Given the traditionally high carbon emissions associated with dairy production, sustainability has emerged as a paramount concern for Nestlé, which strives to create nutritious, delectable products without compromising the health of our planet.
Nespray, Nestlé’s dairy brand, is central to this sustainable journey and embodies a farm-to-glass ethos. Fresh milk from Skimmelkrans and the other participating farms is delivered daily to the Nespray factory in Mossel Bay, where processes are optimised to reduce carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity.
Together, these farms demonstrate how dairy production can support environmental preservation without compromising high production standards.
Leading farms such as Rooiheuwel Farms, Oakdale Agricultural High School, and Grasslands Agriculture set strong examples of zero-carbon practices. Rooiheuwel, a 426ha farm, sustains a predominant herd of Jersey cows, each yielding 21ℓ of milk daily.
The farm enriches its pastures with diverse crops like ryegrass, plantain, and chicory, supported by organic fertilisers.
At Oakdale Agricultural High School, a registered Jersey stud, maize silage is grown at an impressive yield of 70t/ha. Grasslands, spanning 753ha, supports a 1 100-strong herd with a 48-point herringbone milking system, producing 20ℓ of milk per cow daily.
Nestlé’s commitment to sustainable farming includes regenerative practices that restore soil health, conserve water, and nurture biodiversity. Skimmelkrans recycles 14,5 million litres of water annually and sequesters 6 000t of carbon, a standout achievement.
Initiatives like owl houses, earthworm habitats, and native flora cultivation foster balanced ecosystems and strengthen farm resilience.
Soil health is another critical focus, with practices aimed at protecting and enriching the land. Annual soil analyses guide carbon sequestration, supporting soil fertility and capturing carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Water management across the farms employs advanced irrigation techniques, including soil moisture probes and irrigation scheduling.
The farms use liquid fertiliser derived from the manure produced by their cows, and the organic fertilisation methods combined with biological pest control minimises chemical usage, safeguarding water sources and enhancing the overall health of the farm ecosystems.
Animal welfare is paramount, with interventions designed to minimise methane emissions, a significant climate change factor. Optimised grazing and improved feed production reduce external dependencies and enable better pasture management.
Skimmelkrans alone processes up to 500t of manure annually, distributing it to improve soil conditions in low-fertility areas.
Renewable energy is another critical element, with most farms transitioning from fossil fuels to solar power and LED lighting. Skimmelkrans has reached a milestone, producing 285kVA of renewable energy through solar installations, further reducing its carbon footprint and showcasing the potential of clean energy in farming.
The impact of Nestlé’s low-carbon farming is transformative. Techniques such as biological pest control and zero tillage have improved soil health, reduced chemical usage, and increased crop yields, demonstrating the viability of sustainable dairy farming.
Beyond environmental gains, this initiative significantly impacts local communities. The Mossel Bay dairy farms and the Nespray factory employ over 1 000 people and support more than 13 000 individuals, uplifting the local economy.
Looking ahead, Nestlé Nespray is committed to expanding low-carbon farming across Africa, with a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Regenerative practices are already being adopted by 30 Zimbabwean dairy farmers, showcasing how Nestlé’s approach is inspiring a sustainable, resilient future for dairy farming across the continent.
