Thinking of Starting a Value-Added Dairy Foods Business?

Jan 06, 2021

By Kerry E. Kaylegian

“Value-added” is an extra characteristic that oﬀers greater value to the consumer and generates a higher dollar return for the dairy foods processor. Reasons for starting a value-added business: to maintain a small family farm; for ﬁnancial sustainability of your dairy; if you have a passion for dairy products; or to provide a business opportunity for future.

There is a wide range of value-added dairy products such as ﬂuid products, frozen desserts, cultured products, a variety of cheeses, and butter. Dairy consumption is increasing but product trends are moving away from ﬂuid milk to value-added dairy products.

Consumers are interested in local products as well as niche or specialty products, so you may be able to capitalize on an opportunity to market your milk such as grass-fed cattle, organic, goat or sheep products, A2 milk, breed-speciﬁc such as Guernsey or Jersey.

Before you start, knowing the characteristics, science, and manufacturing technology of your product is critical to making a consistent, high-quality product. This will help you determine your equipment and facility needs, manufacturing processes, and regulatory requirements.

The dairy industry is highly regulated. You need to know the federal and state regulations that apply to your enterprise. It is also important to identify potential barriers to the success of your enterprise.

A Successful and Sustainable business is the result of a solid understanding of your markets and the technology needed to make your products, and a commitment to the highest quality farming, manufacturing, and business practices.

This program was developed by Food Safety CTS, LLC, for Penn State University.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Syngenta Ag Stories - Reanna Hagel, Channel Marketing Manager

Growing up on a cow-calf operation and small feedlot near Lumby, BC, Reanna learned agriculture the hands-on way with her sister on the family farm. Today, as Channel Marketing Manager for Syngenta Canada, what Reanna loves most about her work is simple: the customer is always at the centre. Whether that's a grower or a channel partner, she understands them on a personal level - because she's the daughter of one. But for Reanna, supporting ag doesn't stop at her job. She volunteers with local 4-H clubs, lends a hand to her farming neighbours, and is raising her own kids to understand and respect the land. Her advice to the next generation? "It's an amazing time to be in the industry - it's going to look completely different in 20 years. To be part of the evolution is very exciting."