Embrapa Gado de Leite

Embrapa Gado de Leite, located in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, is a pivotal organization in the Brazilian dairy sector. It is widely recognized for its comprehensive analysis and reports, which provide critical insights into the market dynamics of the dairy industry. One of its key publications, the 'Boletim Indicadores Leite e Derivados', serves as an essential resource for understanding the dairy market.

Important Events

Recently, Embrapa Gado de Leite released a report focusing on the financial changes affecting Brazilian dairy farmers. These changes were primarily driven by fluctuations in milk prices and cattle feed costs, which significantly impact the profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in the region. In 2025, the organization conducted a survey of 21 brands of protein dairy drinks available in Brazil. The survey highlighted the diversity and nutritional value of these products, which offer between 10 and 25 grams of protein per serving.

Research and Development

Embrapa Gado de Leite is actively involved in research related to dairy production and processing. Samuel Oliveira, a prominent researcher at the organization, has made significant contributions to various events and discussions in the field. The organization has collaborated with the Federal University of Juiz de Fora and Fhemig to develop the RRTB tuberculosis-testing method, marking a substantial advancement in tuberculosis diagnosis. According to Samuel José de Magalhães Oliveira, productivity per cow nearly doubled between 2014 and 2024, reflecting significant improvements in dairy farming techniques and practices.

Additionally, Embrapa is studying the long-term environmental and economic effects of agroforestry. Since last year, the organization has been researching the combination of milk and honey production within the agroforestry model, aiming to measure and monitor ecosystem services provided by agroforestry.

Publications

In 2026, Embrapa Gado de Leite published a study on dairy product associations in Brazil. The study examined spontaneous associations with milk, yoghurt, cheese, butter, and condensed milk, revealing common links with everyday cooking and health. The figures from Embrapa Gado de Leite’s October 2026 Milk and Dairy Indicators Bulletin use different reference periods: August for producer prices and the feed exchange ratio, September for retail prices and foreign trade, and October for international milk-powder quotations.