[NIP]
National Innovation Practice Hubs (NIPs) across Europe are making strong progress in developing Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) systems.
Here’s a short summary of the latest developments:
Austria
- Brought together motivated farmers through online and in-person meetings
- Organised informative barn visits
Denmark
- Built strong group momentum through farm visits
- Facilitated expert exchanges on dairy processing opportunities
Estonia
- Engaged vocational schools to explore foster cow systems
- Raised awareness, despite limited uptake by farmers
France & Switzerland
- Formed a dynamic and growing group
- Started developing practical CCC factsheets
Germany
- Mobilised a network of 20 dairy farms
- Used online tools to select Living Lab topics collaboratively
Greece
- Created a functioning, open stakeholder network
- Building momentum with more participants joining
Italy (Buffalo & Cattle)
- Brought together diverse expertise
- Strong commitment to tackling CCC both in theory and practice
Norway & Sweden
- Maintained an active and well-organised group
- Focused on separation stress and peer exchange
Romania
- Held well-attended meetings with a multidisciplinary team
- Some hesitation to launch a Living Lab, but strong engagement overall
UK & Ireland
- Organised a successful CCC study visit
- Supported meaningful discussions around farmer wellbeing
Milestone: the NIPs have submitted their Living Lab applications — a crucial step for the next phase of the project and a major achievement for the entire network.
Despite different challenges and contexts, each NIP shows strong collaboration and real commitment to advancing CCC across Europe.
Read more about each NIP’s progress: LINK
Photo: Norway & Sweden NIP