Dear Reader
Welcome to the Q2 2025 edition of the Arla-Dano Dairy Development Newsletter! We’re excited to bring you the latest updates on Arla-Dano’s milestones, innovations, and partnerships that are shaping the future of dairy in Nigeria.
This quarter, one of our proudest moments was hosting our very first Knowledge Sharing Day on the 25th of June 2025. We opened thegates of the Arla-Dano Damau Farm to the guests, including local dairy farmers and university students. It was a vibrant day of learning,exchange, and inspiration as we showcased our operations and shared insights into sustainable dairy farming practices. Guests had theopportunity to tour our facilities, interact with our farm team, and witness firsthand the processes that drive our commitment to qualityand sustainability. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the students were truly energizing, and the engagement from local farmers reaffirmedthe importance of collaboration in building a resilient dairy sector. We are grateful for the impressive turnout and the meaningfulconversations that took place throughout the day.
On the 2nd of June, we were proud to participate in the World Milk Day 2025 celebration hosted by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and key partners, under the inspiring theme: “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy.” The event was a dynamic platform for collaborative discussions, highlighting how the dairy sector is helping shape healthier futures and stronger livelihoods across Nigeria.
April also brought a major highlight for Arla and the broader Nigerian dairy sector. In collaboration with theDanish Consulate, we hosted a high-level Nigerian delegation in Denmark. This visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, fostering deeper collaboration between our two countries and reinforcingour shared vision of building a thriving, self-sufficient dairy industry in Nigeria.On the development front, our operations at the Damau site continue to thrive. We’ve made steady progress with our crop trials— an essential step toward ensuring high-quality feed for our local dairy herds and enhancingoverall farm productivity.
As we progress through Q3, we remain focused on driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and creatinglong-term value across the dairy value chain.
Peder Pedersen MD, Arla Global Dairy Products Ltd.
Studying Sedenterization
Sedenterization refers to the transition of nomadic groups to a more settled lifestyle, establishing permanent homes and communities. This will be exemplified by the Damau Household Milk Farm project, set to commence later this year, and Arla Foods will serve as the sole milk off-takers for the farmers settled in this area.
The Sedenterization Research Project is an inter-disciplinary collaboration between the Department of Anthropology and Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Copenhagen University and the Faculties of Agriculture and Social Sciences, as well as the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Ahmadu Bello University.
Sponsored by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the project aims to study the impact of sedentarization and new cattle husbandry techniques on climate resilience, gender equality, and the welfare of pastoralists participating in the Damau Household Milk Farm project.
The project includes several PhD and MSc theses designed to enhance the knowledge and expertise of students at the Ahmadu Bello University. This collaboration promises to bring together diverse expertise and innovative perspectives, enriching the academic environment and advancing the project's goals.
As the research students delve into their study, we eagerly anticipate the valuable insights and progress that will emerge from their efforts. Their work is poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing development of the project, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact on both the academic community and the broader field of study.
62 Seed Variants in the Arla-Dano Damau Farm Crop Trials
As mentioned in our previous newsletter, we are once again conducting a field trial at the Arla-Dano Farm — now in its second consecutive year. This time, we are testing 19 different plant species, totaling 62 seed variants, as part of our ongoing effort to identify high-quality fodder crops that thrive in tropical climates and are well-suited for high-yield dairy cows.
Among the varieties being tested are Fodder beet, Brachiaria, Rhodes grass, Forage chicory, Digitgrass, Soybean, Guinea grass, Alfalfa, Pearl millet, Sweet sorghum, Maize, and Cowpea — just to name a few of the exciting candidates in this year’s trial.
The trial began in early June with seeding and will run for approximately four to five months, concluding with the harvest of all crops. Throughout the trial, we will evaluate each plant’s dry matter (DM) yield per hectare, feed value based on nutritional analysis, suitability for silage or hay production, and palatability as determined by the cows themselves.
This important initiative is being carried out in collaboration with four different companies and institutions: NAPRI in Zaria, IITA in Ibadan, SeedCo in Nigeria and DLF Seeds in South Africa. Importantly, the results will be made publicly available to all farmers, researchers, and advisors in Nigeria. While the trial is hosted at the Arla-Dano farm, it is designed to benefit the entire Nigerian dairy sector and the broader Sahelian region.
