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Lácteos Rancho Los Álamos,a family-run dairy business established in 2002,has transformed its operations since discovering the Montbéliarde breed in 2011. This dual-purpose cattle breed, initially scarce in the region, has become central to their success, leading to the acquisition of genetic material from France and membership in the Montbéliarde Breeders Association.The company has expanded its offerings by processing milk into liquid products and cheeses,wich are now available in Ubaté and through online platforms in Bogotá. Emphasizing animal welfare, Rancho Los Álamos has redesigned its milking facilities to enhance cow comfort, resulting in notable daily milk production of 35 to 40 liters per cow. By prioritizing enduring feeding practices and collaborating with Pecker Nutrition for tailored rations, the dairy is not only improving animal health but also optimizing operational costs, showcasing a commitment to both quality and sustainability in modern dairy farming.Lácteos Rancho Los Álamos is revolutionizing the Colombian dairy industry by integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into its operations. with a focus on quality,the farm is set to launch a state-of-the-art milking parlor equipped with five robotic milking machines by 2025,capable of handling 420 cows.This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also addresses the growing challenge of labor shortages in agriculture. additionally, the farm has diversified its business model to include a beef program, producing animals that reach weights of 550 to 600 kilograms in just 20 months. As the industry evolves, owner Mario Romero emphasizes the importance of embracing technology to ensure the longevity and success of dairy farming.
Q&A with Mario Romero, Owner of Lácteos Rancho Los Álamos
Editor: Mario, your journey with Lácteos Rancho Los Álamos has been remarkable since you discovered the Montbéliarde breed. Can you share how this breed has impacted the operation and success of your dairy business?
Mario Romero: Absolutely.The Montbéliarde breed has been transformative for us. It’s a dual-purpose breed that excels in both milk and meat production. When we discovered it in 2011, we recognized its potential, which led us to acquire genetic material from France. This strategic move improved our milk yield substantially, with daily production reaching between 35 to 40 liters per cow.
Editor: That’s impressive! Animal welfare seems to be a priority for you as well. What changes have you implemented to enhance cow comfort?
Mario Romero: We redesigned our milking facilities with a focus on animal comfort. Pleasant cows tend to be healthier and more productive. This beliefs has not only improved our dairy output but also reinforced our commitment to sustainable practices. Collaborating with Pecker Nutrition allowed us to develop tailored rations that support both health and production efficiency.
Editor: It’s clear that sustainability is a cornerstone of your operation. How is Lácteos rancho Los Álamos innovating to stay competitive in the Colombian dairy industry?
Mario Romero: We are embracing technology to upgrade our systems, with plans to launch a state-of-the-art milking parlor by 2025. This facility will be equipped with five robotic milking machines to handle up to 420 cows. Such innovations address labor shortages in agriculture, allowing us to maintain high efficiency without depending solely on manual labor.
Editor: innovations and technology are crucial in modern farming.along with dairy, you mentioned diversifying your offerings. Can you elaborate on your beef program?
Mario Romero: Yes, we have diversified to include a beef program, which allows us to produce animals reaching weights of 550 to 600 kilograms in just 20 months. This diversification is vital for spreading risk and maximizing the use of our resources. It also aligns well with our sustainability goals by utilizing the entire animal.
Editor: with your extensive experience, what advice would you give other dairy farmers looking to enhance their operations?
Mario Romero: Embrace technology and prioritize animal welfare. Both are essential for improving productivity and sustainability. Additionally, don’t hesitate to collaborate with experts who can definitely help tailor solutions for your specific needs. The investment in technology might seem significant upfront, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.
Editor: thank you, Mario, for sharing your insights. Lácteos Rancho Los Álamos is truly setting an example in the dairy industry, and your commitment to quality and sustainability is inspiring.
Mario Romero: Thank you for having me.I believe that the future of dairy farming in Colombia will be shaped by those who are willing to innovate and prioritize both cows and the environment.