Milk Valley Farm expands dairy herd to 2,000 Cattle to increase production

BOTSWANA – Milk Valley Farm has announced a major expansion of its dairy herd, scaling up from just over 260 animals to a projected 2,000 cattle.

The initiative, led by the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s dairy sector and reducing reliance on imports.

At the core of the expansion is the introduction of Girolando dairy cattle, a breed renowned for its resilience in warmer climates and strong milk production performance.

According to BDC officials, once the expansion phases are complete and herd productivity stabilises, Milk Valley Farm will be able to supply substantially higher volumes of milk to the domestic market.

The farm, which rebranded from Milk Afric to Milk Valley Farm in 2025, was originally designed to accommodate 2,000 milking cows.

With the new expansion, it is poised to operate closer to its full capacity, potentially producing over 20 litres of milk per cow daily.

This output would not only meet local demand but also create opportunities for value-added activities such as processing and packaging, thereby stimulating the broader economy.

Beyond production, the expansion carries national significance. Botswana has long sought to achieve greater self-sufficiency in dairy, and Milk Valley Farm is now positioned as a flagship project in that mission.

By reducing dependence on imported milk and dairy products, the farm’s growth supports food security, empowers local producers, and aligns with the country’s broader agricultural development agenda.

Milk Valley Farm, established in 2010, was created to support Botswana’s dairy sector by building a sustainable system that delivers certified, high-quality local food through strategic growth, partnerships, and sound management.

In 2013, the Farm partnered with the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) to help empower young dairy entrepreneurs and establish a national dairy pilot out-grower scheme. 

This partnership developed an anchor dairy farm in Lobatse, designed to model the best practices for dairy farming across the country.

In 2024, the Farm began production at its much-anticipated dairy facility, seven years after the project was initiated. 

The Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), which took over full control of the project in 2020, purchased 220 cattle, including 170 dairy cows and 50 heifers, from a local farm in Pitsane. 

The cows were initially housed at Pitsane while final preparations were made to complete the milking parlour at Milk Valley Farm.

According to BDC Managing Director, Cross Kgosidiile, the company successfully conducted a dry commissioning of the milking equipment, followed by a wet commissioning that involved testing with live cows.

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