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.

It is no coincidence that people all over the world picture the Netherlands as a country with green, flat landscapes and grazing cows. Many FrieslandCampina dairy farmers let their cows graze outside as much as possible, weather permitting.

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 in spring each year. We encourage member dairy farmers to let their cows graze in the meadow at least 120 days a year, for a minimum of 6 hours per day, allowing the animals to maintain their natural grazing behaviour. Additionally, grazing helps to reduce ammonia emissions.

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.

Are cows healthier and happier if they go outside?

Farmers benefit from healthy and happy cows. 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. There must always be enough grass in the meadow to keep the cows fed. If there is not enough rain, the grass does not grow well enough. If there is too much rain, the land is too wet. 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. 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.

Meadow grazing

Grazing cows as part of the landscape

78.4%

of member dairy farms in the Netherlands apply (partial)pasture grazing (target: 81,0%)

Animal welfare

at least 120 days per year, for a minimum of 6 hours per day

that member dairy farmers let their cows graze in the meadow