16 February 2026
Milk Valley Farm, located near Lobatse, carries the country’s hopes for higher self-sufficiency in dairy, an achievement which would also boost value-added activities in the local economy. The farm’s current herd comprises both milking cows and replacement stock to support future herd expansion.
Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) Head Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations, Boitshwarelo Lebang-Kgetse, told BusinessWeek that the Girolando dairy breed is widely recognised for its resilience in warmer climates and strong milk production performance. The introduction of this breed is expected to materially enhance both herd size and overall productivity.
“Upon completion of the various expansion phases and once herd productivity has stabilised, Milk Valley Farm is projected to supply significantly higher milk volumes to the local market, strengthening domestic dairy supply,” she said in response to emailed enquiries.
Lebang-Kgetse said the farm is presently in a herd transition phase, explaining that a substantial portion of the existing herd was recently dried off as part of a herd optimisation and expansion programme designed to improve long-term productivity and prepare for the integration of higher-yield dairy breeds
Drying off means that milking is stopped for six to 12 weeks before the next calving in order to allow udder tissue to repair and rejuvenate. The break boosts immune functions, replenishes body condition and is essential for optimal milk production in the next lactation.
“Consequently, current daily milk output is temporarily below normal operational levels,” Lebang-Kgetse said.
“This reduction is deliberate and forms part of a carefully planned scale-up process aimed at achieving materially higher production volumes once the new herd is fully established.”
Currently, Milk Valley Farm supplies raw milk primarily to local milk processors and distributors, who process and distribute dairy products within Botswana. The farm employs 18 full-time staff across dairy operations, herd management, farm maintenance and administrative functions. Employment levels are expected to increase progressively as production expands and related value-chain activities grow.
During the rebrand of Milk Valley, it was announced that the farm aims to increase its herd to produce an estimated 18 million litres of milk annually. This would satisfy around 29% of Botswana’s annual milk demand, an improvement from the current 12%.
Milk Valley Farm changed its name Milk Afric and rebranded last April. Milk Valley Farm interim general manager, Onkemetse Bareki explained during the unveiling of the rebrand that the renaming marked a new chapter in their journey to advancing the local dairy industry and contributing to national food security. The farm aligns to Botswana’s economic diversification goals and plays a crucial role in supporting domestic dairy production and reducing reliance on imported dairy products, he said.
In line with commitment to enhancing dairy value chain, Milk Valley Farm aims to promote local dairy production capacity by fostering partnerships with key stakeholders and local farmers and aligning its efforts with Botswana’s Dairy Strategy. The P70 million dairy project by the BDC aims to transform Botswana’s over-reliance on imported milk into a thing of the past.
Source: https://shorturl.at/1QMGK
