Protecting water and air quality as a dairy farmer: Lessons from the Netherlands

Environmental scrutiny of dairy farming is increasing worldwide. UK farmers can learn valuable lessons from abroad. We recently took a delegation of farmers to the Netherlands to explore how Dutch dairy farmers have successfully adapted to stricter environmental regulations. Now, UK farmers can benefit from these insights through two exclusive livestream events.

Join us live from farm to hear firsthand experiences, see footage from the trip and learn about cutting-edge UK research on water and air quality.

These two livestreams will explore how dairy farmers can mitigate phosphate losses to protect water quality and reduce ammonia emissions to improve air quality.

After visiting the Netherlands, Hampshire dairy farmer Jamie Butler will share his outlook on water quality challenges in the UK.

He’ll be joined by a panel of experts, including:

• Jack Watts – NFU supply chain expert

• Rachael Madeley-Davies – AHDB Head of Environment

• Tim Stephens – Wessex Water

Together, they will discuss:

• On-farm strategies to cut phosphate losses and protect soil and water health

• Lessons from Dutch dairy farmers adapting to stricter phosphate regulations

• Insights on upcoming UK policies, supply chain expectations and research from Harper Adams University

Cheshire dairy farmer John Allwood will share his learnings from the Netherlands, where ammonia regulations have reshaped dairy farming.

He’ll be joined by:

• Jack Watts – NFU supply chain expert

• Rachael Madeley-Davies – AHDB Head of Environment

• Paul Arnold – Catchment Sensitive Farming’s Air Quality Lead

The discussion will cover:

• Practical solutions to reduce ammonia emissions from housing, slurry, manure and fertilisers

• How Dutch farmers have adapted to ammonia restrictions and what UK farmers can learn

• The latest research from Harper Adams University on cost-effective ammonia reduction strategies

Both livestreams will provide farmers with:

• Practical mitigation strategies to improve environmental performance

• Insights into future UK regulations and supply chain expectations

• The opportunity to ask questions and engage with leading experts

Save the date and join us live! Register now to receive your joining link directly in your inbox.