The Future of Dairy Farming: Why SA Lost 90% of Its Dairy Farmers | Tom Turner | BoerPot

Why have thousands of South African dairy farmers left the industry, and what does it take to remain competitive in modern dairy farming? In this episode of BoerPot, Jacques Basson sits down with commercial dairy farmer Tom Turner to uncover the hard economics, technology, and challenges shaping South Africa’s dairy industry. Managing a thriving herd of over 1,400 cows, Tom breaks down why South Africa has lost nearly 90% of its dairy farmers and explains the operational and financial realities of running a competitive dairy enterprise today. From navigating the massive influence of processors and retailers on milk prices to battling rising production costs and international competition, Tom offers a masterclass in the business behind milk production. He shares how modern dairy farms utilize precision agriculture, individualised feeding systems, satellite pasture tracking, and genomic testing to push herd performance and efficiency to the absolute limit. We also explore the critical role of agricultural machinery, artificial intelligence, and livestock genetics, as well as the significant impact large-scale dairy farms have on job creation and supporting local rural economies. If you want to understand the modern dairy value chain and what it takes to survive and profit in this demanding sector, this is a must-watch. 📌 What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why thousands of SA dairy farmers have been forced out of the industry. • The economics of milk production: processors, retailers, and pricing pressures. • Implementing precision dairy farming: satellite pasture tracking & genomic testing. • Modern feeding systems: managing diet and intake for a 1,400+ cow herd. • The impact of technology, artificial intelligence, and machinery on operational efficiency. • Why large-scale operations are vital for job creation and local economies in South Africa. 🔔 Subscribe to stay informed on the latest industry trends, best practices, and success stories in the South African agricultural world: https://www.youtube.com/@boerpot #Boerpot #DairyFarming #TomTurner #SAAgriculture #Melkboerdery #SouthAfrica #AgriTech #Farmers #PrecisionFarming #FoodSecurity