Dairy farmers in the North Rift region contracted by Brookside Dairy have made a profit of Sh918 million from selling raw milk to the processor, as production has increased due to improved farming practices by smallholder farmers in the region.
This represents a 27 percent increase over 2022 earnings, with Brookside attributing the growth to the adoption of better farming practices following aggressive farmer empowerment programs implemented by the processor in the region.
Farmers in Uasin Gishu County received the highest payment for delivering milk to the processor at Sh236 million, while farmers in West Pokot received Sh211 million.
“Our expanded processing capacity and wide sales reach means that we absorb all contracted milk volumes from farmers. At no time will we ration supply, even in seasons of plenty, as we continue to procure 100% of all contract volumes supplied by our farmers,” said Emmanuel Kabaky, Brookside’s General Manager of Milk Procurement, on the sidelines of the University of Eldoret Agricultural Trade Fair on Thursday.
He said Brookside has about 160,000 farmers in the area.
Mr. Kabaky emphasized the importance of dairy farming to rural economies, saying Brookside was committed to making the project a source of secure family income.
“We thank our farmers from across the country for working extremely hard this year, resulting in consistent production and supply of raw milk to us.
“We are confident that our farmers are able to produce enough milk to meet the country’s local and export demand,” he said.
Mr Kabakye urged farmers to stock up on animal feed to cope with the expected uncertainty due to dry weather conditions expected from October to December and the first quarter of 2025, according to weather reports.
“Preparing and storing adequate feed ensures that milk production remains at optimum levels throughout the seasons. We have set up feed resource centres across the country to disseminate and distribute Super Napier grass to farmers,” he added.
Brookside also works with farmers to improve dairy cow genetics and has distributed semen straw and liquid nitrogen to partner groups and medium-sized farms for artificial insemination, he added.
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