2024: A Year in Review for the Dairy Industry
As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to take a moment to look back on a year that has had its fair share of challenges – ones which tested the global dairy industry's resilience and united the dairy farming and nutritionist community. We’ve pulled together some of our highlights (and lowlights) from the past year for you to reflect upon with us. So, grab a cuppa’, and maybe a biscuit or two, and let’s step back in time to January 2024.
2024 began with gloomy forecasts...
At the beginning of 2024, forecasts from AHDB painted a gloomy picture for the UK dairy sector. Milk production was forecast to decline by 1.1% due to falling margins and lower prices. While we haven’t seen the final figures for this year, there were notable periods of growth, particularly in the autumn months, driven by favourable weather conditions and economic factors.
The EU short-term outlook from October 2024 highlights a positive trend going into the New Year, with the supply of milk fats expected to be stable. EU milk deliveries are forecast to increase marginally by 0.2% in 2025, with the production of dairy products projected to increase by 1%. We’re looking forward to seeing the forecasts from across the global dairy industry as we move forward into 2025.
Dr. Richard Kirkland pictured at the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) conference.
Sharing the Science.
Volac Wilmar’s Global Technical Manager, Dr. Richard Kirkland has been busy discussing research with industry and producers around the globe this year. The first stop on his tour was the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) conference in Florida, sharing some of the latest research on the benefits of feeding the Megalac range with dairy nutritionists from across the globe. Excitingly, brand new data from Cornell University, USA, were presented, highlighting the significant production benefits to be achieved by using Megalac and our ‘high-C16’ supplements, all while reducing production of methane! Later in the year, Richard attended the Cornell Nutrition Conference, where further data from Volac Wilmar’s research at Cornell University were presented.
Why Feed Fats?
When August came around, we once again called upon Dr. Richard Kirkland to step in front of the camera to share his dairy nutrition expertise with our wonderful dairy farming and nutritionist communities in our latest web series, Why Feed Fats.
Packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and some no-nonsense advice, the series gave farmers and nutritionists the lowdown on how we can use rumen-protected fats and different fatty acids to boost milk yields, improve milk solids and even reduce methane emissions. If you missed the series, you can catch up on the Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients’ YouTube channel.
The ‘Why Feed Fats?’ series star Dr. Richard Kirkland!
A Step Forward in Sustainable Palm Oil Practices.
In September, the Volac Wilmar Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) Shared Responsibility Scorecard was updated to a top score of 8.5 and above! This was a significant achievement for the Volac Wilmar and Megalac teams. The RSPO was established in 2004 with the objective of promoting the growth and use of sustainable palm oil, and Volac Wilmar is proud to be an active member of this initiative. Our score highlights our dedication to transforming the palm oil sector through shared responsibility and ensuring a transparent sourcing network with full traceability. As we go forwards into 2025, we will continue to collaborate with our industry partners and monitor our impact to ensure that Volac Wilmar remains a leader in palm oil sustainability.
Mega-Fat 70 on display at EuroTier 2024
The Latest in our Range of Rumen-Protected Fats, Introducing Mega-Fat 70!
The Megalac range is heading into 2025 stronger than ever with the newly launched Mega-Fat 70 product. Mega-Fat 70 is 70% palmitic acid (C16:0), which is the key milk fat-stimulating fatty acid, but also contains 20% of the oleic fatty acid (C18:1) which improves fat digestibility to deliver more energy from the diet. It also helps with fertility by improving development of fertilised eggs, and will help improve body condition of cows through effects on nutrient partitioning. It’s a well-balanced product, which sits right in the middle of the key range of rumen-protected fats in the Megalac range.
Technical Business Manager for Europe, Paul Fransen (left) poses for a picture with a customer at EuroTier 2024.
Roll up... Roll up to EuroTier!
The EuroTier 2024 exhibition in Hannover, Germany, was hotly anticipated, and this year did not disappoint! As a bi-annual event, everyone who attends EuroTier wants to make the most of their time there, including us! From chatting with international farmers and dairy nutritionists, to demonstrating our latest feed fat innovations, it was an incredible event for the Volac Wilmar and Megalac teams. And of course, we launched our new Mega-Fat 70 product at the event! As our Technical Business Manager for Europe, Paul Fransen said on the show floor this year, “For me, EuroTier is like coming home – it’s a really big family. It’s also the place to be if you want to see the latest developments in the industry”. During the event, Volac Wilmar took the opportunity to launch their new Mega-Fat 70 product to the European and global markets.
EUDR Delays Continue.
Also in November, the dairy industry received an update on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), with implementation now delayed until December 2025. While Volac Wilmar and Megalac have already been making strides in sustainable sourcing, the extra time is welcome for everyone to get their ducks in a row. Rest assured, we’re staying ahead of the curve on this one and will continue to provide you with updates on the implementation as this progresses in the European Commission.
So, what can we look forward to in the New Year?
We're excited for what’s coming in 2025. In particular, Volac Wilmar’s Feed Fat Marketing & Sustainability Manager, Laura Steeden will be hosting our inaugural LinkedIn Live event on Wednesday 15th January 2025, featuring experts Dr. Richard Kirkland and Paul Fransen. You won’t want to miss this event! Keep an eye on our social channels to find out how you can take part.
In the meantime, the Volac Wilmar and Megalac team wishes you a peaceful end of 2024. We thank you for your support throughout 2024. Here’s to a bright and bountiful New Year!