National Innovation Practice Hubs (NIPs)

TransformDairyNet (TDN) aims to promote systems where calves stay with their mothers for months, rather than being separated shortly after birth, as is common in traditional dairy farming. Cow-calf contact (CCC) has the potential to improve animal welfare and health.

The project involves 26 partners across Europe, including farmers, researchers, and industry experts. It will establish 11 national hubs to share knowledge about CCC practices, develop innovative solutions to CCC challenges and guides for farmers, and create a network for exchanging information on sustainable dairy farming.

National Network Facilitators (NNFs)

TransformDairyNet’s National Network Facilitators (NNFs) play a pivotal role in connecting and mobilising key actors within each partner country to support the adoption and advancement of Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) systems. Leveraging their extensive farmer networks and facilitation expertise, NNFs lead National Innovation Practice Hubs (NIPs). More information on them available here.

Benefits of NIP Membership

  • Share and learn from diverse CCC experiences.
  • Access facilitation support and funding for innovation trials.
  • Benefit from expert input and wider CCC knowledge via the EKIN.
  • Build a community of practice for addressing future challenges.
  • Co-own and publish best practices on CCC.

TransformDairyNet’s NIPs serve as dynamic hubs for innovation, driving sustainable dairy practices and strengthening connections between local and European initiatives.

Our NIPs

TransformDairyNet’s National Network Facilitators (NNFs) play a pivotal role in connecting and mobilising key actors within each partner country to support the adoption and advancement of Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) systems. Leveraging their extensive farmer networks and facilitation expertise, NNFs lead National Innovation Practice Hubs (NIPs). More information on them available here.

Dairy cow

Dairy buffalo

Austria’s NIP Group Prepares for First Meeting 

Austria’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is set to hold its first meeting on 11 December, bringing together 17 farmers from across the country, representing…

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Denmark’s NIP Group: Collaboration Through Familiar Networks

Denmark’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group has begun its journey with an online pre-meeting on 20 November, setting the stage for the first in-person/hybrid meeting…

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Estonia’s NIP Group: Exploring New Ground in CCC Systems 

Estonia’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is in its early stages, with an introduction made at the organic farmers’ meeting on 20 November. The first…

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France’s NIP Group: Laying the Foundations for Collaboration 

The French National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is currently in the formation phase, with the first meeting expected in February.  Network Development:  Efforts to establish…

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Germany’s NIP Group: A Diverse Community 

Germany’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group has started strong, with a pre-meeting held online on 6 November and the first in-person meeting scheduled for 11…

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Greece’s NIP Group: A Strong Start to Collaborative Innovation 

Greece’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group held its first successful meeting on 20 November 2024, bringing together eight participants for an in-person session.  Highlights:  The…

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Italy’s Buffalo NIP Group: Introducing the TDN Project to Buffalo Farmers

Italy’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group focused on buffalo farming is set to introduce the TDN project during three meetings with breeder groups in December.…

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Italy’s NIP Group: Strong Collaboration on CCC for Cattle 

Italy’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group for cattle held its first meeting on 6 November 2024, with 12 participants attending.  Highlights:  The group demonstrated excellent…

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Norway & Sweden’s NIP Group: Strong Engagement Across Borders 

The Norway and Sweden National Innovation Practice (NIP) group successfully held their first physical meetings, bringing together 13 out of 17 participants.  Highlights:  The group…

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UK & Ireland’s NIP Group: A Passionate Start for CCC Innovation 

The UK & Ireland National Innovation Practice (NIP) group held its first meeting with 9 participants.  Highlights:  The group’s enthusiasm and passion for Cow-Calf Contact…

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