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Navigation of the SDT Website
To support you with navigating the SDT website a short guide has been compiled. Click this LINK to access the guide. Please note that there are several areas of the website that only members will be able to access.
Obituary: Prof Donald Muir
Prof Donald Muir had sadly passed away. Donald, SDT Gold Award recipient and Honorary member, spent much of his research days at the Hannah Research Institute. During his lifetime Donald made a very significant contribution to dairy technology, authoring over 200 research papers and 3 patents. Many thanks to Jean M Banks, Enid M Gray and W. Banks for compiling Donald's obituary.
SDT Spring Conference 2025: Extending the Shelf Life of Milk and Dairy Products
The Spring Conference 2025 included presentations from ingredient, processing equipment companies, researchers and chemical suppliers to the industry, informing on new developments and technologies to extend the shelf life of dairy products thereby driving the industry forward. The venue at University of Nottingham offered excellent facilities to house the event and delegates had an opportunity to visit Cropwell Bishop Creamery the day before.
Gold Medal Awarded to Andrew Wilbey
A Gold Medal was presented to a long-standing member of 
the Society (45 years) who has been involved with SDT publications for 38 years, more latterly compiling summaries of the Journal editions for Dairy Industries International. The Gold Medal was presented by Nick Edwards to Andrew Wilbey at a meeting of our Publication Committee in Easthampstead Park, Wokingham on 13th February 2025. The SDT Gold medal, manufactured by the Royal Mint, was presented to Andrew for his long and distinguished career in dairy technology and for the immense amount of work and support he has contributed to the Society through his publications and positions held within the Society over many years.
SDT Questionnaire Feedback and Recommendations
A Questionnaire was sent out to members in August 2024 to support the Society with feedback on how the SDT is meeting member's expectations and asking for suggestions to improve our support to the industry.
SDT AGM & Webinar 2024
The SDT AGM 2024 and webinar (Aquabio - Wastewater Reuse & Energy Recovery from Dairy Product Processing) is taking place at 11am (GMT) on Thursday 28th November via Zoom. This is the LINK to register for the event. The webinar will immediately follow the SDT AGM.
Supporting documentation:
SDT Autumn Conference 2024
The SDT Autumn Conference was held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on 21st November 2024 and had a theme of 'Smart Dairy Farm Practices to enhance Milk Quality, Productivity, Nutrition and Functionality.
Report of Scotland Regional Meeting 19th September 2024
A Scotland Regional Meeting was held at SRUC's Barony Campus In September 2024, organised by Chris Hay, SDT Scotland Chairman, and SRUC staff.
A report of the event can be read by clicking this LINK
Addressing Antibiotic Residues: Dairy Industry Testing Solutions
ProGnosis Biotech are an an innovative Greek biotechnology company, focused on immunodiagnostic testing. The Company, with headquarters in Larissa Greece, have offices throughout the EU and have recently set up in the UK too. To learn more about their rapid lateral flow tests for antibiotic residues, without the need to incubate, click this LINK.
Reaseheath College Success
Reaseheath College have recently received the coveted coveted BRCGS AA+ rating following unannounced audit of their processing halls.
SDT Scotland Regional Meeting
The next Scotland Regional Meeting will be located at the Barony College in Dumfries and Galloway, the largest SRUC campus in the area. It will also allow engagement at a local level for the dairy students (predominantly agri-focused) to engage with the processing and finished product side.
The programme for the event is given below.
Any delegates are welcome to attend the evening meal Dinner after the event at The Swan, Kingholm Quay, Dumfries DG1 4SU.
Please advise Chris Hay (chris.hay@iff.com) if you would like to attend the meeting and the meal which will provide an excellent opportunity for networking.
SDT Summer Symposium - Cheese Themed
Our Summer Symposium took place on 26th June 2024 in the Members Pavilion of Staffordshire County Showground. Four papers relating to cheese technology were presented. Copies of papers can be accessed below.
SDT Spring Conference 2024: Yogurt & Fermented Creams -What's New?
