Meadows full of grazing cows
It is no coincidence that people all over the world picture the Netherlands as a country with green, flat landscapes and grazing cows. Weather permitting, we like to let cows graze outdoors as much as possible. That is why a large number of our member dairy farmers let their cows go outside.
Perfect conditions in our meadows
Despite the widespread image of meadows and cows, in fact the cows are not outside every day. Weather permitting, outdoor grazing starts on the first day of spring each year. We encourage member dairy farmers to let their cows graze in the meadow 120 days a year. They are free to decide on what days, at what times and how long the cows go outside. Cows do not like soggy meadows where little grows. The grass and soil need to be in good shape. If it is too soggy, the cows trample the ground. Then the grass cannot grow and the cows cannot graze. The targets have been met for the year 2022.
Cows do not like soggy meadows where little grows. The grass and soil need to be in good shape. If it is too soggy, the cows trample the ground. Then the grass cannot grow and the cows cannot graze. The targets have been met for the year 2022.
Outdoor Grazing Covenant
FrieslandCampina and all of the other dairy enterprises in the Netherlands are required to make an effort to maintain a high number of cows grazing outdoors. This has been laid down by the Sustainable Dairy Chain (DZK) in the Outdoors Grazing Covenant. The Grazing Foundation is responsible for guaranteeing meadow dairy and for issuing the Meadow Milk quality label. The foundation determines the conditions that dairy farmers must meet in order to be able to deliver meadow milk.
Frequently asked questions
Are cows healthier and happier if they go outside?
Farmers benefit from healthy and happy cows because such cows produce a lot of milk. However, it is difficult to determine scientifically whether that happiness is related to grazing outdoors. In any case, being able to choose whether they stay inside or go outside is best for cows. Wherever the cow is, the cow must always be treated well.Why are not all cows outside?
It seems simple: the farmer opens the barn doors, and the cows can go outside if they want. But things are quite different in reality; there is a very complex process involved. For example, when cows go outside, the farmer no longer has a clear view of what the cows are eating and drinking. In addition, there must be enough grass in the meadow to ensure the cows continue to eat enough. That is why farmers must properly fence off sections of meadow and make sure the cows graze on the right piece of land each day. These are all reasons why cows are not always outside.What if it is not possible to let cows graze enough
Some of our member dairy farmers are unable to let their cows graze in the meadow because they do not have enough land. Or their land (or part of it) might be inaccessible to the cows. Partial outdoor grazing is a solution for some of those farmers. In that case, some – at least 25% - but not all of the cows go outside.
Last modified on: 18/01/2023 14:21