Jersey cow ‘second most popular in the world’

A CONFERENCE which discusses the importance of the Jersey cow in African farming communities is due to take place in Malawi this month. 

International Development Minister Carolyn Labey will be speaking at the African Jersey Forum Conference, and plans to visit communities in Malawi where Jersey cattle are having a positive impact. 

The Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society leads a dairy development project which works with an agency to produce more than 90% of Malawi’s domestic milk supply. 

The project is funded by Jersey Overseas Aid and the milk produced supports more than 12,000 dairy farmers in Malawi. 

According to RJA&HS, the Jersey cow is now the second most popular breed of dairy cow in the world and is found in more than 100 countries. 

Members of the dairy industry, politicians and policy makers will gather at the global conference on 28 June in Blantyre, Malawi, which will also be streamed online. 

‘Dairy cows play a vital role in many African countries, serving not only as a source of income for smallholder farmers but contributing to the improved health and nutrition of their families and communities and as a driver of economic development,’ Deputy Labey said. 

‘As a centre of dairy expertise – and home of the Jersey breed – we are uniquely well-placed to assist farmers, charities, co-operatives, extension workers and national governments with improving the quality and profitability of milk production. 

‘As Islanders we should be very proud, not only of the Jersey breed, but also of the fantastic work of our partners, including the RJA&HS, and how Jersey’s funding is having such a significant impact on the lives of  communities

David Hambrook, head of dairy for development at the RJA&HS, added: ‘The plans for the conference are coming together nicely and we look forward to once again uniting those with a passion for the Jersey breed in Africa.’