A remarkable campaign initiated by the County Government of Uasin Gishu, Departments of Livestock Production to encourage farmers to bulk their milk at Sosiani Farmers Cooperative Society in Kamagut Ward, Turbo Sub-County has yielded impressive results.

The society has witnessed a significant increase in milk bulking, with the volume rising from 140 litres to 650 litres in a campaign that lasted for less than one month.

Speaking during the meeting at Sosiani Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) Livestock Chief Officer Mr. Nixon Cheplong said that the success of this initiative can be attributed to the Department’s efforts to educate, motivate and equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage a cooperative society effectively.

Mr. Cheplong in a statement echoed by Kamagut Ward Cooperative Credit officer Bridgit Makena, emphasized the importance of farmers joining cooperative societies to maximize the benefits of milk bulking.

They highlighted the numerous advantages of cooperative membership, such as access to better markets, improved bargaining power, and increased profitability.

The duo urges farmers to join forces with them to overcome the hurdles of limited resources, fluctuating milk prices, and inadequate market access.

Livestock Director Mr. Abraham Kiptanui stressed the need for farmers to bulk their milk to access essential services such as extension support, training, and technical advice.

Kiptanui said that the Department has been carrying out campaigns aimed at creating awareness among farmers about the advantages of pooling their resources and collectively marketing their milk where they have conducted numerous workshops and training programs

According to Kiptanui, the campaign’s results have been remarkable as the Sosiani Farmers Cooperative Society, which initially collected only 160 litres of milk, has now witnessed a fourfold increase in production, reaching an impressive 650 litres.

During the meeting Livestock production officers, Mr. John Kipkirong and Reuben Tanui educated farmers on best practices for dairy animal care.

The officers addressed various aspects of livestock management, including feeding, housing, and overall animal welfare.

The training aimed to improve the farmers’ understanding of the necessary steps to achieve optimal productivity and ensure the well-being of their dairy animals.

Mr. Kipkirong and Mr. Tanui emphasized that proper nutrition is vital for animal health and milk production.