Julio de Mesquita, Brazil

Background

When Luiza and Azerildo moved to Julio de Mesquita, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 9 years ago, they wanted to form a cooperative to address the following issues: the cost of processing milk and transporting milk to market. That was no easy task: the couple initially faced problems because of close-mindedness in the community. People were not willing to try new approaches like cooperatives, new fodder and working together. Due to their extreme diligence and hard work, they have since created a milk cooperative that jointly processes and sells milk, bringing additional income to the farmers in the region.

The Problem

Now, with the logistical problems of forming the milk cooperative behind them, Luiza and Azerildo, would like to address the issues of low milk production, the lack of shade for their dairy cows, and the protection of non-grazing areas for the cows.

The Solution

Trees for the Future provided on-farm technical assistance through visits from the Brazil Field Representative Fernanda Peixoto and the South America Program Officer, Jeff Follett. Trees for the Future advised Luiza and Azerildo in the use of Leucaena and Moringa trees to address their issues with milk production, lack of shade, and protection of non-grazing areas. Leucaena provides fodder (food for animals), windbreaks, firewood and construction wood. Moringa is well-known for its nutritional values. In August, 2008, the couple started their first nursery with these two species, with seeds provided by Trees for the Future. In January 2009, Luiza and Azerildo transplanted the trees to the field, and since then have been protecting the seedlings.

 
Azerildo and Paulo next to a newly plated moringa live fence.
BEFORE: Leucena just after transplanting — 2 months old.
BEFORE: Six months old leucena
Leucena fodder plot
AFTER: Leucena — one year old.
AFTER: Luiza with one year old leucena.

Looking Forward

Due to drought, the seedlings have not yet reached their potential. They started a nursery in October, 2009, to fill the gaps where trees did not survive. Luiza and Azerildo have not yet used their first year of production for fodder. The past rainy season has helped the trees grow enough that they are providing additional shade for the cows. In the coming years, Luiza and Azerildo hope to be able to use the Leucaena and Moringa trees to provide fodder and shade for the animals. By doing so, their cows’ milk production will increase.

Luiza and Azerildo hope to:

  • Plant more seedlings to fill gaps in the live fence.
  • Coppice Leucaena trees and use the leaves to feed their cows.
  • Protect, fertilize with cow manure, and water the seedlings when necessary.
  • Measure milk production to determine the effect of Leucaena and Moringa fodder.

Benefits

  • Increased milk production.
  • Healthier and less stressed cows due to better shade protection.
  • Crops protected by live fences.
  • Sequestration of carbon by trees.
  • Reduced erosion in areas of tree planting.