More FrieslandCampina dairy farms let cows graze in the meadow

The number of dairy farmers letting their cows out into the meadows has grown for the fifth year in a row. By now, 83 percent of the member dairy farmers of FrieslandCampina in the Netherlands applies some form of outdoor grazing. This is an increase of 1.8 percent compared to 2018 and a matching of the sector average of also 83 percent. All this despite external factors such as draught and damage by mice. A result FrieslandCampina is proud of. Thanks to active guidance, another 248 member dairy farmers of FrieslandCampina decided to start outdoor grazing in 2019.

Frans Keurentjes, Chairman of Zuivelcoöperatie FrieslandCampina U.A.: “As sector we can be immensely proud that we again succeeded in making the number of cows in the meadows grow. We are satisfied with this increase and thank all ‘outdoor grazers’ for their efforts. It is important that cows do not disappear from the Dutch landscape. The willingness of the consumer to pay extra for this gives an extra incentive.”

About outdoor grazing
A grazing cow is part of the traditional Dutch landscape and enjoys high appreciation from society. FrieslandCampina stimulates member dairy farmers to have their cows and young cattle graze in the meadows. In order to promote outdoor grazing, FrieslandCampina rewards its member dairy farmers who have their dairy cows graze in the meadows at least 120 days per year for a minimum of six hours per day. These member dairy farmers receive an outdoor grazing premium of 1.50 euro per 100 kg milk. The consumer can recognise meadow milk by the meadow milk logo on the packaging of many dairy products.