Israeli Dairy Industry – facts and figures
Despite unfavorable conditions including heat, humidity and limited resources, average milk production per cow in Israel has increased dramatically since the 1950’s, soaring from 4,000 kg annually to more than 12, 000 kg of in 2018. Israel’s dairy industry consider as one of the most advanced in the world.
Advanced technologies including computerized milking and feeding systems, cow-cooling systems, and milk processing equipment, combined with unique farm management techniques have led Israel’s dairy industry to become the global leader in efficiency, production, and sustainability.
ISRAELI MILK PRODUCTION
Today, the Israel dairy industry produces the highest milk yield per cow, and acts as a model of achievement for dairy farmers worldwide.
Milk Yield per Milk Cow – International Comparison for 2009
[Image Source: Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics Press Release: “Land of Milk and Honey” Selected Data on Milk and Honey in Israel on the Eve of Shavu’ot, 2011]
2016 Israeli Dairy Board Kibbutz (cooperative) Production Figures:
- Average milk production per cow: 12, 117 Kg
- Average fat content: 3.59%, 435 Kg
- Average protein content: 3.17%, 384 Kg
- The highest average yearly milk yield per cow in a Israeli cooperative dairy farm (Habonim) Kg 14310 (31,548 pounds)
2017 Israeli Dairy Board Moshav Production Figures:
- Average milk production per cow: 12, 025 Kg, about
- Average fat content: 3.86%, 458 Kg cow/year
- Average protein content: 3.42%, 402 KG cow/year
- The highest average yearly milk yield per cow in a Israeli Moshav dairy farm: Kg 13,564 (29,904 pounds)
ISRAELI DAIRY INDUSTRY STRUCTURE
Approximately 100,000 cattle make up the Israeli dairy herd. Currently, there are two farming systems: The Kibbutz, which are large collective farm units, and the Moshav, which are family herds organized as a cooperative society.
All dairy production is overseen by the Israeli Dairy Board, which is owned and operated by the Government of Israel, the major processing companies, and the dairy farmers themselves. Under the IDB, dairy farmers are subject to monthly quotas to divide the annual volume of milk production.
HERD NUTRITION AND DAIRY FARM TECHNOLOGY
Because of unfavorable conditions, Israeli dairy cows do not graze. Instead, herd diet is based on scientific, online feed analysis, and calculated feed rations for highest nutritional value, production rates, and economic efficiency.
Equally as advanced, domestically developed technologies are implemented in every aspect of Israeli dairy farming, resulting in a fully automated, calculated system that guarantees strict quality control.