Dear Reader,
Welcome to the Q2 2026 edition of the Arla-Dano Dairy Development Newsletter. In this issue, we continue to share practical innovations, partnerships, and on-farm insights that are helping to shape a stronger and more sustainable dairy sector in Nigeria.
Across this edition, you will find a mix of technical insights and industry updates designed to inform, inspire, and support stakeholders across the dairy value chain. We go deeper into key practices such as animal welfare during cattle transport and hoof care, while also spotlighting how innovation continues to drive impact on the farm including our feature on how solar energy supports milk cooling and helps ensure consistent milk quality in a challenging operating environment. These stories reflect our commitment to applying practical, scalable solutions that can strengthen dairy production in Nigeria and beyond.
One major milestone this quarter was the Arla Food’s merger with DMK Group, marking a significant step forward for us as our cooperative grows to 11,200 farmers. This expansion strengthens our global footprint and reinforces our ability to drive sustainable growth, deliver quality nutrition, and create lasting value for farmers, partners, and communities worldwide.
This quarter also highlights other important milestones in our external engagements and partnerships. We share insights from our participation in the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum, where we contributed to discussions on strengthening agricultural value chains and showcased our products to a wide range of stakeholders. In addition, we provide an update on our new collaboration with the University of Abuja, which is focused on building the skills and capabilities required to develop Nigeria’s dairy industry.
We also reflect on our World Milk Day celebrations and the launch of the #ChooseMilk campaign, both reinforcing the importance of dairy nutrition and stakeholder engagement in driving awareness.
Within our operations, we continue to see growing interest in our high-quality breeding bulls, highlighting the critical role of improved genetics in enhancing productivity across the local dairy sector. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how consistent investment in innovation, partnerships, and capacity building is translating into measurable progress.
As always, we thank you for your continued interest in our journey. We hope you enjoy this edition and find the stories insightful, practical, and relevant as we work together to unlock more opportunities across Nigeria’s dairy value chain.
Peder Pedersen MD - Arla Global Dairy Products Ltd.
Choose Milk Nutrition Campaign: Driving Better Nutrition Through Awareness
The recently launched “Choose Milk” Campaign marks an important step in strengthening nutrition awareness and promoting healthier dietary choices across Nigeria. Officially kicked off on the 25th of May 2026, this initiative is co-funded by the European Union and managed by the Danish Dairy Board in collaboration with Arla Foods and key Nigerian government institutions, reflecting a strong, coordinated commitment to improving public health through nutrition education.
At its core, the campaign addresses a critical gap in consumer understanding: the widespread confusion between real dairy milk and creamers / non-dairy creamers. Many consumers are unaware that these products differ significantly in nutritional value, with creamers often lacking essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and key vitamins. By providing clear, accessible information, the campaign aims to empower individuals and families to make more informed dietary choices.
Beyond raising awareness, the initiative reinforces the broader role of nutrition in national development. Improved dietary knowledge, supports better health outcomes, particularly for children, whose growth, immunity, and cognitive development depend on adequate nutrition. By driving behavioural change at both household and community levels, the campaign contributes to long-term improvements in health and well-being.
A key strength of the campaign lies in its multi-stakeholder approach. It brings together government ministries including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Livestock Development alongside regulatory bodies such as SON and NAFDAC, development organisations, and a network of healthcare professionals, nutrition experts, and public figures. This collaboration enables the campaign combine technical credibility with relatable messaging, ensuring broader reach and stronger impact across diverse audiences.
Looking ahead, the campaign will extend its reach through schools, community platforms, and grassroots engagement initiatives, making its messages more accessible and locally relevant. By closing knowledge gaps and promoting informed consumption, the “Choose Milk” Campaign is helping to build a more nutrition-conscious society.
Through sustained education, collaboration, and engagement, the initiative is contributing to a future where Nigerians are better equipped to make dietary choices that support their health and overall quality of life.
Animal Welfare: Also on the Move!
