TRADE Winds Citrus Limited, manufacturer of the Tru-Juice and Tru-Milk brands, is expanding its range of cattle feed options as part of its effort to improve milk yields and support the health of its growing dairy herd.

“We have planted several acres of sorghum and corn as part of our nutrition programme for the dairy farm, as we believe well-fed cows will give better milk,” Peter McConnell, managing director at Trade Winds, told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Sorghum and corn, which are widely used as animal feed in other regions, offer cost-effective, high-energy solutions for livestock. Rich in starch, both grains serve as important energy sources, although sorghum typically requires some processing to improve nutrient digestibility. Sorghum, which can also be used as an alternative to corn, is also said to be more resistant to pests, diseases and drought — requiring less water and care.

In addition to traditional feed crops Trade Winds, as part of its animal nutrition strategy, has also been repurposing citrus by-products — specifically pulp and juice vesicles (the pulp-like material) — into high-value animal feed. Once considered waste, these by-products are now dried and incorporated into cattle feed, a method gaining recognition for its nutritional value, digestibility, and sustainability.

As the juice and dairy manufacturer continues to push innovation in food and agriculture, its expansion into animal feed marks another milestone in the company’s transformation.

Since 2020 Trade Winds has been expanding dairy production, growing its herd to over 750 Girolando cattle (a common cross-breed for tropical dairy) at its farm in St Catherine. As the company continues to hunt greater growth within this segment, it has set an ambitious target of doubling its herd to 1,500 animals within the next three years. With better feeding practices the company is also pushing to more than double the eight litres of milk that its cows currently produce on average.

“Developing our own feed has been key to lowering expenses and improving animal health. We continue to focus on improving feed efficiency and remain on track to increase milk yields in the coming years,” the company noted.

In response to rising demand for its dairy products — including Tru-Milk, Tru-Moo, TruSHAKE, and Tru-Almond — the company is taking deliberate steps to ensure a reliable supply chain and sustainable production capacity.

As part of its diversification strategy Trade Winds has also converted sections of its former citrus lands to feed production. According to McConnell, this shift was driven by recurring issues affecting citrus, including disease pressures that have continued to impact yields and profitability perennially.

“We haven’t abandoned citrus, by any means, but we have diversified into pineapples and dairy farming. We have also increased our acreage of sugar cane because it is quick (takes one year to turn cash) and profitable,” he explained.

Pointing to a reduced supply of citrus crops, particularly oranges which are now said to be in short supply due to their current down season, McConnell said steps are underway to keep one of the company’s longest-standing crops growing despite some decade-old challenges associated with its planting.

“We have planted 150 acres of irrigated citrus that are looking very good, and we have commissioned another 300 acres of irrigation which will be planted with citrus over the next four to five years. We haven’t given up on citrus but it is capital-intensive and long term. Plants are one year in the nursery before planting and then three years in the field before producing,” McConnell also explained while indicating that as his company continues to invest in agricultural innovation, crop diversification, and livestock nutrition, it also remains focused on positioning itself as a model for integrated, sustainable farming in Jamaica’s evolving agri-sector.

An assortment of milk products manufactured by Trade Wind’s dairy business

McCONNELL…we have planted several acres of sorghum and corn as part of our nutrition programme for the dairy farm, as we believe well-fed cows will give better milk

Sorghum and corn, which are widely used as animal feed in other regions, offer cost-effective, high-energy solutions for livestock. Rich in starch, both grains serve as important energy sources.