Copies if the papers from our Spring Conference can be accessed here for a limited time:
- Paper 1: Maximising Productivity in Yogurt Manufacture with Natural Biosolutions. Ben Kinsey, Novonesis
- Paper 2: Opportunities within starter cultures for fermented creams impacting flavour formation, fermentation time, texture creation and extending shelf-life. Kirsten Lauridsen, IFF
- Paper 3: Plant powered hybrid yogurt and fermented creams trends and innovation. Emer Mackle, Salutivia & Maor Dahan, ChickP
- Paper 4: Future proof yogurt production - reducing your costs and environmental footprint. Carin Cronström, Tetra Pak
- Paper 5: Handling dairy fluids in the 21st Century. Harry Flannery & David Cole Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions
- Paper 6: Benefits of Rapid cooling on yogurt and fermented creams. John Kirwin, Penmann (LINK to further info from Penmann on their chilling solutions)
- Paper 7: Rapid component analysis of yogurt and fermented creams. Vincent Corden, CEM
- Paper 8: Operationalising quality in yogurt for tomorrow. Chris Edwards OBE, Muller Yogurt & Desserts
Midlands/North of England Regional Event
The event is open to both Members and Non-Members and is for anyone interested in enriching their dairy technology knowledge, visiting the excellent Reaseheath College food processing facilities and farm, equipped with its robotic milking, and learning more about what the College and College partners have to offer the Dairy Industry. There will be the the chance to network, learn from presentations from industry suppliers and provide the opportunity for any Eden students in attendance to reminisce!
Following the programme at Reaseheath College we will adjourn to a local hostelry for the chance for more networking and socialising over dinner for those that wish to do so.
Bring a friend along and introduce them to the benefits of being an SDT Member!
Digitalisation of Processing in the Dairy Processing Industry (Panel Debate Audio)
Panel Debate
The final session of the Digitalisation-themed 80th Anniversary Conference was a panel discussion on Digitalisation Experiences, opportunities and Hurdles. This discussion was chaired by Professor Barry O’Sullivan, Director, Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics and the panel group included; Ms. Chere Duffy, Lakeland Dairies Dr.Anne-Marie Henihan,Dairy Processing Technology Centre, Mr. Vivart Kapoor, Endress + Hauser and Mr. Anthony O’ Callaghan, Carbery Group
To access the audio file for the discussion click here.
Student Research Posters
- Development and validation of a test rig for evaluation of more (Karan Pant) Link
- Enhancing Dairy Processing Insights through Data (Hanieh Amani) Link
- Real-Time Compositional Analysis of Raw Milk Using Fiber Optic Transflectance Probe and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (Hussain Khan) Link
- Examination of the Irish milk metabolome for improved prediction of (Paula Rojas) Link
- Increased understanding of spray dryer capabilities through (Poonam Rani) Link
- Investigating the rehydration characteristics of dairy and infant formula powders using electrical (Guangya Xu) Link
- Modification of Powder Rehydration Sediment (Behrad Mozafari) Link
- Variation in protein composition between the milk of individual (Sean Wrenn) Link
ProFSET Launch Conference November 2023
ProFSET’s inaugural launch Conference, featuring two exceptional keynote speakers from the FDA (Kate Halliwell) and DEFRA (Prof Gideon Henderson), followed by perspectives on Creating a Sustainable UK Food System took place on Thursday 23rd November at the Institute of Physics, London. Following the presentations, one of which given by Council member, Dr Ian Gordon, was a panel discussion, facilitated by Prof Ian Noble, VP R&D Mondelez and Chair KTN Food Sector Group.
A report on the Conference and the presentation slides from all the speakers can be accessed below.
SDT Scotland section visit to NMIS (National Manufacturing Institute Scotland)
Read about the joint SDT and IFST visit to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland on 2nd November, the first SDT Scotland Regional meeting for many years organised by Chris Hay, Scotland Section Chairman.
New Honorary Member
One of our long standing Publication Committee Members, John Sumner, has recently retired from the Committee. I am sure you will remember that John has contributed several agricultural-related reports to the newsletter over the years, for which are very grateful. In recognition of his service to the Society I am delighted to advise you that SDT Council Members have awarded John Honorary Membership. John has very kindly signed off from his position by contributing a few words about how he entered the dairy industry and his early memories of the SDT,
Dairy Quality Conference - Amsterdam 16th November 2023
Biomérieux are hosting the European Dairy Quality Conference in Amsterdam on 16th November. This free-to-attend Conference has several European speakers including our past President (Chris Edwards) from Muller talking about Operationalising Quality. The full programme can be accessed here. Bookings should be made by emailing Emily Boiocchi (Emily.boiocchi@biomerieux.com).
Dairy Expo Harrogate 3-5th October 2023
The Dairy expo in Harrogate on 4-5th October 2023 is the exciting new event in the calendar for the dairy processing industry. This new event targets the ENTIRE dairy processing and manufacturing industry and provides a powerful platform for meeting new customers and strengthening relationships with current clients. Attendees will experience the latest in dairy innovations and equipment brought to them by the exhibitors.
