienced participants has resulted in interesting discussions, challenging everyone to look afresh at the best way to manage a dairy farm.”