More space, more animal welfare

Farmers can get a better price for their milk by switching to Farming Type 3. The requirements for the label are clearly defined.

Farmers can get a better price for their milk by switching to Farming Type 3. The requirements for the label are clearly defined.
The Farming Type 3 label tells consumers that the milk they buy comes from cows that have more access to fresh air and space, and are fed GMO-free feed. The label ensures animal welfare through specific standards. Farming Type 3 is a classification system for existing labels and was developed by German food retailers. The minimum criteria for each level are important for sorting the labels. DMK uses the QM++ label, which is classified as Farming Type 3 (HF3). This means that DMK as a dairy company and its farmers must be QM++ certified. But what does the QM++ standard mean? The standard stands for continuous development and improvement in the areas of quality assurance, food safety and animal welfare.

„We are convinced that the opportunities for our members outweigh the risks.”

Dr. Klaus Hein, Managing Director DMK, Director of Agriculture

Farming Type 3 (HF3) is based on the QM++ standard. Depending on their weight, dairy cows and calves are given between 1.5 and 5 square metres of space.

The QM++ standard requires cows to be kept in outdoor climate conditions, for example by opening 25% of the barn or providing year-round access to an outdoor area.

Cows need to be kept busy. Scratching posts contribute to improved animal welfare

Dandy brushes and scratching posts are more than just a distraction for the animals. They help with coat care and promote good skin health.

Weatherproof boxes ensure feed quality and hygiene. They keep dry the nutrient-rich roughage that calves need to develop their rumen.

DMK dairy farmer Agnes Greggersen is converting her farm to QM++. This includes a lying mat for the animals, which is constructed in three different layers.

In the second stage, the filling is placed in the mattress system to ensure lasting softness under all load conditions.

Finally, a mat is laid to ensure secure footing. The integrated slope promotes faster drying and creates a comfortable lying surface.

Dairy cows lie down for up to 14 hours a day. When they do, they fall on their carpal joint, a complex joint in the front leg. The lying mat cushions the impact.

QM++ as a basis for Farming Type 3

The QM++ standard represents good professional practice among farmers. This is because farmers have already invested in animal welfare and animal health in the past. The criteria are regularly audited by external certification bodies. The standard covers key criteria such as keeping dairy cows outdoors. The program offers three different options for meeting the criteria: a free-range barn with at least 25% open space, a year-round exercise yard, or grazing for 6 hours a day for 120 days. In addition, the standard requires more space and additional veterinary care for the flock to promote animal health. This is supported by the recording and evaluation of animal health parameters made available to farmers through mandatory participation in antibiotic monitoring, a slaughter findings database and udder health monitoring. Scratching posts and brushes provide comfort and improve animal welfare. To support farmers in their ongoing development, they are required to complete annual training on animal farming. DMK offers farmers a series of webinars on exciting topics each year.

Supporting farmers during the transition

DMK supports farmers during the transition period to ensure that they successfully pass the audits required for QM++ certification. Farmers from the DMK Group and farmers from the Dutch cooperative DOC Kaas U.A. can participate in this programme. Farmers receive a premium of 3 cents per kilogram of milk, including the VLOG premium, for participating. DMK is convinced that animal welfare will become increasingly important to consumers in the future. “Although this creates challenges along the value chain, we are convinced that the opportunities for our members outweigh the challenges. We are adding value to our members' businesses and increasing the value of their work. However, this additional effort must also be worthwhile for our members,” says Dr A. Klaus Hein, Chief Agri Business and Member Affairs.