Animal Welfare Event in Konya
The Netherlands Embassy Agriculture team organized a two-day seminar and practical training with participation Joep Driessen of Cow Signal.
The aim was to show that by improving animal health and animal welfare, the farm will produce better results and at the same time will implement a more sustainable way of animal husbandry.
The Netherlands ambassador in Türkiye, Mr. Joep Wijnands opened the seminar.
Animal Welfare Practices in Dairy Farms - Golden Rules in Theory and Practice
In 2024, the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Turkey and the Netherlands is being celebrated with various activities in many sectors, including agriculture. As part of this celebration, a two-day event focused on animal health and welfare was organized in Konya, Turkey, as part of the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. This event also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Dutch breed cows in Turkey, making it an especially significant event for the agricultural sector.
Animal Welfare Practices in Dairy Farms - Golden Rules in Theory and PracticeThe seminar was organized with the participation of 150 local farmers. The seminar was attended by representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Önder Çiftçi Association, Karapınar Milk Union, Karapınar Breeders Union and Cow Signals . During the seminar, theoretical aspects of animal welfare, including best practices in animal care and health, were shared.
Joep Driessen of Cow Signals showed practical examples of how to identify health and welfare issues in milking cows and what they mean. It is about identifying these signals and then acting accordingly. Joep Driessen then shared actions and measures, including some quick wins, that can be taken on farm level to improve the welfare and health of the cows. This will lead to better results and improve the sustainability of the farm. The presentations were received well and several participants said they’d change their management immediately.
Practices in Dairy Farms
The seminar was followed by a practical training for a group of farmers. They followed a farm run through on site, to see issues and solutions in practice. This event was very successful and shows how small steps can already lead to big improvements.
The event successfully enhanced agricultural cooperation between Turkey and the Netherlands. Turkish farmers gained valuable insights into animal care practices and showed great interest in further improving their farming techniques.