Cambodian Dairy Leaders Seek Growth Ideas at World Dairy Expo
Cambodian dairy leaders travelled to Wisconsin during World Dairy Expo, held in Madison from September 29 to October 2. The visit brought them into contact with American dairy producers, suppliers and agricultural organisations across areas including animal breeding, equipment, feed, animal health and farm management.
The delegation’s visit was organised through the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health, or WISHH, a programme of the American Soybean Association. WISHH works to connect developing dairy markets with American suppliers. Its activities also address potential demand for United States soybean meal, which is used as a protein source in livestock feed.
Focus on production technology and genetics
Mark Hanzel, WISHH’s senior director for Asia, said the expo offered a concentrated setting for dairy operators to meet companies involved in genetics, machinery and other parts of the supply chain. The Cambodian visitors also toured dairy and soybean farms, genetics businesses and other agricultural enterprises in Wisconsin.
Randy Romanski, secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said international visitors could observe the links between feed quality, animal health, production levels and dairy products. The visitors examined production systems and technologies that could be relevant to the expansion of Cambodia’s dairy businesses.
Cambodia’s dairy market
Cambodia has fewer than 10,000 dairy cattle nationwide. Production is largely carried out by small family-owned farms, while local farms supply about 10% of the country’s milk consumption and imports account for roughly 90%.
Ziv Sar, the owner of Kirisu Farm, one of Cambodia’s largest modern dairy operations, said the farm was assessing technologies, breeding material and management methods in Wisconsin. Kirisu currently has about 1,700 cows. Its near-term objective is to increase the milking herd to 3,000 animals, with a further expansion to more than 5,000 cows planned within two to three years.
Kirisu Farm considers United States breeding material
Kirisu has expanded its herd with cattle imported from Australia and has already received a second shipment of Holstein cows and pregnant heifers from that country. The farm is also considering United States genetics, including embryos and sexed semen. WISHH is helping connect the Cambodian company with American providers of breeding technology and genetic material.
The planned increase in herd size would require corresponding supplies of feed and other farm inputs. WISHH’s programme links the growth of overseas livestock industries with opportunities for American soybean farmers, as soybean meal is widely used in animal rations. Hanzel said relationships with major dairy operators in emerging markets matter because such businesses can influence production practices and help develop local supply chains.
Trade and commercial links
Industry representatives involved in the Wisconsin visit also discussed commercial relationships against a backdrop of logistical and market-access challenges affecting international dairy trade. The programme gave Cambodian businesses access to Wisconsin producers and suppliers of genetics, equipment, agricultural expertise and soybean products.
