The extreme weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal have caused significant disruptions to the dairy supply chain, impacting farmers and food service providers. The heavy rains, severe thunderstorms, high winds, and hail have resulted in extensive damage to farm roads, hindering logistics and operations for dairy farmers in various districts.
David de Jager, chief executive officer at Tip-Top Milk, a leading milk logistics and testing company in South Africa, highlights the challenges faced by farmers in the affected areas.
Damage to roads and infrastructure
“The damage to farm roads is making it difficult for milk collection trucks to reach farmers, leading to disruptions in the supply chain. This situation is particularly critical as cows need to be milked twice a day, and any interruption in milk collection affects farmers’ income.
“The consequences extend beyond the farm level, impacting processors who struggle to meet consumer demand when the milk supply is disrupted,” he said.
De Jager said dairy is a vital source of essential nutrients, especially for impoverished communities, and any disruption in the supply chain could have serious consequences.
“In addition to the logistical challenges, the continuous rains have caused damage to dam spillways, water supply interruptions, and infrastructure issues such as blown-over centre pivots.
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Calls on government
“The conditions also lead to health problems for milking cows, with issues such as feet and hoof problems in muddy conditions and an increased risk of mastitis,” he added.
De Jager called for urgent and united action from the government, local municipalities, stakeholders, and leadership to address these concerns. He urged for timely attention to road infrastructure in rural and agricultural areas to prevent a devastating impact on the dairy industry, food security, and the overall economy.
“As Tip-Top Milk plays a crucial role in providing milk logistic services to the Southern African dairy industry, the call for collective action underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by farmers and the dairy supply chain in the aftermath of extreme weather events,” he said.
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