Innovative Technologies Enhance Efficiency and Sustainability in Dairy Production
The first report from Nestlé's Dairy Plan outlines a strategic approach that combines data-driven management, regenerative agriculture, and new technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in dairy production. The plan encompasses more than 130,000 producers and 200 suppliers across over 40 countries. It aims to reduce emissions, improve productivity and quality, and enhance animal welfare.
According to the report, an integrated approach is key, with productivity, milk quality, and sustainability treated as interconnected goals throughout the value chain. Technologies and innovative solutions are being deployed to support farmers in tackling climate challenges and economic pressures, while also improving rural business management.
Significant results include a 25% reduction in methane emissions and a 26% decrease in total greenhouse gas emissions in the global dairy value chain by 2025, compared to a 2018 baseline. These achievements are attributed to a mix of regenerative practices, improved animal management, and scientific approaches aimed at emissions from cattle digestion and manure.
The strategy also incorporates advancements in animal welfare, focusing on optimized nutrition, veterinary care, and cooling systems. These practices contribute to healthier animals and can lead to increased milk quality and productivity. By 2025, more than 34% of the dairy ingredients sourced by Nestlé will come from producers practicing regenerative agriculture.
A highlighted example in the report is from Chile, where regenerative agriculture initiatives have been underway since 2021 with over 200 producers in central and southern regions. A pilot project at Fundo La Chacra in the Los Lagos Region uses NIRS technology to analyze forage chemical composition in real-time, enabling adjustments in animal feed, improved herd health, and enhanced milk quality and production efficiency.
Nestlé Chile reports that the pilot project led to a production increase of nearly three liters of milk per cow per day, along with approximately a 9% reduction in feed costs per liter of fresh milk. This efficient forage management also helps reduce waste and lower the carbon footprint per liter produced.
The report highlights a growing trend where emission reductions are increasingly linked to the ability to measure, monitor, and make precise farm-level decisions. Thus, technology is transitioning from merely an environmental control tool to playing a central role in improving dairy production efficiency.