What to expect:
- An exciting programme of presentations from all sectors of dairy processing
- Free-to-attend sessions on the exhibition floor
- Organised by the leading industry journal Dairy Industries International, responding to demand for an event specifically targeting the industry
- From pasteurisers, tanks and silos to cheese cultures, fruit flavourings and emulsifiers, through to packaging, quality control, testing, metal detectors, logistics – the entire dairy processing chain will be represented.
Information for exhibitors can be found here.
To attend the event as a visitor please click this link to register.
Scotland Regional Event (2nd November 2023)
Chris Hay (SDT Scotland Regional Chairman) along with Rachel Mirfattahi from the IFST invite you to a joint event on 2nd November at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS). During the afternoon you will be treated to a tour of the NMIS very impressive site and a talk will be given on Industry 4.0, the latest wave of innovation in manufacturing, where digital technologies enable smarter and more efficient production. The event will conclude with an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant. The event is open to both members and non members and is free to attend, although diners will pay for their own meal. Full information about the event can be accessed here.
Call for Abstracts
The organising committee of the SDT 80th Anniversary Conference at UCC in November would like to invite submission of abstracts for this conference. Submissions are invited from all students, research staff, principal investigators and industry personnel involved in dairy technology.
Abstracts should be submitted to Prof. Seamus O'Mahony, university College Cork, at sa.omahony@ucc.ie by 5pm on Friday 6th October 2023.
Full details of the abstract development, submission and review process are contained in a document that can be accessed here.
As a reminder the conference programme can be found on our website here.
SDT Summer Symposium 2023
Cheese Themed Summer Symposium 2023
Presentation links:
Speaker 1: Waste water treatment costs within the dairy industry and how to ensure optimisation throughout the process including new technology (Peter Harpley, Diversey)
Speaker 2: The Role of Cultures and Enzymes in Cheese (Margaret O'Connell, Chr. Hansen)
Speaker 3: Digitalisation does not have to cost the earth!! (Wayne Johnson, Faedah Solutions)
Speaker 4: Improving Cheese Quality and Efficiencies (Open Curd Tables and Curd Distribution Vessels) (Joe Matthews, Sycamore Engineering)
Regional Meeting at Campden BRI
A regional meeting will be held at Campden BRI for members in the South West/South/Midlands and non members too. Bring along a friend!
Spring 2023 Conference Penrith: Heat Processing and Energy Efficiency in Dairy Product Manufacture
The Conference with a theme of 'Heat Processing and Energy Eficiency in Dairy Product Manufacture' consisted of 6 papers, copies of which can be found below:
Paper 1: 
Paper 2: Standard microbiological approach to calculating z values, and consequences of approximations (Tomas Skoglund, Independent Researcher)
Paper 3: Optimising CIP to reduce energy costs (Nial Mullane, Northstar Training & Advisory)
Paper 4: Achieve production excellence with physical science-based spray dryer digital twins? (Sam Wilkinson, Siemen
Paper 5: Heat exchanger efficiency and considerations to plant to reduce energy costs (Jimmy Moons, Tetra Pak)
Paper 6: .pdf)
Presentations from our Summer Symposium 2022
The presentations from our Summer Symposium can be obtained by clicking the links below.
CIP Courses University College Cork
University College Cork are running two Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) online courses for people working in the food and drink industry. The courses will cater for two different levels of experience and will provide a hard copy of a manual and certification.
Presentations from Spring Conference 2022
On 7th April 2022 we held our Spring Conference in Loughry Campus, CAFRE with a theme of 'Shaping the Dairy Industry for Tomorrow'. Copies of the presentations will be available to non-members for a limited time by clicking the links below.
Camden BRI Project: Moving from 'Use by' to Best before' dates: Can we trust the sniff test?
If you supply milk for retail consumption you may be interested in participating in an exciting and important new project initiated by Campden BRI. You will be aware that recently some producers have moved from displaying 'Use by' to 'Best before' dates on their fresh pasteurised milks and milk products. This move relies on the consumer assessing the quality of milk by judging the appearance, smell and taste of the products. Campden BRI is looking for participants for a group- funded project to provide a risk assessment and pooled historical data for companies that wish to move from 'Use by' to 'Best before' on pasteurised fresh milk. The project aims to provide participants with a resource that can be drawn on to support their own risk assessments and enable 'a robust assessment of microbiological risk' in UK FSA terms. It is thought that this collaborative approach has the potential to accelerate the process for any member of the consortium and hopefully reduce waste. To participate in the project or for further information please contact : greg.jones@campdenbri.co.uk .
