EU dairy co-ops to merge
Two European dairy co-operatives are set to merge and create a €14 billion business.
More European dairy farmers are warming to the idea of grazing cows outdoors.
European dairy co-op FrieslandCampina reports that the number of its member dairy farmers putting their cows out onto paddocks has increased for the second year in a row.
Last year, 79.4% of FrieslandCampina farms took up some form of outdoor grazing, 1.2% more than in the previous year.
Thanks to active acquisition and guidance, 314 dairy farms decided to start outdoor grazing this year, the co-op says.
Chairman Frans Keurntjes says the rise in the number of farms using outdoor grazing is a positive development.
“The sight of the cows contributes to social acceptance and the image of dairy farming. We are happy with these increases and thank all outdoor grazers.”
By promoting outdoor grazing FrieslandCampina hopes that in 2020 it will have the same percentage of farms (81%) using outdoor grazing as in 2012.
Some dairy farmers are given tailored advice and the co-op organises outdoor grazing clinics.
FrieslandCampina also rewards its farmers who graze their cows in paddocks for at least 120 days per year for a minimum of six hours per day. These farmers get an outdoor grazing premium of 1.50 euro ($2.52) per 100kg milk.
Part-outdoor grazing brings a reward of 0.46 euros (77c) per 100kg milk. To get this, farmers must outdoor-graze 25% of their cattle for at least 120 days a year.
Outdoor grazing is a traditional aspect of the Dutch landscape and is highly appreciated by the people, the co-op says.
“FrieslandCampina encourages member dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany to put their cows and young cattle out into the paddocks.”
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
Holstein Friesian excellence was front and centre at the 2025 Holstein Friesian NZ (HFNZ) Awards, held recently in Invercargill.
The work Fonterra has done with Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd, LIC and Ravensdown to save farmers time through better data connections has been recognised with a national award.
OPINION: Years of floods and low food prices have driven a dairy farm in England's northeast to stop milking its…
OPINION: An animal activist organisation is calling for an investigation into the use of dairy cows in sexuallly explicit content…