Thinking of Starting a Value-Added Dairy Foods Business?

Jan 06, 2021

By Kerry E. Kaylegian

“Value-added” is an extra characteristic that oﬀers greater value to the consumer and generates a higher dollar return for the dairy foods processor. Reasons for starting a value-added business: to maintain a small family farm; for ﬁnancial sustainability of your dairy; if you have a passion for dairy products; or to provide a business opportunity for future.

There is a wide range of value-added dairy products such as ﬂuid products, frozen desserts, cultured products, a variety of cheeses, and butter. Dairy consumption is increasing but product trends are moving away from ﬂuid milk to value-added dairy products.

Consumers are interested in local products as well as niche or specialty products, so you may be able to capitalize on an opportunity to market your milk such as grass-fed cattle, organic, goat or sheep products, A2 milk, breed-speciﬁc such as Guernsey or Jersey.

Before you start, knowing the characteristics, science, and manufacturing technology of your product is critical to making a consistent, high-quality product. This will help you determine your equipment and facility needs, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.

The dairy industry is highly regulated. You need to know the federal and state regulations that apply to your enterprise. It is also important to identify potential barriers to the success of your enterprise.

A Successful and Sustainable business is the result of a solid understanding of your markets and the technology needed to make your products, and a commitment to the highest quality farming, manufacturing, and business practices.

This program was developed by Food Safety CTS, LLC, for Penn State University.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.