Cono Cheesemakers scores pasture record

The high figure appears to be the result of a number of unusual circumstances. At the end of last year, several dairy farmers with large farms and problems with/objections to grazing announced their departure. They canceled their memberships and sought employment elsewhere. This resulted in a decline in the number of non-grazers.

On the other hand, the current figure seems to be a one-off high, because Cono wanted to introduce a new milk flow: that of the 'welfare pastures'. This welfare grazing (still a working title) was intended primarily for robot farmers with small farm plots, Cono stated earlier this year. "For a group of dairy farmers, meeting grazing standards, with all the associated inspections, is becoming increasingly challenging," Cono said at the time. It was still a pilot program, but it quickly became clear that many members were interested. According to some farmers, as many as half of all members wanted to participate.  

The problem is that this would significantly reduce grazing rates, as grazing would be required for shorter periods and a number of additional requirements have been relaxed, such as the requirement to use Vlog feed (non-GMO).

The welfare grazing scheme was discussed extensively at the recent autumn member meetings, according to a Cono spokesperson. "But no decision has been made yet. It's a pilot project that still needs further consideration." 

This year, the Cono cows spent an average of 185 days in the pasture for more than ten hours a day. That's ten days more than last year, with a total of approximately 1.915 hours spent outdoors. Favorable pasture weather and the farmers' dedication contributed to this increase.