1
Deskresearch
The approach is developed in collaboration with dairy farmers, ensuring that the selected elements are implemented in a practical research setting in an effective and impactful manner.
Exploration
The Robot & Grazing? For Eachother! project is an initiative of
NAJK, Netwerk GRONDig and Aeres University of Applied Sciences.
This project builds on previous research and the knowledge gained from it. In the initial phase, we will compile all available insights in a clear overview. To better understand why dairy farmers with a milking robot do or do not opt for grazing, a survey will be conducted among approximately 80% of robot farms in the Netherlands.
The results will form the basis for an in-depth study in which we will identify bottlenecks, motivations and possible solutions. This inventory will help us to work in a targeted manner to increase the number of grazing hours at robotic farms.
Based on the results, a targeted communication campaign will then be developed so that the insights from the research can directly contribute to awareness, motivation and practical support within the sector.
2
Survey
The online survey identifies challenges, needs and possible solutions and is widely shared within the sector in order to achieve a representative response. At the same time, this inventory increases the visibility of the project and helps to recruit participants.
3
In-depth interviews
Interviews with both grazing and non-grazing robotic milkers, plus discussions with industry stakeholders, provide targeted insight into practical experiences and bottlenecks. This input helps to clearly identify opportunities and possible solutions.
4
Pratical research
The approach is developed in collaboration with dairy farmers, ensuring that the selected elements are implemented in a practical research setting in an effective and impactful manner.
Our preconditions
Dairy farmer is the starting point
Conducting a survey among approximately 12,000 dairy farmers about the reasons for or against grazing when using automatic milking. The dairy farmer is our starting point and our goal in this project!
Increasing or initiating pasture grazing
From the inventory and the response to the survey, a picture emerges of bottlenecks, motives, and solution directions to increase or initiate the number of grazing hours at robot companies.
Interviews
In-depth interviews are conducted with a number of dairy farmers who successfully practice grazing and robotic milking and those who do not. Professionals from education and research as farm visitors and also robot manufacturers are interviewed.
Campaigns
A targeted communication campaign is being launched.
News & innovation
Information and background on the project 'Robot&Weiden? Voor Elkaar!' [Robot & Grazing? For Eachother!"]
Swedish Lessons for Dutch Robotic Farmers: Grazing and Technology go hand in hand
Milk flows best when technology and nature work together. With that insight, four Dutch dairy farmers returned from an inspiring study trip to Sweden, organized as part of the project 'Robot & Grazing? We’ve got this!'
Curious about the developments?
Sign up for news about our project.
Contact
Dutch Agricultural Youth Contact
Bemuurde Weerd OZ 12
3514 AN Utrecht
The project ‘Robot & Grazing? Let's do it!’ is an initiative of the Working Group Meerweiden and is carried out by NAJK, Aeres University of Applied Sciences, and Network GRONDig.
