GENEX is an implementing partner of USAID’s Cooperative Development Program (CDP) working in partnership with 21 dairy cooperatives in the San Martin, Huánuco, and Pasco provinces of Peru. The CDP aims to strengthen the capacity of cooperative businesses by providing technical training and assistance in cooperative governance, agricultural practices, and business operations. With USAID’s CDP structure, cooperative dairy farms can learn how different farm management tools, such as artificial insemination (A.I) and genetic planning, can have a positive impact on animal productivity, farmer profitability, and environmental sustainability.
The success of the CDP program can be seen through the incredible achievements of farmers at Cooperative Agraria Montevideo in the Huánuco region of Peru. With the support of the CDP, Montevideo has expanded to 60 members assisting with improving dairy operations. The directors of the cooperative, Julio Rivera and Gabriel Ayra, have been leaders in genetic advancement and cooperative improvement within their community.
Julio Rivera has continued to improve his livestock through artificial insemination with imported Holstein genetics from the CDP. After introducing Holstein genetics to his herd, Julio’s cows increased their production 100% from 5.5 L/day in 2019 to 11/day in 2023. The increased production is also a result of incorporating good feeding strategies based on pasture management and the use of concentrate and silage. “Introducing Holstein genetics into the herd was an excellent decision to the dairy farm,” said Julio, “Our milk production has increased significantly and contributes to a greater profit for our cooperative”.
Image 1: By improving forage quality and feeding concentrate to his herd, Julio has seen significant improvements in milk yield and production.
Gabriel Ayra has also seen significant improvement in his dairy herd through imported genetics and advanced farm management strategies. Gabriel was trained as an AI technician through the CDP and has been performing insemination services to several members of the cooperative using imported Holstein and Brown Swiss genetics. Gabriel has also implemented the use of electric fences for paddock management and rotation and has been using milking machines to improve labor efficiency. Gabriel has also seen great success with incorporating a silvopastoral system at his farm to lower carbon emissions from his dairy cattle. These management decisions have continued to advance his dairy farm and improve production.
Image 2: Gabriel and the cooperative have seen tremendous improvement in animal health and production by introducing Holstein genetics to his dairy herd.
As leaders of the cooperative, Julio and Gabriel have continue to improve their livestock to further increase the profitability of their association. Their dedication to the cooperative has strengthened Montevideo’s business operations and reflects the success of the CDP. The cooperative model has allowed these farmers to work together and expand their farm services so that they can continue to succeed as the dairy market develops within Peru.
