SUSTAINABILITY IMPROVED THROUGH ATTENTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.

The Skimmelkrans dairy farm, located near George, in the Western Cape, is the Nestlé group’s pilot project for low-carbon emissions, following the announcement in 2020 to pursue a net-zero project there. Results to date from the Skimmelkrans Dairy pilot project include annual averages of 500 tons of manure processed, 14.5 million litres of water recycled and 6 000 tons of carbon sequestrated through soil work. The project harnesses cutting-edge techniques such as biological pest control and zero tillage, which minimises chemical use, improves soil health and boosts crop yields. Over and above these, a solar installation generates 285 kVA of power. 

Skimmelkrans boasts a pasture-based herd of over 1 000 cows. Adult female cows are artificially inseminated with sperm procured globally, ensuring optimal pregnancy metrics. Technology monitors the cows’ health, ensuring optimum and safe production. Nestlé further uses this traceability when receiving the milk to ensure product uniformity. Milk production at the farm is seasonal, with the farm currently supplying about 13 000 litres daily. The cows are milked twice daily, using a rotating feeder and milking system that prevents contamination by ensuring milk is not touched by human hands. The farm implements regenerative agriculture systems, displacing emissions generated at the farms by removing the same amount from the atmosphere through soil work, and implementing effective water conservation, feed management and manure processing. The factory implements sustainability initiatives, including a water recovery system that captures and treats evaporated water from milk processing for use within the facility, thereby reducing municipal water intake. A wastewater treatment plant treats process water for irrigation and truck washing. The factory also uses digital monitoring and predictive maintenance systems for more sustainable manufacturing practices and is continuing to explore artificial intelligence to effect more benefits.

The common conclusion is that the switch to regenerative agriculture (RA) has transformed the farm. Not only is Skimmelkrans experiencing better yields, but RA practices are also contributing to a healthier environment.