The arrival of 193 pregnant Jersey A2 heifers from Australia marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen food security and progress towards becoming a net food exporter.

Eco Farm Solutions, bolstered by strong support from the Sarawak government, is at the forefront of transforming the local dairy industry, establishing new standards in modern, technology-driven farming.

Strategic Importation for Self-Sufficiency

According to a media release, the importation of the cattle was overseen by Deputy Minister for Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, along with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud at Kuching International Airport.

Both leaders emphasized that bringing in high-quality dairy cattle is a strategic initiative designed to enhance Sarawak’s milk self-sufficiency, diminish reliance on imported dairy products, and support the State’s long-term objective of becoming a net food exporter.

Innovation in Dairy Farming

Founded in 2018 by the late Dr Ng Siew Thiam, Eco Farm Solutions was created with a clear vision to cultivate a self-sustaining, technology-driven dairy industry in Sarawak. With ongoing government support, the farm has set the standard for modern, scalable dairy farming in the region.

Licensed by the DVSS, all dairy products from Eco Farm Solutions are marked with the Veterinary Health Mark (VHM), certifying adherence to rigorous animal health, food safety, and hygiene standards. The farm employs a fully automated closed-house system, using modern intensive farming practices that align with state and national initiatives aimed at modernizing agriculture and ensuring long-term food security.

Currently, Eco Farm Solutions maintains a herd of 120 cattle. All animal feed is produced locally, with approximately 200 acres dedicated to maize cultivation. The maize is processed into silage through fermentation, ensuring consistent feed quality while supporting local agricultural integration.

A Focus on A2 Milk

Eco Farm Solutions is also the first dairy farm in Malaysia to operate a rotary milking parlour. Cows are milked twice daily, with milk transported via a closed pipeline system directly into the Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC), minimizing physical contact and contamination risks. Presently, production averages 1,000 litres per day, about 16 litres per cow, with pedometers tracking activity and milk yield for real-time monitoring, precise herd management, and early detection of health issues.

A critical focus of Eco Farm Solutions is A2 milk production, which contains only the A2 beta-casein protein, excluding A1 beta-casein associated with digestive discomfort in some individuals. A2 milk is recognized for being easier to digest and is nutritionally richer, especially when sourced from Jersey cattle.

Government Support and Future Prospects

The farm utilizes artificial insemination with sexed A2 semen, achieving up to a 90 percent probability of female calves, ensuring sustainability and long-term growth of the herd.

Through a matching fund program backed by the Sarawak government, 92 of the 193 imported heifers are directly funded under this initiative. All imported cattle undergo A2 genetic verification at Australian government-owned laboratories, ensuring authenticity, traceability, and compliance with international standards.

The heifers are expected to calve in April 2026, which will boost local milk production to an estimated 5,000 litres per day and expand the farm’s herd to 500 by May 2026.

Strengthening Local Production

During the arrival ceremony, Martin highlighted that this strategic importation would significantly enhance Sarawak’s dairy self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, Dr Adrian reaffirmed the DVSS’s commitment to ensuring animal health, biosecurity, and product safety throughout the farm’s expansion.

Currently, Eco Farm Solutions produces around 25 tonnes of pasteurized milk and 2 tonnes of yogurt monthly. Its expanding product portfolio includes pasteurized milk in various flavors such as original, chocolate, kurma, and strawberry, as well as yogurt, UHT milk, and ice cream. All products are processed under strict quality control, ensuring freshness, safety, and consistency.

With DVSS licensing, VHM-certified products, strong government support, and the successful arrival of Australian Jersey A2 cattle, Eco Farm Solutions is positioned as a key player in Sarawak’s journey toward food security and net food exporter status.

This expansion not only strengthens local dairy production but also provides high-quality, nutritious, locally produced dairy products to the people of Sarawak, reinforcing confidence in the State’s growing agri-food industry.

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