Botswana Development Corporation (BDC) has successfully received the first consignment of pregnant Girolando dairy cattle from Brazil, marking the commencement of a phased importation programme that will see One Thousand (1,000) high-yield dairy cattle introduced to Milk Valley Farm.
The milestone represents a significant step in BDC's strategic investment to strengthen Botswana's dairy industry, enhance national food security, reduce dependence on imported dairy products, and contribute to the country's economic diversification agenda.
Milk Valley Farm is being developed into a modern, large-scale commercial dairy operation through strategic investments in world-class dairy genetics, infrastructure, technology, biosecurity and operational excellence. Upon completion of the herd expansion programme, the farm is expected to grow towards a long-term target of approximately Three thousand (3,000) dairy cattle, significantly increasing Botswana's domestic milk production capacity.
The imported Girolando breed is internationally recognised for its exceptional milk yields, resilience and adaptability to tropical and semi-arid environments, making it well suited to Botswana's climatic conditions and dairy production ambitions.
Recognising that this is the first introduction of Girolando dairy genetics into Botswana, BDC has adopted a carefully phased importation strategy. The initial consignment of two Hundred (200) pregnant cows will allow the animals to acclimatise to their new environment while enabling the farm to closely monitor animal health, welfare and productivity. The phased approach will also support the progressive integration of the herd, the commissioning of supporting infrastructure, and the continuous refinement of operational practices before subsequent consignments arrive.
Importing pregnant cows further strengthens the long-term sustainability of the project by establishing the foundation for future herd growth through natural calving, while accelerating the development of Milk Valley Farm's breeding programme and long-term production capacity.
Commenting on the milestone, BDC Managing Director Oteng Keabetswe said: "This milestone marks far more than the arrival of a new herd of dairy cattle. It represents another important turning point in our journey to build a modern and sustainable dairy industry for Botswana. Through this phased importation programme, we are introducing world-class dairy genetics while ensuring that every stage of the expansion is underpinned by the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity and operational excellence. This investment will strengthen domestic milk production, create employment, develop local skills and contribute meaningfully to Botswana's food security and economic diversification objectives."
The arrival follows another major achievement for Milk Valley Farm, having recently been awarded Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-Free Dairy Compartment Status by the Department of Veterinary Services. The certification confirms that the farm operates under internationally recognised animal health and biosecurity management systems aligned with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards.
The certification reinforces confidence in the farm's operational integrity, animal welfare standards and disease prevention systems, while positioning Milk Valley Farm to pursue future export opportunities for dairy cattle and fresh milk, subject to the requirements of importing countries.
To support the expansion programme, BDC has invested significantly in the development of modern dairy infrastructure, including water supply systems, dairy housing, feed regime, farm mechanisation, breeding technologies and strengthened biosecurity measures. These investments are designed to support long-term productivity, sustainability and operational efficiency as the project continues to scale.
Beyond strengthening Botswana's domestic milk production capacity, Milk Valley Farm is expected to become an anchor for the development of a vibrant dairy ecosystem. The project will create direct and indirect employment, develop specialised agricultural skills, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, and unlock meaningful opportunities for citizen participation across the entire dairy value chain.
From fodder production, veterinary services, breeding, transport and logistics, engineering support and equipment maintenance, to milk processing, packaging, cold chain logistics, distribution and retail, the project is expected to stimulate new enterprises, strengthen local supply chains, and contribute to a more competitive, inclusive and resilient agricultural economy