Transporting cattle is more than simply moving animals from one place to another. It is about safeguarding their welfare and ensuring compliance with Arla’s standards every step of the way. A well-organized transport process reduces stress, minimizes the risk of injury, and supports better overall animal welfare. This is especially important when breeding animals are sold from the Arla-Dano Farm to other farms across Nigeria. To support this, we at the Arla-Dano Farm have developed our own transport standard, ensuring animals are treated responsibly from departure to arrival.
The Vehicle
Safe transport begins with the right vehicle. Not just any truck will do, vehicles must be purpose-built or properly adapted for livestock.
A strong, well-maintained frame is essential to handle the weight and movement of cattle. Flooring must be non-slip, using materials such as rubber mats, grooved metal, or treated wood, to prevent animals from losing their footing. On top of this, bedding material like sawdust, sand, or straw should always be used to improve comfort and absorb waste, keeping conditions clean during transit.
Side walls need to be high enough to prevent animals from jumping out, and all surfaces must be free from sharp edges, broken welds, or protrusions that could cause injury. Gates and partitions should be secure and lock properly, ensuring animals remain safely contained.
Ventilation plays a critical role. Openings must allow for consistent airflow to regulate temperature and reduce the risk of heat stress. In Nigeria’s warm climate, providing adequate shade is equally important to protect animals from direct sunlight.
Finally, space is key. Each animal must have enough room to stand naturally without overcrowding. Essential handling equipment, such as ropes and halters, should also be available and ready for use.
The Animal
At the Arla-Dano Farm, only cattle that have been cleared by our veterinarians are approved for transport. Health status is non-negotiable and animals to be transported must be fit, with no signs of illness or injury.
Ensuring animals are suitable for transport is one of the most important steps in protecting their welfare and maintaining high standards across our operations.
The People
Successful cattle transport depends heavily on the people involved, from those preparing the animals to those managing the journey.
At the farm level, teams ensure cattle are well-rested, properly fed, and adequately watered before loading. This preparation helps animals better cope with the stress of transport and reduces the risk of dehydration and fatigue.
Equally important is the loading process. Before any animal enters the vehicle, staff confirm that all transport requirements are met and that the vehicle is clean. This attention to detail helps prevent unnecessary risks and ensures a smooth start to the journey.
The Transport
How the vehicle is driven has a direct impact on animal welfare. Smooth, careful driving is essential. Sudden braking, sharp turns, or rapid acceleration can cause animals to lose balance, leading to stress or injury, and are therefore strictly avoided.
Trained drivers who understand livestock behaviour make a significant difference. Their ability to anticipate animal movement and adjust driving accordingly helps create a calmer, safer journey.
For longer trips, rest stops are planned in advance. These breaks allow animals to recover, reduce fatigue, and remain in good condition throughout the journey.
Spotlight Feature: Cooling Milk with the Sun
At the Arla-Dano Farm, sustainability and innovation come together to ensure every drop of fresh milk meets the highest quality standards. Because fresh milk is highly perishable, it must be cooled to below 4°C within two hours of milking, in line with Arlagården®, Arla's globally recognized dairy farm quality programme. This is achieved through a plate cooler and ice-bank system that rapidly removes heat from the milk and maintains a consistently low storage temperature until collection.
What makes this system unique is that it is powered by the sun. Solar panels generate the electricity needed to produce ice, creating a reliable reserve of cooling that keeps the system running even when sunlight is unavailable. By reducing dependence on diesel generators, this renewable energy solution lowers operating costs, minimizes environmental impact, and provides a dependable way to maintain milk quality, even in Nigeria's challenging power environment.
World Milk Day - 2026
On 1 June 2026, Arla Nigeria joined the global community in marking World Milk Day, an annual celebration of the importance of milk and the people behind its production. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Women Farmers,” highlighted the critical role women play across the dairy value chain. Every year this event is celebrated in Abuja hosted by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. Amongst many dairy organisations and companies, Arla Foods was present as a key sponsor of this year’s event.
From caring for livestock and managing farms to supporting household nutrition and contributing to rural economies, women are central to dairy production in many communities. This year’s theme aligns with broader global efforts to promote gender inclusion, strengthen rural livelihoods, and advance more sustainable agricultural practices.
At Arla Foods, this focus closely reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting local dairy development in Nigeria. Through initiatives centred on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and sustainable farming practices, Arla-Dano continues to contribute to a more inclusive dairy sector - one that creates opportunities for both women and men while improving nutrition outcomes for families.
