In this episode of the Supply Geek podcast, host Ben Thornton-Jones engages with Robin Sundaram, a veteran in the dairy supply chain, to explore the intricate journey of milk from farm to consumer. They discuss the importance of understanding the supply chain, the role of farmers, the challenges they face, and the impact of climate change on dairy farming. The conversation also highlights technological innovations, sustainability initiatives, and Nestlé's partnership with First Milk, emphasizing the need for a more resilient and environmentally friendly dairy industry.

Takeaways

• Milk is a staple in many diets, yet few know its supply chain.
• Farmers are incentivized to produce milk with higher fat and protein levels.
• The UK has a unique milk consumption pattern compared to Europe.
• Dairy farming has seen a decline in the number of farmers over the years.
• Climate change significantly impacts dairy farming practices.
• Technological advancements are changing how dairy farms operate.
• The milk supply chain is relatively short and traceable.
• Environmental sustainability is a growing concern in dairy farming.
• Nestlé's partnership with First Milk focuses on long-term sustainability.
• Farmers face economic pressures from fluctuating milk prices.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Supply Chain Podcast
• 04:56 The Journey of Milk: From Farm to Table
• 09:57 Understanding Dairy Farmers and Their Challenges
• 15:03 The Impact of Technology on Dairy Farming
• 20:00 The Milk Supply Chain: Processes and Logistics
• 24:43 Global Influences on the UK Dairy Market
• 35:44 Impact of Global Events on Milk Prices
• 38:50 Challenges in Milk Production
• 44:43 Innovative Partnerships for Sustainable Farming
• 49:08 Building Trust with Farmers
• 01:04:02 The Future of Dairy Farming and Environmental Impact

Keywords

supply chain, milk, dairy farming, farmers, sustainability, Nestlé, First Milk, environmental challenges, technology in agriculture, food production