Our key channel to reach smallholder farmers has been collaborating with various cooperative societies across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. In Uganda, we are engaged with nearly 100 cooperatives, reaching 4,900 farmers through our training programs. In Tanzania, URUS works with nine cooperatives, impacting 1,208 farmers. In Kenya, where the cooperative movement is more established, we have trained over 20,000 farmers across 30 dairy societies, many of which have memberships exceeding 1,000 farmers.

Our training initiatives focus on shifting mindsets and building trust in advanced reproductive techniques such as artificial insemination (AI). AI is a proven method to rapidly improve genetics, especially through the use of gender-selected semen. However, the perceived high cost of AI services, particularly sexed semen, poses a challenge for adoption among smallholder farmers, many of whom face cash flow constraints. Some cooperatives have developed AI service models that enable members to access these services through a check-off system, helping to improve uptake.

Despite these advances, the check-off system has limitations. The availability of bull semen is often determined by the farmer’s creditworthiness, which is based on the volume of milk delivered to the cooperative rather than the specific genetic needs of the farmer. This makes it difficult for smallholder farmers to access superior genetics or gender-selected semen, which tends to be more expensive. Additionally, management and feeding practice challenges further impair their cows’ reproductive capabilities.

Cooperatives also face constraints in the number of AI technicians they can employ, which limits their ability to reach all members, especially in regions with vast distances, such as Tanzania.

To address these challenges, URUS is collaborating with cooperatives to develop innovative AI service delivery models and provide comprehensive education to smallholder farmers, equipping them to raise more profitable cows. We are also addressing the issue of breed suitability by introducing breeds that can thrive in tropical environments, which present unique challenges such as high temperatures and tick-borne diseases.

AI techs in URUS overalls celebrate completing training 

Our Teams in Action: Kenya

Tanzania

GENEX Cooperative, a subsidiary of URUS Group, focuses on the import distribution and marketing of cattle genetics and the provision of cattle breeding technical services to farmers and technicians. This year, it started implementing its new 5-year USAID-funded Cooperative Development Program (CDP) activity in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria, focusing on Strengthening Cooperatives to Support Climate-Smart Livestock Systems.

Through a rigorous and transparent selection process, the GENEX CDP identified 30 cooperative organizations in Kenya and Uganda that will be supported by the project to become profitable, professional, and climate-smart businesses over the project’s life—through September 2028.

Selected partner cooperatives are located predominantly in the Southwest regions of Kenya and Uganda, respectively, and mainly focus on collecting and marketing milk from their individual members to local processors and traders.

In GENEX’s efforts and best practices to provide capacity-strengthening packages that respond to the right individual needs of their partner cooperatives, the CDP team of cooperative experts conducted cooperative performance assessments at all 30 organizations using GENEX’s cooperative assessment tool.

A snapshot of what we learned from these cooperative assessments includes:

From the cooperative assessments, the following topics will be a priority in project activities:

Governance, leadership, and management

• Supporting Women and youth representation in cooperative activities and decision-making positions
• Training on leadership and governance for elected cooperative boards
• Develop strategic plans to develop and grow services provided by cooperatives
• Improved business management practices at the cooperative level to support data-driven decision-making.
• Increase access to digital technology and tools to support record-keeping and reporting

Business and value services provision to members

• Increase the value and total services provided to farmer members.
• Support climate-smart practices in the dairy industry and processing
• Provide training and resources related to dairy farm herd management, feeding, and breeding for enhanced farm productivity
• Increase access to financial services limited access to financial services
• In part, the Cooperative Spirit is used by members to increase retention and service utilization of the cooperative. Low-capacity utilization of cooperative infrastructure due to side selling, among other reasons

These aspects have informed the production of Cooperative Capacity Strengthening plans, co-created by partner cooperative leaderships and GENEX teams—these plans will be the guide and reference to what type of efforts need to be prioritized by the CDP project team and the cooperatives over the next five years.

By Marcel Petrutiu, URUS Director of Global Development 

In 2019, the URUS Global Development Department embarked on an exciting journey in Peru, launching the GENEX Cooperative Development Program (CDP). Funded by USAID, this initiative was not just about introducing new practices but about transforming lives and communities in regions that had long been overlooked.

When we first set foot in Huánuco, San Martin, and Pasco, we knew we were entering unfamiliar territory. These rapidly growing areas of Peru, both in the number of people and cows, stretch from the very high-altitude regions of the Andes, where cows graze at over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, to the jungle forest of the Amazon, where cows graze on new tropical. The 21 farmer groups we partnered with were loosely organized cooperatives and associations struggling with governance and lacking clear business plans for sustainable growth.

Where others saw obstacles, we saw opportunities. With 15 years of experience in CDP programs, our team understood the challenges local farmers faced, such as low genetic quality, most of the cows being local “criollo” with limited potential for milk production; low or no uptake of artificial insemination (AI), along with lack of access to the service and product; and poor management, including feed and health practices. Our team worked tirelessly to improve cattle genetics, teaching and guiding AI practices to boost milk production. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. AI usage skyrocketed from just 10 units per month to over 400, a testament to the commitment and hard work of the farmers and our team.

