A. Kuipers1, P. Galama1, H. Wemmenhove1
1Expertise Centre for Farm Management and Knowledge Transfer and Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
Corresponding author: dr. Abele Kuipers abele.kuipers@wur.nl
ABSTRACT
This paper illustrates how future oriented dairy farmers and researchers in Western Europe work on the farm business towards 2030 by presenting examples of innovative practices and techniques, which deal with efficiency and public demands. Future orientation of farmers was analyzed. Cow housing systems, especially dealing with animal welfare demands will be described, and a successful antibiotic case will be presented. Interest in grassland is in revival in Western Europe, stimulated by the economic reason of utilization of permanent grassland areas by ruminants, and the societal wish of having the animals grazing outside. As show-case a city – cow farm interaction project will be presented.
BIOGRAPHY
Abele Kuipers is director of Expertise Centre for Farm Management and Knowledge Transfer WUR, the Netherlands; working for Wageningen Livestock Research and guest-employee of Wageningen Economic Research. He is council member of IFMA, General Assembly member of WAAP (World Association for Animal Production) as representative of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA), and was for 10 years president of Cattle Commission of EAAP (European Association for Animal Production). His work concentrates on dairy farm systems and management.