At Estancia Del Lago, we pride ourselves on operating one of the best dairy farms in Latin America. As we cultivate and milk a herd of approximately 13,750 cows, our approach to dairy farming integrates cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and meticulous management practices.
Milking Operations and Cow Welfare
Our milking routine stands as a testament to our operational efficiency. We have established three rotary parlors where we milk the cows. Currently, we are achieving an average milk production of approximately 41 liters per cow per day. Each of our cows enjoys a balanced diet that includes a mix of forages and concentrates, enabling us to maximize milk yield while ensuring their health and comfort. We milk all cows three times a day, employing a fixed time heat detection system that promotes annual reproduction throughout the year. Our team ensures that the maternity ward is staffed 24/7, providing care for both the animals and their newborn calves.
Sustainable Feeding Practices
The feeding process at Estancia Del Lago is designed to promote cow health and optimize production. We source our feed predominantly from our own agricultural operations, which allows us complete control over the quality of what our cows consume. For example, we harvest around 15,000 tons of corn silage along with winter silages like ryegrass and wheat. The feed is delivered to the animals in a totally mixed ration format, split equally between forage and concentrates. Daily, we provide around 800 tons of feed across our facilities, ensuring every cow has consistent access to nutrition. This approach is fundamental for maximizing dry matter intake and overall milk production.
Emphasizing Quality Over Quantity
In our selection of feed ingredients, we emphasize quality to ensure that our cows produce well. High-quality silage contributes not only to better milk yields but also aids in maintaining a stable nutrient profile throughout the year. We actively monitor the dry matter content of the silage and fine-tune our diets based on these insights. Moreover, our milking facilities are designed to minimize stress for the cows, ensuring that they are in comfortable environments while contributing to milk production.
The Role of Technology
Technology plays a crucial role in our operations. From feeding management systems to automated monitoring solutions, we leverage various tools to gain insights into animal health and productivity. For example, we employ comprehensive data analysis to track feed intake, composition, and cow health indicators, allowing for timely interventions when necessary. This technological infrastructure also extends to our milking processes. Each cow is cared for at every stage—from pre-dipping upon entering the rotary parlors to post-milking routines that include thorough drying and disinfecting procedures.
A Commitment to Sustainability
At Estancia Del Lago, we embrace a circular economy approach. We use renewable energy solutions and manage waste effectively through our biodigesters, which convert manure into biogas for operational use. This cycle showcases our commitment not only to sustainable dairy farming but also to environmental stewardship. By transforming effluents into useful resources, we not only enhance our farming operations but also contribute positively to the surrounding ecosystem. This process allows us to efficiently manage water and nutrients while minimizing environmental impact.
Team and Community Engagement
The work at Estancia Del Lago is made possible due to a dedicated team of around 550 employees, augmented by seasonal workers. Despite being located in an area without an established dairy culture, we have cultivated a passionate workforce committed to dairy farming as a profession. The company’s success has largely relied on this human element—training and engaging our workforce in sustainable practices and operational efficiencies. As we invest in our team’s development, we celebrate their contributions to the farm’s achievement of world-class productivity and quality.
Veterinary Management and Animal Health
As a veterinarian and the dairy manager for Estancia Del Lago, I understand the critical importance of animal health. Our proactive strategies in veterinary care, including consistent monitoring of herd health and genetic improvement programs, underpin our success. We are currently working towards full genotyping of our entire herd, which will enhance our management practices further by offering insights into genetic potential and health traits. By focusing on herd health and performance, we ensure that our cows can express their natural productivity effectively.
Production of Premium Dairy Products
Beyond milk production, our processing facilities transform fresh milk into powdered milk, which we export globally. Our production line incorporates high-tech processes from milk standardization to powder drying, ensuring quality and efficiency. We maintain rigorous quality control measures at each production stage, ensuring low microbial counts and consistent product parameters. This attention to detail guarantees that our powdered milk meets the standards of our international clients.
Conclusion
Estancia Del Lago stands at the forefront of sustainable dairy farming in Latin America, driven by a commitment to quality, technology, and responsible operations. We continue to seek new capabilities and embrace advanced practices that ensure both our success and the wellbeing of our animals. As we look ahead, our focus remains on nurturing the environment and reinventing dairy farming for the future, supported by our talented team and innovative practices.
