Eduard, the Eyes on Animals’ welfare auditor of dairy farms producing for Kalverliefde (Dutch organic dairy farms where calves are kept longer with mothers, in a herd, instead of kept alone in igloos or small individual pens) gave his talk today at the Caring Congress in Wageningen, NL.
He was one of three speakers in the session on dairy. It was an inspiring morning session focused solely on calf-at-foot. Farmer Gerjo Koskamp gave an uplifting talk about all the positive changes he made on his dairy farm (Ruimzicht) over the years to the point where he is now – totally biodynamic, with his dairy cattle going outside all year round and ALL his calves staying with their mothers for 3 months. Additionally all of his male and female calves also stay on his farm to later become replacement dairy cows or organic “beef” cattle. Veterinarian and researcher Dr. Adriaan Antonis gave also an energetic talk about all his research pointing clearly to the fact that calf-at-foot is possible and has so many advantages. Where there is the will! In fact, he is leading Utrecht Faculty of Veterinary Medicine’s dairy farm to switch fully to calf-at-foot!
A great way to educate current and upcoming veterinarian students on a new form of dairying! Plus, after he attended the EonA conference on “calf-at-foot” we organized back in 2015 at De Regte Heijden he started farming differently himself at his home sheep farm- ever since he keeps the lambs with their mothers ! Such positive energy and sincerety from these 3 speakers. Thanks to Caring Farmers for organizing this session and inviting us.
