The Dutch livestock industry is currently undergoing significant changes in the area of animal welfare. In 2026, the Animal-Respectful Livestock Farming Amendment Act came into effect, through which the government has implemented concrete measures to significantly improve the welfare of farm animals. For dairy farmers, this means changes in the way cows and calves are kept, both in the short and long term.
What does ‘animal-respectful livestock farming’ entail?
The concept of animal-respectful farming goes beyond basic care such as food and water. It focuses on the natural behavior of animals, their freedom of movement, and minimizing stress and pain. For the dairy industry, this means among other things:
- Cows must have sufficient space and be able to exercise their social and natural behavior.
- Calves are no longer kept individually confined and have access to roughage and water from birth.
- Procedures such as dehorning are gradually being phased out.
The note outlines clear steps up to 2030, while the long-term vision towards 2040 envisions a fully free and natural environment for the animals.
Concrete short-term measures
From 2026, dairy farmers will have to comply with new welfare requirements. Some key points:
- Access to clean water and roughage must be permanently available for cows and calves.
- Calves are given their own feeding place and can no longer be housed individually from the age of seven days.
- Calves and cows must have enrichment materials and be able to groom their coats
These measures are intended as a first step towards a future where animals in livestock farming can express their natural behavior as much as possible.
What does this mean for dairy farmers?
The new note provides clarity and concrete guidelines, but also raises questions about practical feasibility. Farmers need to invest in new housing and find ways to combine production with higher welfare standards. At the same time, this opens up opportunities: consumers and buyers are increasingly demanding animal welfare-certified products, making animal-respectful livestock farming economically attractive as well.
Conclusion
The Animal-Respectful Livestock Farming Amendment Act is an important step forward for animal welfare in the Netherlands. For dairy farmers, it means a period of adjustment, but also an opportunity to lead in sustainable and animal-friendly livestock farming. The coming years are crucial to realizing the 2040 vision step by step, with attention to both animals and farmers.
