Switzerland: Heat and Drought Cause Fodder Shortage, Putting Cheese Industry Under Pressure

Bern — Severe heat and drought in Switzerland are putting dairy farmers and cheese makers under heavy strain, as cows are producing less milk and shortages of grass and fodder are affecting output. Local reports say some farmers have been forced to buy extra feed, pushing production costs higher.
Christa Bruegger, a spokesperson for the Swiss Producers Federation, said conditions for dairy farmers are “extremely tense.” She said the heat is causing cows to eat less and produce less milk, while poor grass yields are worsening the fodder shortage.
Olivier Isler, director of the Gruyère interprofessional organization, said drought and intense heat have had a significant impact on animal health and feed availability. He added that Gruyère production has fallen compared with the same period last year, and output is expected to drop by about 10 percent.
Martin Ziegenthaler, manager of the Tête de Moine interprofessional organization, said increasingly unpredictable weather is becoming a major challenge for cheese production in mountainous regions. He said only a quick return of rain and normal temperatures could ease the pressure.