DairyRise Farmers Day in Zastron Empowers Free State Dairy Farmers for Sustainable Growth

The Department of Agriculture (DoA), in partnership with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC-LNR) and the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs (DARDEA), hosted a successful DairyRise Farmers Day in Zastron on 17 July 2026. The event formed part of a province-wide initiative aimed at strengthening South Africa’s dairy sector by equipping emerging livestock and dairy farmers with practical knowledge and business skills. By bringing together agricultural experts, extension officers and local producers, the programme created an opportunity for farmers to gain valuable insights into improving productivity and accessing new markets. The DairyRise initiative reflects the growing importance of supporting smallholder farmers as they transition from subsistence farming to commercially sustainable agricultural enterprises. Through education, innovation and collaboration, the programme continues to contribute to the long-term growth of the dairy industry in the Free State.

The DairyRise Farmers’ Days have been hosted in various towns across the Free State since 13 July 2026. Each event has been designed to provide farmers with practical training that addresses the challenges faced by small-scale dairy producers while promoting profitable and sustainable farming practices. The programme focuses on helping farmers improve milk production, enhance herd management and strengthen business planning so they can compete in formal markets. By taking these educational events directly to farming communities, the Department of Agriculture and its partners ensure that valuable agricultural knowledge reaches producers where it is needed most. This approach also encourages greater participation from local farmers who may not have easy access to agricultural training opportunities.

One of the primary goals of the DairyRise programme is to assist farmers in moving beyond subsistence production and developing market-ready dairy businesses. Many smallholder dairy farmers possess valuable farming experience but often face challenges related to production efficiency, market access, record keeping and business management. Programmes such as DairyRise help bridge these gaps by introducing practical solutions that improve productivity while reducing operational risks. Building commercially viable dairy enterprises not only benefits individual farmers but also strengthens local economies through job creation and increased agricultural output. Supporting smallholder farmers in this way contributes to greater food security and a more resilient agricultural sector across South Africa.

A major topic discussed during the Zastron Farmers Day was the overview of the DairyRise programme and the importance of milk recording. Accurate milk recording allows farmers to monitor production levels for individual animals, evaluate herd performance and make informed breeding and management decisions. By collecting reliable production data, dairy farmers can identify their highest-performing cows and improve the overall productivity of their herds over time. Milk recording also assists with nutritional planning, animal health monitoring and genetic improvement programmes. These management practices help farmers increase efficiency while producing higher-quality milk that meets industry standards.

Animal identification and brand marking were also highlighted as essential components of successful livestock management. Proper identification systems enable farmers to maintain accurate records for every animal, making it easier to monitor health, breeding history and production performance. Brand marking remains an important legal and practical requirement that helps establish ownership while reducing livestock theft. Effective identification systems also improve traceability, which has become increasingly important for disease control, food safety and market access. As consumers and buyers demand greater transparency within agricultural supply chains, accurate livestock identification supports both regulatory compliance and business growth.

Another important discussion focused on the journey “from cow to consumer” and the opportunities available within dairy value chains. Farmers were encouraged to think beyond milk production alone by understanding how milk is processed, packaged, marketed and delivered to consumers. Accessing formal markets often requires consistent product quality, compliance with food safety standards and reliable production volumes. Understanding the entire dairy value chain allows farmers to identify opportunities for value addition, improve profitability and establish stronger relationships with processors and retailers. Expanding market knowledge also enables smallholder producers to make better business decisions and respond more effectively to changing consumer demands.

The Farmers Day also highlighted the importance of collaboration between government departments, research institutions and farming communities. Partnerships between the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Council and DARDEA ensure that farmers receive access to the latest agricultural research, technical expertise and extension support. Scientific research plays a critical role in improving dairy production through better genetics, nutrition, disease management and sustainable farming technologies. Extension officers help translate this knowledge into practical solutions that farmers can implement on their own farms. These partnerships create a strong support system that encourages continuous learning and long-term agricultural development.

Beyond improving individual farms, initiatives such as DairyRise contribute to broader rural development objectives. Successful dairy businesses generate employment opportunities, strengthen local food systems and create economic activity within rural communities. Increased milk production also supports food security by providing a reliable source of nutritious dairy products for South African consumers. As more smallholder farmers become commercially successful, they contribute to the resilience and competitiveness of the national dairy industry. Investing in farmer education and skills development therefore delivers benefits that extend well beyond individual farming enterprises.

The DairyRise Farmers Day held in Zastron on 17 July 2026 demonstrated the value of practical agricultural training in building a stronger and more sustainable dairy industry. Through the partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Agricultural Research Council and the Free State Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, farmers gained valuable knowledge on milk recording, animal identification, brand marking and accessing dairy market opportunities. These skills are essential for helping smallholder dairy farmers transition from subsistence farming to profitable, market-ready operations. By continuing to invest in farmer education, research and collaboration, South Africa is strengthening the future of its dairy sector while supporting rural economic growth and food security. The continued rollout of DairyRise Farmers’ Days across the Free State demonstrates a shared commitment to empowering farmers with the knowledge and confidence needed to build successful and sustainable dairy enterprises.