During last months, 20 producers executed improvements in their milk production process: fencing, cooling pools and ventilation. These producers belong to a network that provides milk to our Cheese Factory.

Besides, some producers started working on the standardization of the record keepings procedures that will allow better and faster decisions.

Finally, as part of a long term plan of action, we started developing workshops referred to production and quality of milk, in order to continuously improve our processes.

During this last year, we reopened the Cheese Factory. This endeavor allows cheese production with milk extracted to the goats we breed. Other services are planned to be provided such as technical support and financial assistance. This accomplishment is an important step for the project´s sustainability and has an important impact on the quality of our products.

Thanks for your generous support of our project. Here is an update we would like to share with you!

1090 USD have recently been used to contribute to buy cooling equipment (valuated in 2000-3000 USD) for a milking hall in the caprine basin of Robles, in a farm near the town of Forres.

This will contribute to better standards in caprine production for small producers in the area. Average daily production decreases to 1.5 litres per goat. Nevertheless, this number has considerably rised in comparison to past years due to hard work in feeding, genetic improvement and animal health.

Cooling systems are a great asset for small producers because they allow them to store milk and preserve its qualities. This is specially important both in the summer time as well as in the winter time (june-september) for different reasons.

From December to March temperatures in Santiago del Estero rise up to 122 ºF, making storage impossible. Although the local factory collects milk every day, farmers have a difficult time in preserving the quality of the product.

In the winter, production slightly decreases, and so does cheese production. Therefore, the factory only collects milk 2-3 times a week. In those cases producers need to store their milk until delivery day.

With cooling systems they can keep the milk stored at 41ºF and ensure that it reaches the factory in perfect conditions.

Improved and modernized milking halls are great venues for training other people involved in this activity. This will also encourage other farmers to make the necessary investement to improve their production to official standards. We feel this is the best way to promote activities within rural population, succesful experiencies that peasants can see with their own eyes have a far greater impact than theoretical learning.

On August 23th, a group of 19 farmers (of which 11 were women) visited FUNDAPAZ´s experimental farm in Santiago del Estero. This was a chance for them to see its milking parlour, recently licensed by the National Animal Health Organism, and discuss official requirements for licensed halls.

During that day, they also learned about silos as a means of storage of sorghum for goats during the winter time.

Again, many thanks for your generous support and you can make donations to our project as gifts during the holidays!