Cross-Border Exchange:
French Farmers in Germany
As part of the ClieNFarms project, we recently had the pleasure of hosting a group of French dairy farmers who visited several farms in Germany to exchange insights on various techniques aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability in milk production. This farm walk provided a deep dive into both conventional and organic dairy farming practices, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and information.
From conventional to organic systems, we witnessed a wide range of dairy operations. Farmers had the chance to observe diverse feeding strategies aimed at enhancing cow efficiency, health, longevity, and reducing environmental impact. Key technologies and practices highlighted included the use of renewable energy (solar), biodigesters for manure management, and solid-liquid slurry separation systems. Additionally, we saw the benefits of biogas plants from manure, area-based livestock farming, optimal crop rotation with legumes, and optimized animal feeding, particularly through grazing and fresh feed.
Among the farms visited, we explored two lead commercial farms (LCF) and the demonstration farm of our I3S, Organic Dairy Germany. While some farms favored intensive feeding systems, others focused on pasture-based approaches, yet all shared a common goal: sustainability. By comparing these approaches, farmers gained insights into different strategies for optimizing milk production while minimizing the environmental footprint.
In addition to visiting dairy farms, we also had the opportunity to tour the Upländer Farmers’ Dairy industry. This organic-certified dairy is a prime example of organic milk production, focusing on high animal welfare standards and sustainable practices. The French visitors exchanged views with their German counterparts on their grazing practices and benefits.
This exchange underscores the importance of international collaboration in agriculture. By sharing best practices and challenges, we can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future for dairy farming.