World Milk Day 2025: Celebrating the Power of Dairy
This month, on the 2nd of June, we were proud to participate in the World Milk Day 2025 celebration hosted by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and key partners, under the inspiring theme: “Let’s Celebrate the Power of Dairy.” The event was headed by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who in his keynote address, laid out his vision to transform Nigeria's dairy sector and double the country's annual milk production by the year 2030.
The event was a dynamic platform for collaborative discussions, highlighting how the dairy sector is helping shape healthier futures and stronger livelihoods across Nigeria. Several talks and discussions underscored the vital role of backward integration in strengthening Nigeria’s dairy sector - particularly by empowering local communities, improving food security, and fostering sustainable livelihoods.”
As part of the event, Arla Foods Nigeria had the honour of hosting an engaging exhibition booth, where we connected with stakeholders, shared our sustainable dairy initiatives, and highlighted our efforts to provide high-quality, nutritious dairy products to Nigerian communities.
A key segment of the program was the impactful panel discussion featuring our Managing Director, Peder Pedersen, who shared expert insights on the vital role we play in driving nutrition, job creation, and sustainable dairy development. His contribution reaffirmed Arla’s long-term commitment to local dairy transformation and fostering public-private partnerships that truly make a difference. He highlighted how we constantly strive to deliver the best without compromising, because at Arla, we believe that milk is more than just a beverage - it is a force for nutrition, economic empowerment, and social connection.
Events like this affirm the power of coming together to shape a more resilient, inclusive dairy sector for Nigerians. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Honourable Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha and all stakeholders who made this event a success. We are proud to stand united in our shared mission to unlock the full potential of dairy in Nigeria.
Meeting with Kaduna Electric
To enhance energy reliability at the Arla-Dano Damau site, a team from Arla Foods Nigeria recently met with representatives from Kaduna Electric, to explore the possibility of connecting the Damau area to the national power grid.
At present, the farm operates using a combination of solar energy and diesel generators. While these sources have supported operations thus far, a connection to the national grid would provide a more stable and consistent power supply. This shift would not only help increase stability on power supply, but also align with Arla’s broader commitment to long-term sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Establishing a grid connection is a strategic move that supports both the farm’s productivity and Arla’s vision for a more resilient and eco-friendly energy infrastructure.
Ministerial Delegation Explore Dairy Innovation in Denmark
In April, a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Livestock Development , led by the Honourable Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, along with senior officials from the Kaduna State Government led by Hon. Commissioner of Agriculture Mr. Murtala Dabo embarked on a strategic visit to Denmark. The visit was hosted by the Danish Embassy of Nigeria and facilitated by Arla Foods, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration towards developing a sustainable dairy industry in Nigeria.
The visit featured an insightful agenda, including technical tours of some of Denmark’s most innovative dairy and agricultural facilities, as well as high-level meetings with the Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Director of Veterinary Services, and other key stakeholders in the dairy sector. These engagements provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge on regulatory frameworks, animal welfare, observe best practices on dairy models, and explore scalable solutions tailored to Nigeria’s local context.
Arla Foods Nigeria is proud to have facilitated this important mission in close partnership with the Danish Embassy. It is through exchanges like these that we can bridge expertise, drive innovation, and accelerate the growth of a sustainable dairy sector in Nigeria. Seeing practical, proven models in action provides powerful inspiration for what is possible back home. The Honourable Minister Alhaji Idi Mukthar Maiha also expressed his enthusiasm stating that “The Denmark visit was an eye opener for me. It was highly inspirational. I am convinced that we in Nigeria can also transform our livestock industry along a similar route. We can do it.”
This strategic visit underscores the long-standing collaboration between Nigeria and Denmark in the area of agriculture and dairy development. Arla Foods remains committed to supporting the Nigerian government and local stakeholders to improve the dairy value chain through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and investment in local production.
As Nigeria works to build a self-sustaining and climate-resilient dairy industry, Arla looks forward to many more collaborations and impactful projects in the future.
