Arla-Dano Farm open day showcases modern dairy farming in Nigeria

NIGERIA – Arla Foods Nigeria has concluded its 2026 Arla-Dano Damau Open Day, bringing together 850 farmers, students, government representatives, and dairy industry stakeholders to showcase modern dairy farming practices for strengthening Nigeria’s domestic milk production.

Held on 28 and 29 October at the Arla-Dano Farm in Damau, Kaduna State, the two-day event provided participants with practical exposure to advanced dairy operations, livestock management, animal nutrition and milk production technologies.

The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange between dairy farmers, industry professionals and service providers, demonstrating how modern farming practices can contribute to improving livestock productivity and strengthening local dairy value chains.

One of the major highlights of the event was the live milking demonstration, which showcased the productivity potential of the farm’s dairy herd.

The Arla-Dano Farm is home to more than 450 Friesland Holstein cattle. During the demonstration, the highest recorded milk yield reached 57 litres from a single cow in one day.

Speaking during the opening session, Elele Ogunsanya, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Arla Foods Nigeria, highlighted the company’s commitment to strengthening local dairy production and supporting communities across the dairy value chain.

She noted that dairy plays an important role in community nutrition, farmer livelihoods and economic development.

Arla’s activities in Nigeria extend beyond supplying dairy products, with a focus on developing local farming capabilities, sharing technical knowledge and building partnerships that support a resilient dairy industry.

The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, also attended the event and emphasised the importance of long-term collaboration among government institutions, dairy companies, farmers and development partners.

He highlighted the need to build a dairy sector that improves children’s access to nutritious food, provides sustainable incomes for farmers, strengthens local milk supply chains and creates employment opportunities across the livestock industry.

A significant development announced during the 2026 Open Day was the presentation of Arla’s new School Feeding Programme in Kaduna State.

The initiative aims to improve children’s nutritional access, support educational outcomes and create additional demand for locally produced milk. Under the proposed programme.

Arla intends to provide freshly produced yoghurt from its Damau farm to participating schoolchildren several times a week.

To receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, the Middle East and around the world, SUBSCRIBE HERE