World Milk Day also provided an opportunity to recognise the broader ecosystem behind every glass of milk. From farmers and farm workers to processors and value chain partners, the dairy sector is powered by a network of dedicated individuals working together to deliver safe, high-quality nutrition to consumers.
By acknowledging the contributions of women farmers and reinforcing the importance of inclusive growth, the 2026 celebration underscored the role of dairy in supporting healthier communities and more resilient livelihoods.
Featuring our Calves on World Milk Day
Among the highlights of this year’s World Milk Day celebration was a memorable appearance by two young calves from the Arla-Dano Farm. At just eight weeks old, they quickly became a focal point of the event, drawing interest and excitement from attendees.
Their presence offered a simple but powerful reminder of where the dairy journey begins — on the farm, through the care and attention given to raising healthy animals. For many visitors, interacting with the calves created a more personal connection to dairy production and a greater appreciation for the work carried out by farmers every day.
The calves symbolised the future of dairy; growth, continuity, and sustainability within the sector bringing the farm-to-fridge story to life and reinforcing Arla’s commitment to supporting local dairy development and improving understanding of the dairy value chain.
While they were undoubtedly a crowd favourite, their role went beyond attraction serving as a tangible representation of the people, processes, and care behind every glass of milk, adding authenticity and a memorable touch to the 2026 World Milk Day celebrations.
High Demand for Holstein Breeding Bulls
In April, the Arla-Dano Farm sold three breeding bulls to local dairy farmers across Nigeria. One bull was transported to a farm near Abuja, the other two to Katsina State.
The bulls, aged 8–9 months, were sold through an informal auction where interested farmers submitted their offers. In total, 16 bids were received for the three animals, which were ultimately sold to the highest bidders.
The strong demand highlights the high regard for the Arla-Dano Farm and its Holstein genetics in Nigeria. At the same time, it clearly reflects a broader challenge: a shortage of high-quality breeding animals in the country.
To help address this need, we are pleased to announce that during the Open Days at the Arla-Dano Damau Site on 28–29 October, a new group of breeding animals will be available for sale!
A full list of available animals will be published in the September edition of this Newsletter, so stay tuned.
You can also contact Snorri Sigurdsson directly for information about specific bulls that will be sold from the farm: snorri.sigurdsson@arlafoods.com.
Hoof Trimming
Hoof trimming is not optional in dairy farming, it is essential. It plays a critical role in maintaining animal health, welfare, and productivity. In natural conditions, cows walk long distances across varied terrain, which naturally wears their hooves down. Modern systems reduce this movement, leading to overgrown, mis-shapened, and unbalanced hooves, and ultimately increasing the risk of lameness and foot-related issues.
Hoof diseases are a major challenge in dairy herds. Digital dermatitis, an infectious condition, causes painful lesions around the hoof often leads to limping. Sole ulcers, another common issue, occur when excessive pressure damages the hoof sole. These conditions directly affect welfare and significantly reduce productivity. Regular hoof trimming, combined with early treatment, is key to preventing and controlling such problems.
The goal of hoof trimming is simple but vital: restore proper hoof shape and balance so weight is evenly distributed. This reduces pressure points, prevents lesions, and keeps cows mobile. Healthy cows walk comfortably, access feed and water easily, and exhibit natural behavior, all of which support better milk production, fertility, and overall performance.
At Arla-Dano farm, hoof trimming is carried out twice yearly as part of preventive herd management. Alongside this, breeding for strong hooves and correct foot angles strengthens durability, reduces lameness risk, and supports long-term productivity across the herd.
Pasture Establishment at Damau Grazing Reserve
The Kaduna Ranch Development Company (KRDC) recently flagged off a major pasture establishment project at the Damau Grazing Reserve in Kubau Local Government Area, marking a significant step towards strengthening sustainable dairy production and enhancing food security in Kaduna State.
Launched by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Malam Murtala Mohammed Dabo, the initiative reflects the state government’s continued investment in agricultural mechanisation and rural development.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with key partners, including the Milk Value Chain Foundation (MVCF) and the Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company (KMDMC), reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen the dairy value chain.
