AgraME 2024, the Middle East’s premier exhibition and conference for agriculture, animal, and aquaculture farming, was held from the 7th to the 8th October at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, this year’s AgraME was set to be the largest in the event’s history. The focus was on building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem, in line with the UAE’s National Vision 2030, which emphasises modern technologies and sustainable food production. The event provides a platform for global industry leaders to exchange ideas and drive innovation across the agricultural sector.
Balco Australia was proud to serve as a silver sponsor of AgraME 2024. Balco’s participation in AgraME reflects a commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of agriculture in the Middle East. The UAE is a key market for Balco, having successfully increased our presence across the region since the first exports in 2017. As of August 2024, Balco holds an impressive 80% market share of Australian Oaten Hay exports to the UAE, which shows our strong reputation and ability to meet the specific needs of the region.
During the event Balco hosted a seminar to formally present on the benefits of Oaten Hay. Anthony Yandell, Group Sales Manager, delivered an opening presentation, welcoming attendees to AgraME 2024 and highlighting Balco’s involvement in the event. Anthony emphasised Balco’s dedication to promoting Australian agricultural products and fostering partnerships with local businesses. “AgraME is an invaluable platform for us to engage with industry leaders and showcase the benefits of Australian Oaten Hay,” Anthony remarked. He also invited attendees to visit Balco’s booth (A007) for in-depth discussions about Balco’s products and services.
A highlight of Balco’s participation at AgraME was Dr. Paul Cheng, Senior Lecturer at The University of Melbourne, who presented his research on the benefits of Oaten Hay in dairy production. Dr. Cheng leads Australia’s export fodder-dairy nutrition program and has conducted extensive studies on the value of roughage in dairy cow diets. His presentation at AgraME supported the importance of dietary fibre for cow health, the role of Oaten Hay in enhancing rumen health, and the comparison of Australian Oaten Hay with other global forage options. Dr. Cheng presented that high-quality roughage is essential to the diet of cows. Ensuring the addition of sufficient high-quality roughage to the total mixed ration (TMR) at the right time is crucial for the following:
- producing high-quality milk
- maintaining high production performance
- improving overall health, especially rumen health
- extending the life of dairy cows
- reducing costs
- reducing environmental pollution
Among the effects of dietary fiber on feed intake and rumen health, Dr. Cheng explained: “The maximum intake of NDF in feed is 1%-1.3% of the cow’s body weight. The optimal range for NDF content in dry matter (DM) is 25% to 33%. This means that 25% to 33% of the dry matter in the cow’s diet should ideally be composed of NDF. NDF is important for rumen health and digestion in ruminants. It promotes chewing and rumen fermentation, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and optimal production performance.”
Dr. Cheng’s research demonstrated how Australian Oaten Hay stands out as a premium roughage, thanks to its high digestibility and nutritional content, which are key factors in improving milk production and composition. He also presented data from feeding trials that showed how Oaten Hay can be effectively incorporated into a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) diet, partially replacing other roughages like alfalfa.
In addition to Dr. Cheng’s research, Osman Abdelhamid Osman Elnour, the General Manager of National Dairy and Masakin Dairy Farm, also shared his experiences using Balco Australia’s oaten hay. Osman Abdelhamid Osman Elnour has over 24 years of experience in the dairy industry and has held significant positions at renowned dairy farms such as National Dairy, Masakin, and Dal Farms. He graduated with a degree in Animal Science and has achieved remarkable accomplishments in improving dairy farm productivity and optimising livestock health through his extensive expertise and management experience.
During his management of National Dairy and Masakin Dairy, Osman realised the critical role that feed quality plays in the health of dairy cows and the production of dairy products. As a result, he has always been committed to introducing the highest quality feed sources for the dairy farms. When choosing feed suppliers, Osman ultimately opted for Balco’s premium Australian oaten hay, which has been a strong support for the success of the dairy farms. Osman stated, “We have very strict requirements for our feed because it directly relates to the health of the cows, milk production, and overall productivity. Since we started using Balco’s oaten hay, the health of the cows has improved, particularly in terms of digestion and overall condition. This has brought direct benefits to our dairy production, including increased milk yield and improved product quality, leading to a noticeable enhancement in overall operational efficiency.”
Osman emphasised the stable quality and reliable supply of Balco’s oaten hay. In dairy production, fluctuations in feed quality can have a tremendous impact on production, but Balco’s oaten hay consistently maintains high quality. He remarked, “Balco continuously provides high-quality oaten hay, which not only ensures that our cows receive the best nutrition but also reduces our concerns about feed supply through a stable supply chain. Deliveries are always timely, allowing us to ensure continuity in production and avoid interruptions caused by feed supply issues.”
Osman concluded, “Our collaboration with Balco is not just about feed procurement; it is a strategic partnership. They understand our needs and can provide customised solutions based on our specific circumstances. We have a great deal of trust in Balco’s products and services, and this partnership is undoubtedly one of the key factors in the success of our dairy farm.”
Osman’s case provided a successful example for other dairy farms, demonstrating the importance of choosing high-quality feed suppliers and establishing long-term partnerships to enhance productivity and optimise livestock health.
Balco’s involvement in the Middle East has been marked by consistent growth and market development. In addition to its strong presence in the UAE, Balco has successfully expanded into Kuwait and Oman, driven by its commitment to providing tailored, high-quality hay products to meet the needs of the region. The company’s partnership with Basis Commodities, which has a local office in Dubai, has been critical in maintaining close relationships with customers and ensuring smooth logistics and supply chain management.
One of Balco’s distinguishing features is its unwavering focus on quality. As the only Australian hay exporter accredited with the HACCP certification, Balco guarantees that its products are safe, nutritious, and free from contaminants. The company’s comprehensive testing process includes checks for mycotoxins, heavy metals, chemical residues, and nitrates. To further ensure the quality of its feed, Balco has partnered with the US-based Dairy One, a globally recognized feed testing company, and uses their calibrations for precise analysis. This strong commitment to quality has solidified Balco’s reputation in nine international markets.
Looking ahead, Balco continues to invest in the future of agriculture. Recently, the company announced plans to build a new hay processing plant in South Australia, which will become its fourth processing site. This expansion is part of Balco’s broader strategy to meet the growing global demand for premium Australian hay while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
As a leading player in the global hay export market, Balco Australia remains dedicated to supporting the Middle East’s agricultural sector by providing top-quality products and technical expertise. AgraME 2024 offers a valuable opportunity for Balco to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new connections, ensuring the region continues to benefit from the nutritional and economic advantages of Australian Oaten Hay.
