An emerging middle class and sheer numbers are driving the rapid growth of China’s dairy industry, says an industry source.
“In China, they are driven to produce quality food, (ensure) stability of food, and plan for the future,” says David Chalack, president of Rocky Mountain Holsteins.
Canada has a long history of supplying China with dairy genetics, including live animals, semen, and embryos, but the border has been closed to live cattle since BSE hit Canada. Currently China is buying most of its live dairy cattle from Australia, but China’s need for quality dairy genetics is exhausting Australia’s supply.