The share of livestock production value in Germany’s total agricultural output is significant. However, political framework conditions, national requirements, high animal welfare standards and other factors continue to affect the competitiveness and future viability of cattle, including dairy, pig and poultry farms, generating a number of challenges, according to a press release from the German Agricultural Society (DLG).

True to the theme “We innovate animal farming”, visitors to EuroTier 2024 will be able to discover a range of suitable solutions to these current challenges. The world's leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management will take place in Hanover, Germany, from November 12 to 15, 2024.

Animal husbandry in Germany is an essential component of sustainable and future-oriented food production albeit challenging times for livestock farmers. Between the conflicting priorities of political and social demands, farmers must manage the balancing act between animal welfare, market conditions and profitability in order to ensure long-term competitiveness.

There are still reserves on the farm that can be exploited. Technical innovations, however, can also contribute to enabling productive animal husbandry that is competitive while offering enhanced animal welfare. Many suitable solutions can be seen at EuroTier 2024, aptly themed “We innovate animal farming”. At the world's leading trade fair for professional animal husbandry and livestock management, the industry will not only present innovations for greater competitiveness but also provide suitable answers to current and forthcoming challenges. 

Experts present the status quo

What is the current state of competitiveness of livestock farming in Germany? Agricultural economist Jana Harms from the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Research Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries (LFA); Stefan Leuer, Head of the Department of Business Management, Construction, Energy, Employee Advice at the North Rhine-Westphalia Chamber of Agriculture; and Friedrich-Otto Ripke, President of the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG), explore the current situation in the dairy, beef, pig and poultry sectors.

In addition to essential factors influencing competitiveness, the experts will recommend adjustments that can still be made and present what successful farms do better and how innovations in the areas of automation and digitalization can contribute to enhanced competitiveness and, ultimately, what production strategy livestock farmers can pursue in order to secure their future.

Compare answers from the four experts here. 

Competitiveness of livestock farming explored at EuroTier 2024

At EuroTier 2024, professional farming visitors will be offered a wide range of presentations on the topic of “Competitiveness”, drawing on the exhibition theme “We innovate animal farming”. The DLG Spotlight “AI in poultry farming” will highlight the possibilities arising from new developments in automation and digitalization and illustrate the latest advances with examples of application. Practical solutions for management and technology on livestock farms and in upstream areas will serve as inspiration for further improvement for both livestock and farmer.

The DLG Spotlight “Pig farming without tail docking” aims to showcase solutions from the industry and discuss best practice examples from different countries. The DLG spotlight also serves to raise awareness of the issue so that investments in infrastructure, management and marketing pay off for animals and humans in the long term.

The topic “Direct farm sales and on-farm slaughter” at EuroTier 2024 will focus on mobile slaughtering and highlight its central role in the direct farm sales of agricultural products. The development of a successful strategy allows farmers to market products directly from the farm, which strengthens the relationship between producers and consumers and can offer economic benefits.

On Friday, November 15, visitors to EuroTier 2024 will learn how livestock housing can be converted into vertical farming facilities. And the processing of biowaste from households and the food industry into nutritous animal feed can also offer farmers a competitive advantage.