As a leading and innovative cooperative, CONO Kaasmakers, as the first in the dairy industry, is investigating the possibility of a pilot for an alternative form of grazing. This new approach, which offers more flexibility, fits better with modern milking systems and could lead to more grazing in the Netherlands.

Grazing

Maintaining outdoor grazing is of great importance to the dairy industry. Cows in pastures are a characteristic part of the Dutch landscape and are highly appreciated by citizens. Moreover, outdoor grazing contributes to the natural behavior of cows, which is positive for both animal welfare and the taste of our cheeses. We reward dairy farmers who offer their cows sufficient outdoor grazing with a premium. With 97% of our dairy farmers practicing full grazing, we are well above average and proud of that.

On to a modified standard

The current standard for grazing milk and the Grazing Eco-activity mandates that dairy farmers with an automatic milking system must have at least 75% of their lactating cows at pasture during grazing hours. However, farms with automatic milking systems, which graze many hours per day, need a different approach to grazing. These dairy farmers let their cows go in and out freely, which means that 75% of the cows are not always outside. This raises the question of a modified standard that better reflects current practice.

Contributing to animal welfare

We understand that dairy farmers cannot always be judged correctly in the current way. Freedom for cows can contribute to animal welfare. With this pilot we want to show that another way of assessing is more fair and that dairy farmers can give their cows the freedom to choose when to go indoors or outdoors. This encourages all farms to continue grazing.

Start pilot

With this pilot, we want to create room for innovation in the sector and support dairy farmers who work with modern milking systems in grazing and thus encourage it.

If the pilot is implemented, results are expected later this year. The goal is to make the grazing assessment fit daily practice and, as a forerunner in grazing, to put a revision of the standards at Stichting Weidegang on the agenda. In this way we can contribute to a fair and future-proof grazing system for all dairy farmers.