NEOGEN: Rapid Antibiotic Testing Solutions from your Trusted Partner
NEOGEN, partner their customers to protect and enhance the world's level of food and animal safety. By offering a diverse suite of solutions for the food, beverage, animal protein and agriculture industries, NEOGEN empowers their customers to safeguard their brands and create better products.
Read below how they support the dairy industry with their Rapid Antibiotic Testing solutions.
Autumn Symposium & Annual Dinner 2021
For a 2 page flier providing all you need to know about our Autumn Symposium and Annual Dinner 2021, please click this link.
Extraordinary General Meeting and Annual General Meeting
An Extrordinarary General Meeting and Annual General Meeting will be held on 20th October at 3.00pm and 3.05pm respectively in the Boden Suite of the Members Pavilion at Staffordshire County Showground during the Autumn Symposium. The agenda follows.
Smart CIP System Webinar (Rauschert)
https://sdt-static-new.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2025/05/11/TTF%20Grant%20Application%20Form%20-%20TTF%20SP%2001-04-22%20revised%202020.docxFollowing on from their online presentation last December on their SmartCIP system, Rauschert would like to invite you to attend their follow up presentation covering further results on continuing process improvements, cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Their webinar will take place on 8th September at 3pm (BST), for more information please see below.
Press Release: Ytron-Quadro (UK) Ltd
Ytron-Quadro (UK) Ltd have recently supplied 3 very large YTRON-Y directed jet mixers to Yeo Valley Farms Production.
**** NEW E-LEARNING MODULES****
An exciting new development for the Society - a range of e-learning modules to support employees in the dairy industry and those from companies that supply the industry, in the understanding and application of dairy technology.
SDT Endorsement of Training
Over last few years the Society has been approached by many training companies requesting to use
the respected SDT logo on training material aimed at the dairy industry. We have recently been working with a training company to arrive at a credible model that will provide the training company of SDT-endorsed programmes numerous benefits whilst ensuring that the outcomes and objectives of a training course etc are relevant to the industry. Feedback has shown that the use of our logo resulted in a greater uptake of learners for the training company we worked with.
Applications are welcomed from the providers of short training courses (generally from half to several full days in duration); seminars with multiple speakers; and workshops, amongst others.
To apply for endorsement of your course(s) please download the guidance and application forms, including costings here.
Advertising on SDT platforms
Suppliers to the dairy manufacturing industry can advertise their products, services, events and job vacanicies in SDT newsletters for a small fee....see below for more information
E Learning Modules DII
Dairy Industries International Article about SDT E Learning Modules and SoftTrace feedback : link
NI Newsletter Jan 22
https://sdt-static-new.s3.amazonaws.com/media/uploads/2025/01/29/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT%20T%20Guinee.pdf
Members can now access the latest edition of the Handbook of Dairy Technology.
This is available to members in the members section of the website and now includes new sections.
MINIMIZING CHLORATE LEVELS IN THE DAIRY CHAIN
MINIMIZING CHLORATE LEVELS IN THE DAIRY CHAIN
David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien
VITAMIN D: TIME TO FORTIFY STRAIGHT FROM THE FIELD?
VITAMIN D: TIME TO FORTIFY STRAIGHT FROM THE FIELD?
Dr Kirsty Pourshahidi is a Research and Teaching Fellow within the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE) at Ulster University, where she specialises in vitamin D, agri-food nutrition and consumer innovation. Her research spans all areas from farm-to-fork, and here she provides an overview of the importance of vitamin D and shares some of her recent dairy research.
Email: k.pourshahidi@ulster.ac.uk ® Twitter: @DrKirstyP
WANTED: A Rapid, Sensitive and Accurate Diagnostic Test to Aid Control of Johne’s Disease in Dairy Herds
WANTED: A Rapid, Sensitive and Accurate Diagnostic Test to Aid Control of Johne’s Disease in Dairy Herds
Irene R. Grant, Institute for Global Food Security and School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast.
SDT Member Profile Name – Chloe Farrell
SDT Member Profile
Name – Chloe Farrell
Current Employment - Ballylisk of Armagh
Job Title – Operations Manager
Education – BSc (Hons) Degree Food Technology – CAFRE, Loughry Campus
Technical overview on antimicrobial residue and antimicrobial resistance testing, surveillance and control in the dairy sector
Liberty Sibanda
Randox Food Diagnostics Ltd, UK