Dairy through the decades: 70 Years of Xinjiang's Transformation

In the heart of Xinjiang's vast grasslands, cows live a life of comfort, listening to Beethoven as they graze, wearing pedometers that track their every movement, and having data on their milk production and health streamed to computers for real-time analysis. This seamless integration of technology reflects the transformation of Xinjiang's dairy industry over the past several decades.

Once known primarily for its rugged landscapes, Xinjiang has seized key opportunities to modernize its dairy industry. By promoting standardized, large-scale farming and optimizing milk production processes, the region has continuously improved the quality of its raw milk. Today, Xinjiang dairy products are making their way to more households, showcasing the evolution of the industry.

At farms like Tianrun Beacon Tower Dairy Farm in Urumqi, digital systems have replaced manual methods of care. Real-time data collection on cows—from activity levels to the efficiency of milk production—helps operators optimize nutrition and health monitoring, maximizing milk yields while ensuring the best quality. This integrated supply chain model has enabled Xinjiang's dairy products to enter new markets, a testament to the region's rapid rise as a dairy powerhouse.

With 26 large-scale dairy farms and over 70,000 cows under its management, Tianrun, one of the largest dairy enterprises in the region, is responsible for over 40 percent of Xinjiang's dairy production. The company has built an extensive supply chain, ensuring quality control from feed production to the final product

“We've seen a complete shift in feed formulation,” says Yang Jili, manager of Tianrun Silk Road Farm. “In the past, it was about protein and energy. Now, we balance amino acids and fatty acids to improve milk quality.” Each cow's nutrition is calculated based on milk production, composition, and health, with a daily feed budget of 80 yuan (approximately $10.20).

However, Xinjiang's dairy evolution isn't just about modern facilities—it's rooted in pivotal historical decisions. In 1962, the government imported 800 high-quality dairy cows, laying the foundation for the region's dairy industry. Over 60 years later, that decision has blossomed into thriving dairy companies, innovative farming techniques, and sustainable practices.

A new era in dairy farming

The adoption of new technology has improved the management capabilities of Xinjiang's dairy companies, enabling the shift to a fully integrated industry model. At the Hutubi Breeding Farm, Xinjiang's largest dairy farm, advanced facilities ensure that the cows produce high yields of quality milk, making it a key production and supply base for the region.

With large-scale farming comes the challenge of sustainable waste management. The Hutubi farm produces millions of tons of manure annually, which is managed by China General Nuclear's (CGN) biogas energy project. Manure is processed through anaerobic fermentation to produce biogas, which is used to fuel the farm, and biogas residue, which is turned into organic fertilizer for nearby fields. This system not only supports the farm's energy needs but also ensures that resources are recycled back into the land, supporting green development.

From a blade of grass to a glass of milk

To capitalize on Xinjiang's natural advantages for dairy production, the region has invested in the development of its forage industry. Alfalfa, known as the “king of forage,” plays a key role in increasing milk yields and improving milk quality, thanks to its high protein content and excellent fiber quality. The region's research teams have developed water-saving methods for growing alfalfa in sandy soil, boosting hay yield by 40 percent while cutting water use by 25 percent. This innovation has reduced the cost of transporting fodder, ensuring that dairy cows are fed high-quality grass at a lower price.

In southern Xinjiang, Xu Zhaoyang, a “90s-generation” farmer, has teamed up with the Xinjiang Agricultural Reclamation Academy to experiment with various alfalfa varieties. Using large-scale pivot irrigation systems, a single worker can manage 20,000 to 30,000 mu (1,333 to 2,000 hectares) of alfalfa fields. This method has increased the yield by 20 to 30 percent, making it a critical part of Xinjiang's evolving dairy ecosystem.

From Regional Gem to National Player

Despite its ideal location and climate for dairy farming—Xinjiang is one of China's prime milk-producing regions, with vast, lush grasslands—the region's dairy industry didn't attract significant consumer interest until 2019. It was then that a viral video, showing the wide array of Xinjiang dairy products in a local supermarket, brought the region's products into the public eye. People across China suddenly realized just how diverse and of high-quality Xinjiang dairy had become.

In November 2023, a major Xinjiang dairy company opened a new production facility in Shandong Province, with an annual processing capacity of 150,000 tonnes of dairy products. This strategic move not only highlights Shandong's consumer potential but also helps expand Xinjiang's premium dairy products into a broader market, marking a major milestone in the region's effort to become a national dairy powerhouse.

Though Xinjiang's dairy industry scaled up later than other regions—only beginning significant growth after 2000—the region has faced and overcome major industry challenges, including restructuring and economic setbacks. Today, Xinjiang is home to a thriving collection of small and medium-sized dairy enterprises, each contributing to the region's growing reputation for high-quality products.