Arla-Dano Farm Bulls in Action in Nigeria
We’ve previously shared updates about the Holstein bulls from Arla Damau that were sold to local dairy farmers as part of our effort to enhance cattle genetics in Nigeria.
Because only sexed semen is used at the farm, the number of male calves born is limited. However, five exceptional bulls have now reached the minimum age of one year and will soon be available for sale. These bulls boast superior genetics and are the offspring of renowned Viking Genetics sires: two from VH FILLMAN, one from VH CROWN, and two from VH SIHLO.
These five bulls will be showcased at the upcoming Arla-Dano Damau Open Day on October 29th, where they will be auctioned.
If you’re interested in learning more about these bulls or would like to join the growing list of potential buyers, please reach out to Senior Manager, Snorri Sigurdsson at snorri.sigurdsson@arlafoods.com.
Arla-Dano Knowledge Sharing Day
The Arla-Dano Damau site in Kaduna State came alive on Wednesday the 25th June 2025, as we hosted our very first Knowledge Sharing Day — a special occassion dedicated to sharing our knowledge and pasion for sustainable dairy farming.
Visitors from esteemed institutions such as Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, joined local dairy farmers for a fully immersive experience. The day was designed to foster knowledge exchange, showcase innovation, and strengthen partnerships within Nigeria’s growing dairy sector.
Guests were treated to a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Arla-Dano farm, where they explored our modern facilities and learned about the farm’s sustainable dairy production technologies, which ensure optimum milk production. The tour also highlighted the farm’s commitment to animal welfare, including early-life nutrition strategies and optimal feeding.
Expert presentations by the farm’s knowledgeable staff covered a range of topics — from the science behind Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding and cow cooling systems to the ongoing trials of 62 new crop variants for animal fodder, many of which are being introduced in Nigeria for the first time.
The event underscored Arla Foods’ dedication to building a resilient and inclusive dairy value chain. With our advanced dairy farm and soon-to-be-commissioned yoghurt factory, the Arla-Dano Damau site stands as a beacon of innovation, productivity, and sustainability in Africa’s dairy landscape.
As the day concluded, participants left inspired, informed, and eager to contribute to the future of dairy farming in Nigeria.
Meet Our New Vet
Jemimah Zumunta is a driven and curious graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Originally from Bauchi State, she combines her academic background with a strong passion for dairy production and hands-on learning.
We recently had a great conversation with her, where she reflected on her journey so far and shared some fun, memorable stories from her work life.
Why the Arla-Dano Farm?
The Arla-Dano Farm reflects my passion for large animal medicine - combining science, welfare, and innovation to support sustainable health and high-quality dairy production.
What has been the biggest surprise?
The standardized systems are impressive, with optimized feeding, milking, and health monitoring, like a synchronized orchestra.
What has been the biggest challenge?
Adapting to Arla's fast pace has improved my efficiency and attention to detail in managing clinical duties and protocols.
How is life in the Arla Village?
It's peaceful and purposeful, with a strong team community and daily learning opportunities. The mix of nature, animals, and passion makes it feel more like a calling than a job.
What is the funniest part of your job?
Cows have distinct personalities, often with surprising sass. One always sneaks up behind me at feeding time, either for a chat or an extra snack!
What is the least fun part of your job?
Rainy morning rounds bring cold weather, tired eyes, and a stubborn lame cow—a combination that's hard to get used to.
If you could ask an animal one question, what would it be?
I’d ask a cow, “What makes you trust someone?” Because earning an animal’s trust is the foundation of good care, and it’d be amazing to hear their side.
In Other News
Visit from our New EVP
Last month, we had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Lillie Li Valeur, our new Executive Vice President for Arla International operations, to Arla Foods Nigeria. Her visit marked a significant moment of connection and collaboration as members of the Arla International Leadership Team and the Arla West Africa Leadership Team came together to align on our shared vision for the future.
The agenda featured insightful market visits and strategic discussions focused on accelerating growth, deepening collaboration, and driving innovation across the region. The visit reaffirmed Arla’s strong commitment to advancing our presence and impact in Nigeria and the broader West African market.
We are energized by the valuable insights and momentum gained from this engagement and are excited to translate these into meaningful actions that deliver value to our stakeholders across the region.