Young Hands drive Fresh Milk Production In Jeram Mengaji

PASIR PUTEH, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- Mornings at SRZ Ternak in Jeram Mengaji begin with the hum of milking machines and orderly cattle-care routines, reflecting the dedication of a group of local youths in ensuring a steady supply of fresh milk for consumers.

SRZ Ternak is more than just a milk production centre; it stands as a symbol of disciplined efforts to improve local food security through systematic farm management and strict adherence to quality standards.

Farm manager Nik Syazwan Najmi Sukeri, 26, said daily operations at the farm are carried out on a schedule, involving livestock feeding, stall cleaning, milk extraction and health monitoring of the cattle to ensure consistent production.

He said the 16.19-hectare farm currently has 58 dairy cows, with an average daily milk output of around 70 kilogrammes, depending on the animals’ health and productivity.

“Caring for dairy cows requires a high level of discipline, as they are easily stressed. They need to be bathed twice a day, provided with sufficient feed and housed in a comfortable environment to maintain both the quality and quantity of milk,” he told Bernama recently.

Nik Syazwan Najmi said cleanliness is a top priority, and this requires daily cleaning of stalls, environmental control and compliance with quality standards set by the authorities through regular monitoring by the Kelantan Department of Veterinary Services before the milk is processed or marketed.

The fresh milk produced is used to make various dairy-based products such as dadih (milk curd) and flavoured yoghurt, in addition to being sold directly to consumers, including through online platforms.

“Demand usually increases during school holidays and weekends, requiring production to be ramped up to meet customer needs,” he said.

The farm is equipped with a processing plant and five dairy product sales kiosks, as well as a mini zoo with animals such as ostriches, horses, deer, buffaloes, geese and egg-laying ducks, which serves as a tourism attraction.

Commenting on operational challenges, he said animal feed constitutes the largest expense, pushing monthly operating costs to more than RM10,000.

Weather conditions have not significantly affected operations as the farm is located on elevated ground, is flood-free and has sufficient grass resources and shaded areas for the livestock.

In addition to contributing to local food production, Nik Syazwan Najmi said the farm serves as a learning and research site with the involvement of higher education institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.

Meanwhile, farm worker Wan Muhammad Iman Wan Rosli, 19, said he has been working at the farm for seven years, with daily duties including caring for cows and goats as well as managing the stalls.

His routine begins by bringing the cows into the stalls at 10 am for bathing, followed by the milking process, which takes about an hour, before moving the livestock to grazing fields at 12.30 pm.

He said he did not mind the physically demanding work and dealing with animal waste, and knows each cow by name, such as Ruji, Betik, Wahab, Najwa, Aidil, Ipin and Paidin.

Fellow farm hand, Muhammad Naim Al-Hafiz Mohd Razwan, 17, who will be sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination this year, said he has been helping to care for the cows for the past two years and regards the work as part of his daily routine.

He said his duties include feeding the livestock, cleaning the stalls and assisting in managing cows during calving, tasks that require a high level of skill and patience.

“Each cow has a different temperament. Some are sensitive and easily startled. A wrong move could result in being kicked or butted, and I have experienced that,” he said.

The fourth of five siblings said although the work is challenging, he is not embarrassed as the experience provides skills, income and helps support his family.

He added that the dairy farm not only provides employment opportunities for locals but also helps nurture skills among the younger generation in the livestock sector, thereby supporting the national food security agenda.

-- BERNAMA