Pasture grazing is losing ground in dairy farming

The number of cows permanently housed in barns increased by 2024% in 12. This continues the upward trend that began in 2022. The number of farms keeping cows indoors also increased by 12%, according to preliminary figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

Of the 1,5 million dairy cows in the Netherlands, 460.000 are not grazed, which represents 31%. In 2012, the Grazing Agreement (minimum 120 days per year, 6 hours per day) was established to give new impetus to grazing. Initially, this led to a significant increase in the number of farms using grazing, but in recent years, a counter-effect has been visible. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) does not specify the reasons for this decline.

The decline in grazing is not in line with public demand, which the dairy sector is responding to with grazing premiums. Individual dairy companies also indicate that they consider it important for cows to have access to the outdoors.

A non-organic cow spent 1.263 hours in the pasture, 12 hours longer than in 2023. An organic cow, for which grazing is mandatory, spent an average of 2.531 hours in the pasture last year. A decrease of 21 hours compared to 2023.

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