Beyond genetics, we also focused on soil health. By adopting AgSource’s soil analysis and management practices, farmers saw significant improvements in pasture yields and quality—an essential step toward long-term sustainability.

As we closed this chapter of Peru CDP in August 2024, the impact on the 21 cooperatives and their members is clear. The aggregate annual sales of all the CDP cooperatives have soared from $5.5 million to over $8 million. Perhaps even more inspiring is the growth in member equity, which has risen from less than $20,000 in 2019 to over $2 million today. These numbers are more than just statistics—they reflect the resilience, dedication, and newfound prosperity of the farmers we’ve had the privilege to work with.

As the 21 cooperatives transition to a commercial relationship with Peru’s distributors of GENEX and Alta Genetics, we’re confident that the foundation we’ve helped build will continue to support their growth for years to come. The success of this program is a testament to what can be achieved when we combine our expertise with the strength of local communities, and it exemplifies the values that define us at URUS.

GENEX is an implementing partner of USAID’s Cooperative Development Program (CDP) working in partnership with 21 dairy cooperatives in the San Martin, Huánuco, and Pasco provinces of Peru. The CDP aims to strengthen the capacity of cooperative businesses by providing technical training and assistance in cooperative governance, agricultural practices, and business operations. With USAID’s CDP structure, cooperative dairy farms can learn how different farm management tools, such as artificial insemination (A.I) and genetic planning, can have a positive impact on animal productivity, farmer profitability, and environmental sustainability. 

The success of the CDP program can be seen through the incredible achievements of farmers at Cooperative Agraria Montevideo in the Huánuco region of Peru. With the support of the CDP, Montevideo has expanded to 60 members assisting with improving dairy operations. The directors of the cooperative, Julio Rivera and Gabriel Ayra, have been leaders in genetic advancement and cooperative improvement within their community.

Julio Rivera has continued to improve his livestock through artificial insemination with imported Holstein genetics from the CDP. After introducing Holstein genetics to his herd, Julio’s cows increased their production 100% from 5.5 L/day in 2019 to 11/day in 2023. The increased production is also a result of incorporating good feeding strategies based on pasture management and the use of concentrate and silage. “Introducing Holstein genetics into the herd was an excellent decision to the dairy farm,” said Julio, “Our milk production has increased significantly and contributes to a greater profit for our cooperative”. 

Image 1: By improving forage quality and feeding concentrate to his herd, Julio has seen significant improvements in milk yield and production.

Gabriel Ayra has also seen significant improvement in his dairy herd through imported genetics and advanced farm management strategies. Gabriel was trained as an AI technician through the CDP and has been performing insemination services to several members of the cooperative using imported Holstein and Brown Swiss genetics. Gabriel has also implemented the use of electric fences for paddock management and rotation and has been using milking machines to improve labor efficiency. Gabriel has also seen great success with incorporating a silvopastoral system at his farm to lower carbon emissions from his dairy cattle. These management decisions have continued to advance his dairy farm and improve production.

Image 2: Gabriel and the cooperative have seen tremendous improvement in animal health and production by introducing Holstein genetics to his dairy herd.

As leaders of the cooperative, Julio and Gabriel have continue to improve their livestock to further increase the profitability of their association. Their dedication to the cooperative has strengthened Montevideo’s business operations and reflects the success of the CDP. The cooperative model has allowed these farmers to work together and expand their farm services so that they can continue to succeed as the dairy market develops within Peru.

Learn about the impact beef on dairy has on the supply chain from conception to consumption from farmers from the US. Also, learn from a US beef on dairy expert on how to apply the genetic strategy on farms

Understand the beef traits that make the most impact on meat quality and the market trends that have led to the rapid growth of beef on dairy use.

Learn About the Beef on Dairy Value Chain

Presentations

Dairy Comp Go is an application that easily proves its usefulness and its value for small and medium-sized farmers. This software was developed based on the experiences of farmers in Latin America and Africa. Farmers in Latin American continue to contribute to the development of the app by providing important suggestions to further improve this innovative dairy farm management tool. Never has an application of this quality been available to the farmer that allows farmers to make decisions that drive profit.

DC GO is created by VAS, a respected leading company globally specializing in the management of livestock data. VAS driving goal is to create tools for farmers of every size around the world.

DC GO is a powerful and necessary tool for the small farmer, a tool that allows him to manage the farm efficiently by providing very important information on production, reproduction, health, pedigree, for adequate and timely decision-making to optimize the profitability of small and medium-sized dairy farms. Download Dairy Comp Go through the Google Play.

Yitsek, from a very young age, was in the field learning the tasks of management of livestock and pastures. That experience made it an easy decision to attend National University Daniel Alcides Carrión to study agronomy. This education allows him to even more dedicate himself more fully to work the field and began raising small livestock of his own. When he was looking to diversify, he found that dairy farming was an exciting opportunity in his area, so in 2015 he bought 5 calves to start his dairy. In 2018, he was invited by Lito García to be part of the Association of Dairy Farmers of Huancabamba which he was named president that same year.

