Dairy Diary: August business update
What’s NEW in the dairy farming world? We report on the sale of FrieslandCampina’s Romanian operations, Cargill’s plans to acquire Mig-Plus animal nutrition business in Brazil, and an innovative solution ADM will unveil at SPACE 2025. Read an update on these developments and more on the latest dairy sector news…
FrieslandCampina reached an agreement with Bonafarm Group to sell Romanian operations
Royal FrieslandCampina has reached an agreement to sell its operations in Romania to Bonafarm Group, including the local brand Napolact and the production facilities in Cluj-Napoca and Târgu Mureș. The decision follows a strategic review of FrieslandCampina’s activities in Romania and aligns with the strategy of the Business Group Europe to focus on core markets, high value-added growth segments, synergies across the company and markets where the milk from FrieslandCampina member dairy farmers can be optimally valorised. Although the Romanian operational company holds a leading position in the local dairy market, its activities offer limited synergy with the Europe portfolio and do not contribute to the valorisation of FrieslandCampina member milk. With Bonafarm Group as the new owner, the Romanian business is in capable hands, says the company.
Cargill to acquire Mig-Plus, expanding animal nutrition business in Brazil
Cargill has announced its binding offer to acquire 100% of the operations of Mig-Plus, a family-owned company specialising in animal nutrition solutions for multiple species, primarily swine and ruminants, with a product portfolio that includes premixes, feed concentrates, and complete feeds. The agreement between the parties has been formalised, and the completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Founded in 1991, Mig-Plus is headquartered in Casca, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and currently operates two facilities with approximately 450 employees.
ADM to unveil innovative solutions for animal performance at SPACE 2025
During SPACE 2025, ADM will launch a new feed additive to help dairy farmers improve milk yields. The company will also showcase its Sincro data-driven services for animal producers and feed professionals for optimal livestock and poultry performance. One of the key highlights of its portfolio of solutions include Digest Carb for ruminants, which is a combination of additives aimed to optimise the rumen’s use of different energy sources (e.g., starch, fiber, sugars). Validated through on-farm trials, Digest Carb improves milk efficiency and optimises the energy formulation of feed.
Alltech awards young leaders in agricultural communications
During the 2025 Ag Media Summit held in July in Rogers, Arkansas, 4 students studying agricultural communications were honored for their excellence, professionalism and leadership. The Livestock Publications Council Student Award Program, sponsored by Alltech, provides travel scholarships for 4 students to attend the summit. The finalists for this year’s Forrest Bassford Student Award included Kyra Holt (Texas Tech University), Jenna Whitaker (University of Idaho), Rianna Chaney (Oklahoma State University) and Jenna Fiscus (Kansas State University). The award was presented to Jenna Whitaker, a junior studying agricultural science, communication and leadership at the University of Idaho. Her dedication to the livestock industry, exemplary academic performance and outstanding communication skills set her apart from the pool of candidates.
New trade show booth awards announced by World Dairy Expo
World Dairy Expo‘s tradeshow is an opportunity for dairy-related companies to showcase the latest technology and dairy equipment. New this year, the World Dairy Expo Doug Williams Memorial Booth Awards will be presented to outstanding commercial exhibitors. The categories for these booth awards include: Best New Exhibitor, Best Outdoor Space, The Showstopper, Most Interactive and Best of Show. Two industry experts and a member of the World Dairy Expo Commercial Exhibitor Committee will serve as judges. Doug Williams, who passed away in January 2025, was a familiar face to those visiting Kuhn North America’s booth for 30 years. Doug served on WDE’s Commercial Exhibitor Committee for 24 years and was the Chairman of the committee, as well as a member of WDE’s Executive Committee for 6 years and WDE’s Board of Directors for 10 years. Always quick with a smile, a helping hand and sound business acumen, Doug’s contributions to WDE were many.
World Dairy Expo welcomes Faherty as trade show manager
World Dairy Expo has announced Kay Faherty as the organisation’s trade show manager. Faherty began her duties on 18 August 2025. In this role, Faherty will manage the trade show, engage with participating commercial exhibitors, and coordinate on-site trade show booths. She brings with her many years of trade show experience and has extensive experience in customer service and event coordination.
Finalists shortlisted for 2025 Women in Dairy award
Three outstanding women have been shortlisted for the Dairy Industry Woman of the Year award 2025. The winner will be announced on 17 September at the Women in Dairy Conference at Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth. The award celebrates the achievements of women in the dairy sector, recognising individuals who demonstrate the Women in Dairy values of connect, share, and inspire. The finalists are:
- Claire Whittle – vet and farmer, North Wales: Claire combines her work as a practising vet with farming and consultancy, championing regenerative agriculture and ecosystem health.
- Jane Barnes – farmer, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire: Jane runs Farmer Barnes Dairy with her husband and son, producing milk for world-famous Stilton cheese while welcoming thousands of visitors to the farm.
- Judy Dilks – farmer, Hassop, Derbyshire: At Simply Milk Organic, Judy combines calm leadership with a focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and education.
