Lam Dong: Towards effective and sustainable development of the dairy industry

DNVN - Gradually affirming its position in the livestock industry, Lam Dong is developing a stable dairy herd, improving productivity and promoting value chain linkages, aiming to become a major dairy center of the country.

Stable dairy farming leads to a secure economy for farmers.

According to Lam Dong Newspaper, in recent years, dairy farming has become a specialized agricultural sector, making a significant contribution to socio-economic development in Lam Dong province.

Dairy farming in Lam Dong province has been and continues to bring high economic benefits to the people. Photo: Lam Dong Newspaper.

A prime example is the farm of Mr. Tran Huy Rin (Cat Tien 2 commune), one of the pioneering households that imported dairy cows for breeding since the end of 2022. With an investment of over 3 billion VND to build standard barns and purchase high-quality breeds from Da Lat Dairy Joint Stock Company, he now has a herd of 47 cows, of which 35 are producing milk with a stable yield of 700 kg/day.

"To produce high-quality milk, I always adhere to strict care and nutrition procedures, from well-ventilated and clean barns to balanced feed rations for each stage of reproduction," Rin shared.

Thanks to a stable purchase price of 15,000 VND/kg, along with quality bonuses, after only two years, his family paid off all their debts and started making a profit. This model has also become an impetus for many households in the area to boldly switch from raising beef cattle to dairy cattle.

Mr. Tran Huy Rin (on the right) discusses dairy farming procedures with experts from Da Lat Dairy Joint Stock Company.

According to the Lam Dong Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine, as of July 2025, the total dairy cow herd in the province will reach 26,220 head, concentrated most heavily in Don Duong district (17,159 head) and Duc Trong district (5,427 head). In 2024, cow milk production reached over 106,800 tons, an increase of over 10% compared to 2020; average yield reached 22 liters/cow/day, higher than the national average.

The total number of dairy cows in Lam Dong province has recovered to over 26,000.

Linking the value chain and ensuring output.

Currently, Lam Dong province has 5 fresh milk purchasing enterprises with 18 collection stations, along with 3 cooperatives and 2 cooperative groups operating effectively. Approximately 95% of the milk production is consumed stably through contracts with major players such as Vinamilk, Dalatmilk, and Friesland Campina.

In addition, the locality has three fresh milk processing plants and a cheese production facility, which helps to ensure a stable market for farmers' produce, avoiding the risk of "bumper harvest but low prices".

In particular, many farms have adopted modern technologies such as automatic milking systems, health management chips for the herd, feed-pushing robots, and waste treatment using biogas, contributing to improved production efficiency and environmental protection.

In particular, the average milk yield in Lam Dong province reached 22 liters/cow/day, higher than the national average.

Towards becoming the country's largest dairy farming center.

According to Mr. Pham Phi Long, Head of the Department of Livestock and Veterinary Medicine of Lam Dong province, the dairy industry in the province is gradually developing sustainably thanks to the cooperation between farmers, cooperatives, and businesses. However, disease risks still exist, typically exemplified by the diarrhea outbreak in 2024, requiring enhanced monitoring and prevention.

In the coming period, the province will continue to orient itself as follows:

Reduce small-scale livestock farming and develop large-scale, concentrated farming using high technology.

Improving the quality of breeding stock while protecting the environment.

Strengthening value chain linkages and encouraging farmers to participate in cooperatives.

Establish disease-free zones and apply modern waste treatment technologies.

Notably, the high-tech dairy farm and milk processing project in Quang Son, with a scale of 50,000 cows (including 25,000 milk-producing cows) expected to be operational by 2031, will create a major boost, making Lam Dong a leading dairy farming center in the country.

With an increasingly stable cattle herd, outstanding productivity, and strong investment in technology and supply chain linkages, Lam Dong is affirming its determination to build an efficient, sustainable, and modern dairy industry.

As reported by Nhu Y (Lam Dong Newspaper)

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/lam-dong-huong-toi-phat-trien-nganh-bo-sua-hieu-qua-ben-vung/20250912063510766