Embracing sustainability
We’re committed to producing dairy nutrition in a way that cares for people, animals and the environment, and brings value to our communities.
Organic farming
Fonterra Organics is more than a product category. It’s a promise. A promise of the most natural quality created in the most natural way.
Animal Wellbeing
Cows are the heart of every dairy farm, and their health and welfare are of paramount importance to us.
We are committed to managing animals responsibly and continuously improving animal welfare outcomes. Learn more about our New Zealand standards.
Farming in the Netherlands
Cows play a significant role in Dutch agriculture, with the Netherlands being renowned for its dairy industry. The lush green pastures of the Dutch countryside provide ideal grazing grounds for these cows.
Throughout the majority of the year, you'll find cows in the Netherlands peacefully grazing outdoors, typically from spring to autumn. However, as the temperature drops and winter approaches, farmers will relocate the cows to shelter. Winter brings about a scarcity of grass growth, preventing the cows from grazing outdoors as they do during the rest of the year.
When the cows are outdoors, their primary source of nutrition is grass, supplemented with concentrates. During the winter months when the cows are housed indoors, they are provided with a blend of grass and maize silage, along with additional concentrates. Grass silage is collected during the summer when grass growth is abundant. The concentrates are primarily composed of byproducts from food production.
Cows in the Netherlands have calves throughout the year, resulting in continuous milk production without distinct milk seasons. This consistent calving pattern also maintains a steady and efficient level of fat and protein in the milk.