Even In A Hot Climate, You Can Produce World-class Goat Milk — Arkan Sanahmmed, Rasan Dairy Goat
Arkan, can you tell us about Rasan Dairy Goat farm and its mission?
— We are a group of companies that was established in 2001, with diverse sectors ranging from real estate to oil and gas. Recently, we expanded into the agriculture sector, focusing on dairy farming. Our flagship project is a large dairy factory with a capacity of 1,200 tons, which will be fully operational by July 2025. Additionally, we are the first company to import goats from the Netherlands to Iraq in 2021, and we are proud to be the only industrial dairy farm for goats in the country. Our mission is to provide high-quality dairy products, adapt to local climates, and promote goat milk, which has unique health benefits.What sets Rasan Dairy Goat farm apart in the dairy industry, especially in Iraq?
— Iraq’s dairy industry is primarily focused on cow milk, but we’ve carved a niche in goat milk. Despite Iraq’s dry climate and hot weather, we have successfully adapted goat farming to these challenging conditions. Our farm’s production is on par with those in the Netherlands, despite the initial hurdles we faced, including disease management and climate challenges. Goat milk has significant health benefits, and we aim to increase awareness of its nutritional value and therapeutic properties, especially for people who are sensitive to cow milk. p>
>How did you get involved in the dairy business, and what is your background?
— I have a background in veterinary medicine, and I’ve been working in the field since 2004. I returned to Iraq in 2021 after working in Canada for several years. I was appointed as the project manager for Rasan Dairy Goat farm and have since overseen the growth of our operations. My role has been critical in ensuring that we maintain the health of our animals and keep our production at optimal levels.
Your farm focuses on goat milk, which isn’t as widely recognized in the Middle East. Can you elaborate on your plans and how you see this segment growing?
— Goat dairy farming is still relatively new to the Middle East, but globally, it’s gaining traction. Goat milk is particularly beneficial for those with lactose intolerance or cow milk allergies, and we believe there is a growing market for it in our region. Our success story in Iraq shows that even in harsh climates, it’s possible to maintain healthy herds and produce high-quality goat milk. We’re excited to share our experiences at the Dairy Olympics 2025 and hope to inspire others in the industry to explore the potential of goat milk.
Why did you decide to participate in the Dairy Olympics 2025, and what do you hope to gain from it?
— This is my first time participating in the Dairy Olympics, and I’m looking forward to expanding our network and sharing our unique experience in goat dairy farming. There is a significant gap in the discussions around goat dairy, especially in events like this, which is why I decided to present our work. Although Iraq has some dairy farms, we are the only ones focused on large-scale goat milk production. I see this event as a fantastic opportunity to learn from others in the industry and build relationships with global dairy producers.
What are your expectations for the event, and how do you see it benefiting your company?
— I expect to meet key industry players, exchange knowledge, and discuss best practices. We’re also transitioning to include cow dairy farming, and while we’re newcomers to that segment, the Dairy Olympics 2025 will allow us to connect with others who are experienced in large-scale operations. I’m particularly excited to learn from others who have successfully scaled their farms, as such expertise is rare in Iraq.
What do you believe is the importance of sharing personal experiences at events like the Dairy Olympics?
— Personal experiences are invaluable in this industry. There are many scientific articles and publications, but the real solutions often come from face-to-face interactions and shared knowledge. For example, we encountered a significant issue with blood parasites affecting our goats, a problem that no one in Europe seemed to understand. After extensive trial and error, we developed a solution that worked for us. Sharing these kinds of practical experiences at the Dairy Olympics is critical because it helps others avoid mistakes and improve their operations.
Finally, do you have any advice for others attending the Dairy Olympics 2025 or those considering participation in such events?
— I think participating in these kinds of events is essential for growth and innovation in the dairy sector. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s about technology, disease management, or market trends. For us, it’s about building connections, exchanging ideas, and creating opportunities for future collaboration. I believe that our experience with goat dairy farming can help others in similar climates and conditions, and we’re excited to share our knowledge with the global dairy community.
Dairy Olympics 2025 is an international conference taking place from April 7-10, 2025, in the UAE, bringing together leading experts and specialists from the global dairy industry. This event will serve as a key platform for discussing current trends, innovations, and challenges facing the dairy sector.
The Olympics will showcase the latest technologies, sustainable solutions for dairy production, and insights into digitalization, environmental strategies, and emerging dairy markets.
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