Fukushima Dairy

When people think about the Fukushima area in Japan they often remember the earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear crisis in 2011, but one couple is trying to change that reputation with their Jersey cattle. Linked below is a story about Daisuke and Nana Shimizu's farm. They discus their challenges and successes in the article. Within the article there is a six minute video that showcases their farm and how it operates. We encourage you to read through the article, watch the video, and utilize the discusion points to guide conversations around the globe.

Couple Dreams of Revitalizing Fukushima with Jersey Milk

Discussion Points

• What challenges do the Shimizu's face on their farm and with consumers? What are they doing to overcome these challenges?
• What are the similarties and differences when you compare dairy production at Farm Tsubasa compared to your home region?
• What did you find most interesting from this story? What is your big take away? Explain.

Green Milk

Many are well aware of China’s growing demand for food speicifically meat. However, did you now that milk consumption is on the rise in China as well? The linked article takes a look at this demand and the potential impact expanding could have on the country if practices are not changed and improved. We encourage you to read through the linked article and utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the world!

China’s Need to Turn Milk Green

Discussion Points

• What has been the trend of milk consumption in China over the past years and what direction is it heading?
• The article calls for a need to change current practices. What would be the impact if dairy production expanded in China and dairy producers kept doing “business as usual?”
• China is calling on other countries for advice and education to improve their practices. As a world community we can all learn so much from another. Whether we adapt others practices directly or it causes us to reflect, analyze, and improve things indirectly; we can truly learn so much from one another. We challenge you to pick an area of interest to you in agriculture (dairy, swine, crops, horticulture, natural resources, etc.) and research another countries practices, rules and regulations, facilities/equipment, etc. Have a discussion on what your home country can learn from that country and what you might do differently to improve things at home.

India Milk Production Soars

Below you will find a link to an article discussing milk and dairy production in India. Production has recently boomed in India and this article takes a look at why this has occurred  along with it's impacts and future outlook. Read the linked article and use the discussion points below to share conversations with others.

India Milk Production

Discussion Points

• What have been the trends in dairy/milk production in India and what has caused these trends?
• What effect has India's dairy production had on global milk markets and trade?
• What recent change has effected dairy production and trade in the European Union? Explain.
• What does the outlook for dairy production look like globally?
• Additional Research: The article mentioned milk production from cows and buffalo. Compare and contrast milk production between cows and buffalo and share your findings with others.