Percentage of grazing exceeds 80

The percentage of dairy farmers applying outdoor grazing grew to 2017% in 80,4. This is a plus of 1,5% and immediately the largest growth since 2012. This brings the target of the Covenant Grazing (81,2%) in sight, as announced by the Dutch Dairy Organization (NZO).

This is despite that, according to the NZO, relatively many dairy farmers stopped their business. The increase was made possible because new dairy farms chose to graze the cows. 

It is also remarkable that the percentage of complete grazing shows an increase; to 73,2%. Pasture grazing means that the cows go outside for at least 120 days a year, 6 hours a day. A year earlier this was still 70,5%. It also means that the percentage of full grazing is already above that of 2012.  

As a result of the increase, the goal of the Grazing Agreement, in which the percentage of meadow grazers is to be brought back to the 2012 level, is coming into view. At that time, 81,2% of the dairy farms chose to drive the cows into the meadow. Giving a premium for grazing is mentioned as a driver, among other things. The sales of meadow milk also grew. In addition, much is being done to share knowledge, for example, grazing appears to be possible with a milking robot.

More partners in the covenant
Although the final goal is in sight, the covenant is still being signed by new parties. Also by: Farmel, Ausnutria Hyproca, Noorderlandmelk, GEA, the Association for the Preservation of Farmers & Environment, Boerennatuur.nl, internet house, Wellant College and DLV Advies.  

New head of NZO
Not only did the NZO announce the percentage of grazing, the successor of Roelof Joosten was also announced. This has become Joost van der Hoogte, who works as operational director at Bel Leerdammer. Van der Hoogte will set to work on a multi-year strategy for the NZO, after which the chairmanship will be taken over by Hein Schumacher. From 1 January 2018, Schumacher will become CEO of FrieslandCampina and will join the board of the NZO.The percentage of full grazing in 2017 was 73,2%.

Herman van den Pol

Herma van den Pol has been with us since 2011 Boerenbusiness and has developed over the years into a market expert Milk & Feed. In addition, she can be seen weekly in the market flash about the dairy market.

h.vandenpol@boerenbusiness. Nl

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