Anchored on the “Feed for Dairy” initiative, the programme aims to improve pasture availability, ensure consistent livestock nutrition, and support more structured and productive dairy systems.
Overall, the initiative contributes to Kaduna State’s broader efforts to strengthen productivity, support rural livelihoods, and build a more resilient dairy value chain.
Partnership with the University of Abuja
Arla Foods Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to the long-term development of Nigeria’s dairy sector through a strategic partnership with the University of Abuja, formalised under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University’s Centre for Dairy Studies.
The collaboration is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by aligning academic learning with the practical needs of the dairy value chain. As part of the partnership, Arla will contribute its global expertise in sustainable dairy production to support the Centre’s ambition of becoming a leading hub for dairy education and research in Nigeria.
A core focus of the MoU is skills development, ensuring that the next generation of dairy professionals is equipped with both technical knowledge and hands-on industry experience. To support this, Arla will provide annual internship opportunities for 2–4 students, giving them practical exposure to real-world dairy operations. These internships will complement academic training with on-the-job learning, helping to build a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of driving the growth of Nigeria’s dairy industry.
Beyond internships, the partnership encompasses a broader set of objectives aimed at strengthening capacity across the sector. These include fostering industry-relevant research, supporting knowledge exchange between academia and practitioners, and promoting closer collaboration across the dairy value chain from production to processing and marketing.
By embedding practical learning opportunities within academic programmes, the collaboration directly addresses critical capability gaps within the industry. It also reinforces Arla’s commitment to developing local talent and supporting sustainable dairy production through long-term, structured interventions.
Meet Our Assistant Farm Manager
Pieter Jordaan was born in South Africa and raised in a small farming community. Farming has been in his blood all his life, and he enjoys every moment of it.
His passion led him to dairy farming, where he gained five years of experience in the United States, before moving to Nigeria.
What inspired you to work in dairy farming, and how did your journey lead you to Arla Nigeria?
My passion for farming, field work, and working with animals is so big and my love for it continues to grow.
Through this passion my path led to Arla and I took the opportunity to give myself and my daughter a better future.
Can you describe your role as Assistant Farm Manager?
My role involves supporting Robert, overseeing daily farm operations and supervising the field team.
I am also responsible for assisting with fieldwork planning and dairy management activities.
If you weren't a farmer, what would you be doing?
If I hadn’t become a farmer, I would have pursued a career as a veterinarian, because I have a deep love for animals and caring for them is truly my passion.
What do you enjoy most about working at the Arla-Dano farm, and what makes the experience unique for you?
What I enjoy most about working on the farm is the good mannerisms and respect within the team, and their willingness to learn.
What has been your proudest moment or biggest learning experience since joining the team?
This would be in December, when we faced a FMD outbreak. Together, the Arla team worked tirelessly to protect the animals and successfully overcome the challenge. I am proud of my field team for securing nearly all crops for silage, improving the cows’ diet and increasing milk yield.
What advice would you give to young people who are interested in building a career in modern dairy farming?
My best advice is that you are never too old to learn something new. Hard work and patience can take you far in life. When things get tough, don’t give up, take a breath and handle the situation as calmly and effectively as you can.
In Other News
10th Nigeria - EU Business Forum
On 25th June 2026, Arla Foods Nigeria participated in the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum 2026, a high-level platform held in Lagos that brings together policymakers, investors, and business leaders from Nigeria and the European Union to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
This year’s Forum focused on mobilising private investment and advancing partnerships across key sectors, including agriculture, while facilitating dialogue through panel sessions, exhibitions, and business engagements.
A key highlight of the event was the Dairy Coalition panel chaired by the Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and featuring Arla Nigeria’s very own dairy expert, Snorri Sigurdsson. Snorri provided insights into Arla’s ongoing efforts to support the growth of the local dairy sector development as well as our active participation in the Dairy Coalition to drive backward integration.
Arla’s participation reinforces its commitment to developing a sustainable dairy ecosystem in Nigeria supporting local farmers, enhancing capacity, and contributing to food and nutrition security in line with its broader Dairy Development agenda.