Caring Dairy is now a major player among the well-known sustainability programs. For dairy, there are several sustainability programs that indicate that you are making a more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly choice. In a survey of nineteen international standards, Caring Dairy even scored twice a top three spot on both continuous improvement and overall performance. Almost all CONO dairy farmers participate in the Caring Dairy sustainability program. Together, they make great strides in sustainability on the dairy farm every year.

Happy, healthy cows

For example, within the "Happy Cows" theme, we see that every year our cows age healthier. Animal welfare is an important theme for CONO dairy farmers and cheese makers. Last year this resulted in 176 days* of grazing, of which 1,794 hours. Quite a bit higher than the national average of 120 days and 720 hours. The young cattle also graze more than the set target each year. We also see this reflected in the health of our cows; since 2017 the average cow is getting older every year. By 2023, the average age of CONO cows will have risen to 6 years and 4 months.

More grass and biodiversity

In 2023, slightly more protein was obtained from own land than the previous year, reducing the need for concentrate feed. 22.5 kg of concentrate per 100 kg of milk was given to the cows, which is nicely below the current target of a maximum of 25 kg/100 kg of milk. Last year, 48% of the farms achieved the agricultural nature management indicator. These farms have herb-rich grassland, do meadow bird management or work on nature and landscape improvements.

Better environment and climate

Furthermore, in the area of environment and climate, there are other great figures: In 5 years, the percentage of companies with their own energy generation has more than doubled. In reducing greenhouse emissions, a decrease has been seen every year, with a big jump in 2023 and is in line with CONO Kaasmakers' climate ambition. A great result from the CONO dairy farmers thanks to adjustments in various initiatives such as feed rations, more outdoor grazing and sowing with clover which reduces the need for artificial fertilizer. This is also a sustainable choice, as clover-rich grasses are natural nitrogen fixers.

Socially involved on the farm

In addition to what is best for animals, the environment and the climate, Caring Dairy also focuses on social commitment together with all livestock farmers. A unique aspect within our sustainability program. From our cooperative, we think it is important that everyone has the opportunity to take a look on the farm and see and feel what is going on: "What is involved in producing a piece of cheese?" and "What else is the farmer working on?". They do this by welcoming visitors to their farm store, during a Day At The Farmer Day and through farm education; there is a lot of information available that brings visitors closer to the farmer. Last year, more unique visitors visited the farm than in previous years.

A nice list of results that have been jointly achieved by all dairy farmers within the Caring Dairy sustainability program. Thanks to the continuous process of the improvement program, everyone is working every year to make their own step in the chain more sustainable and to have a positive impact on the environment. Even in 2024, promising steps have already been taken to be positive together for future generations.

*Pasture result 2023