In the context of dairy farming, there can be gaps and challenges in relation to the sharing of knowledge on farming practices that maximise animal-health and productivity, while also delivering on ecological outcomes, resilience, sustainability and adaptation to changing conditions. The Dutch Farm Experience organises exchange programmes, in collaboration with Natural Livestock Farming, to address these knowledge needs. The programmes are designed for dairy farmers, veterinarians and others in the dairy sector to find ways to handle specific local cattle health problems through the NLF strategy (link to KO4).
The programme includes experiential learning on areas such as animal management, breeding, use of medicinal plants, milk quality control, and farm income improvement. Groups are required to self-organise (consisting of between 7 to 30 people) and to co-design the content of their tailor-made programme with Dutch Farm Experience. Visits can have a length of between 0.5 to 4 days.
Exchanges between dairy farmers from different countries with similar problems can be extremely effective and can build valuable international networks. For the Irish context, this innovative programme offers dairy farmers the opportunity to engage in mutual learning exchanges with farmers in the Netherlands, who face similar environmental, socio-political and economic challenges.
You can find out more about the Dutch Farm Experience here. You can also watch our Dutch Farm Experience Innovation Spotlight.
Find out more about this innovation by contacting Claire at claire@erinn.eu.
