1 – Quality, Composition and Regularity
Bacterial quality of the milk and its composition is what constitutes the basis for payment of the milk to producers. The regular supply of quality milk is evaluated from test results obtained by inter-professional laboratories. On the other hand, one of the main economical issue for the cooperative is the regular supply of milk, all year round.
Test are run on samples taken from each step, from the producer’s tank to the end product.
2 – Accessing the milk factory
After milking, the milk is stored at a temperature below 4°C in a well maintained tank.
The factory layout, its cleanliness, and maintenance is subject to inspection.
Milk must be collected in optimal conditions, the factory must be readily accessible.
3 – Adapted milking
Twice a day (usually), milking must be carried out in optimal conditions of comfort and security, for the cattle as well as for the staff.
An annual licensed inspection checks the milking machines.
After each use, the entire milking equipment is thoroughly washed using appropriate sanitary products.
The premises are well designed, easy to clean, with good lighting conditions, improving accessibility and security for the cows and the personnel.
4 – Cow well-being and feeding
Nothing can replace the eye of the breeder. He knows his cows and their habits, and always makes sure they are well fed, healthy and well taken-care of.
The audit makes sure that each animal is correctly identified, that the origin and quality of their food is monitored, and that the premises are adequate.
Special care is given to heifers and calves, who represent the future of the farm.
5 – Health guarantees
Healthy cows are required for quality milk ! This is the reason why the breeder’s practices concerning cattle health are monitored during the audit.
In case there is a problem, the breeder calls a veterinarian and administers an appropriate dose of medicine. Treatments given to each cow are recorded in a health log.
6 – Respect for the environment
One of the producers’ commitment is to respect the environment, beginning with the integration of the farm in the landscape. Care is given to the maintenance and the embellishment of the farms’ surroundings.
The preservation of water and soil is ensured by an appropriate use of breeding effluents. Waste treatment is an important issue that is addressed during the audit. Potential issues such as noise and smells are continuously monitored.
Breeders are encouraged to keep a close watch on water and energy consumption.
7 – Support
The Audit gives a good picture of the current state of a farm, but even closer attention is given to preventive and improvement actions.
A the end of every audit, a plan of action is drafted by both the producer and the consultant. The focus is placed on the quality of the milk, animal health, security and the environment.
The dairy consultant is the true field-manager. He refers the producer to the most appropriate services and consulting available on technical or business subjects, and makes sure that the commitments made by the breeder are kept.

Step 1: This is the foundation. It refers to the national initiative, the « “Charter for Good Practices in Breeding”, which is seen by the entire dairy sector as the key reference on how to best raise cattle.
Step 2: Sodiaal’s added value, helping producers to always be one step ahead, and offer customers diversified products.
Step 3: This is the preparation for the future. Its purpose is to inform breeders on themes that will be very important in the future (computerization, energy-saving, etc.)