Research project WeideWijs: Future-oriented grazing in Flanders

Main research question

How can robot milking be combined with grazing, taking the changing climate circumstances and a profitable business model into account? This central research question is being answered in the WEIDEWIJS project. The goal is to increase support for grazing, by pooling the knowledge gathered above and by supporting knowledge exchange between dairy farmers.

Research approach

Via a survey of Flemish dairy farmers, the researchers learned about how grazing is applied, the farmers' motivation and the obstacles to grazing. They drew up a decision tree to support dairy farmers in making well-considered choices with regard to grazing management. They substantiate and communicate sustainable business models to make grazing more (economically) attractive for the Flemish dairy farmer who milks with robots.

Relevance/Valorization

Through in-depth knowledge on grazing, including through farm visits and through practical tests with grass mixtures, info sheets on grazing were drafted that can provide practical support to livestock farmers in implementing grazing. These sheets highlight various grazing topics such as the current state of affairs, herb-rich grasslands, grazing plans, robotic milking, earning models, etc. By informing about these good practices and disseminating them to the general public, the support for grazing may increase and Flemish dairy farms may come to understand whether and to what extent this practice offers opportunities. In this way they can eventually develop their company vision in accordance with the vision of Europe (Green Deal) and the buyer (meadow milk, short chain, various sustainability programs).

Financing

Vlaamse Overheid - L&V