DSM-Firmenich inaugurated a new production facility in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, on October 17. The plant will produce 100,000 tons of supplements annually for the health and nutrition of beef and dairy cattle.
The strategic move underscores the state’s importance in Brazilian agribusiness. Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest state in the Southeast, covers more than 586,000 square kilometers. With 853 municipalities and a population of more than 20.5 million, it occupies nearly 7% of the national territory, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The state is a powerhouse in agriculture, ranking third in the country for gross production value (GPV), with revenues of BRL137 billion (US$24.1 billion), a 7.2% increase from the previous year. Key agricultural products include coffee and dairy, while livestock farming contributes significantly to the state’s economy, expected to generate BRL46 billion in 2024, drawing in new investments.
“Minas Gerais is vital to agribusiness. This plant brings us closer to our customers and strategic partners, allowing us to deliver innovative solutions more efficiently, supporting herd health and productivity, and benefiting the entire food chain,” said Mauricio Adade, president of DSM-Firmenich Latin America.
Sete Lagoas was chosen for its strategic location, providing easy access to key logistical routes, including BR-381 and the Belo Horizonte Ring Road. Spanning 40,000 square meters, with 12,000 square meters of built area, the factory will serve the growing demand from Minas Gerais and other Southeast states, with expansion planned for the Midwest and Northeast by the end of 2025. The plant will support optimal herd nutrition in Minas Gerais and beyond, while also boosting the local economy.
DSM-Firmenich, a Swiss-Dutch company, leads the Brazilian market, particularly through its Tortuga brand. The company offers performance-enhancing additives, along with digital solutions like FarmTell, a farm management software that provides real-time data to help farmers make informed decisions. Its digital platforms are used by more than 15,000 users across 6,000 farms, monitoring more than 5 million animals. DSM-Firmenich plans to expand these solutions into Latin America, including Mexico and Paraguay, and later into the U.S., Europe, China and Australia.
Another tool is Lore, an AI platform that provides precise diagnostics and real-time monitoring of farm conditions, such as water quality, pasture height and metabolic changes in livestock. DSM-Firmenich also offers Sustell, a life cycle assessment (LCA) platform for animal protein to measure and improve the environmental footprint of animal proteins.
These innovations form the foundation of Animal Nutrition & Health’s Precision Services, combining expert knowledge, tailored nutrition and technology to monitor every stage of the production cycle.
Luiz Magalhães, president of Animal Nutrition and Health at DSM-Firmenich LatAm, said precision livestock farming is the future.
“We are at the forefront of this transformation, helping beef and dairy farms improve productivity, health and sustainability,” he said. “With over a century of experience, we are recognized for innovations like Lore, FarmTell, and Sustell. Our goal is to be the strategic partner for livestock farmers in Brazil and beyond.”