Yitsek enjoyed serving his fellow farmers and started sharing about the exciting opportunity of genetic advancement through AI. He first learned about AI from the Livestock Project in Pasco, and in 2019, he was further trained by GENEX CDP PERU. As a leader, Yitsek sees the opportunity of improving livestock to further increase the profitability of the association. The program started with three members that were trained by GENEX CDP PERU as AI Technicians. They learned about the AI technique, semen handling, genetic progress, and general livestock management. They started the AI service through the association with US imported genetics and the project is already showing results. Everyone was excited to meet Elsita, a jersey calf that was first to be born sired by imported semen!

This organization and Yitsek plans to continue the project for years to come, and he is excited to see what the herds of the future will look like in his region through genetic progress and AI.

The information on this newsletter is the sole responsibility of GENEX and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

Yitsek, from a very young age, was in the field learning the tasks of management of livestock and pastures. That experience made it an easy decision to attend National University Daniel Alcides Carrión to study agronomy. This education allows him to even more dedicate himself more fully to work the field and began raising small livestock of his own. When he was looking to diversify, he found that dairy farming was an exciting opportunity in his area, so in 2015 he bought 5 calves to start his dairy. In 2018, he was invited by Lito García to be part of the Association of Dairy Farmers of Huancabamba which he was named president that same year.

Yitsek enjoyed serving his fellow farmers and started sharing about the exciting opportunity of genetic advancement through AI. He first learned about AI from the Livestock Project in Pasco, and in 2019, he was further trained by GENEX CDP PERU. As a leader, Yitsek sees the opportunity of improving livestock to further increase the profitability of the association. The program started with three members that were trained by GENEX CDP PERU as AI Technicians. They learned about the AI technique, semen handling, genetic progress, and general livestock management. They started the AI service through the association with US imported genetics and the project is already showing results. Everyone was excited to meet Elsita, a jersey calf that was first to be born sired by imported semen!

This organization and Yitsek plans to continue the project for years to come, and he is excited to see what the herds of the future will look like in his region through genetic progress and AI.

The information on this newsletter is the sole responsibility of GENEX and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

This dedication and drive were recognized in September 2020 when he was named a leading dairy in his region. However, at the age of 68, Zenobio has no plans of slowing down efforts of reaching his goals for his farm. Recently he has been trained by the GENEX CDP PERU program as an artificial insemination technician. The trainings in reproduction and genetics taught by GENEX coupled with Zenobio’s drive to improve has resulted in the creation of a genetic improvement plan based on his herd. The plan focuses on genetic traits with economic impacts and the strategic selection of heifers for replacement. Zenobio consulted CDP Mentor Eng. Óscar Vásquez on the traits to select for and how to implement fixed-time AI protocols So far it has been possible to inseminate 20 cows, obtaining a very efficient conception rate of 60%. In the jungle region, the climate is very hot which means that the animals must be able to tolerate and thrive in extreme conditions. This is why Zenobio decided to use the Girolando breed which is a cross between Gyr breeds and Holstein to capitalize on hybrid vigor to develop more efficiently, that is to say, adapted to conditions of the area, increasing milk production.

Additionally, Zenobio has been concerned with improving food, making the best possible management using cut grasses, and carrying out strategic supplementation based on the use of locally available inputs such as yellow corn, rice dust, and palm kernel cake.

Zenobio always looks for ways to bring to life the goal he has for his farm which he even has modeled in a diorama, so he always remembers his goals and his dreams for his dairy.

The information on this newsletter is the sole responsibility of GENEX and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

This dedication and drive were recognized in September 2020 when he was named a leading dairy in his region. However, at the age of 68, Zenobio has no plans of slowing down efforts of reaching his goals for his farm. Recently he has been trained by the GENEX CDP PERU program as an artificial insemination technician. The trainings in reproduction and genetics taught by GENEX coupled with Zenobio’s drive to improve has resulted in the creation of a genetic improvement plan based on his herd. The plan focuses on genetic traits with economic impacts and the strategic selection of heifers for replacement. Zenobio consulted CDP Mentor Eng. Óscar Vásquez on the traits to select for and how to implement fixed-time AI protocols So far it has been possible to inseminate 20 cows, obtaining a very efficient conception rate of 60%. In the jungle region, the climate is very hot which means that the animals must be able to tolerate and thrive in extreme conditions. This is why Zenobio decided to use the Girolando breed which is a cross between Gyr breeds and Holstein to capitalize on hybrid vigor to develop more efficiently, that is to say, adapted to conditions of the area, increasing milk production.

Additionally, Zenobio has been concerned with improving food, making the best possible management using cut grasses, and carrying out strategic supplementation based on the use of locally available inputs such as yellow corn, rice dust, and palm kernel cake.

Zenobio always looks for ways to bring to life the goal he has for his farm which he even has modeled in a diorama, so he always remembers his goals and his dreams for his dairy.

The information on this newsletter is the sole responsibility of GENEX and does not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the U.S. Agency for International Development or the United States Government.