Dairy farmers produce more milk worldwide.
According to a FAO forecast, global milk production is expected to increase by 1.0% in the year 2025. The biggest growth is expected in Asia, as reported by the ZMB.
In Sweden, changes are proposed to the animal welfare regulation to allow the use of virtual fences. This adjustment requires approval from the EU Commission. Sweden is looking to permit the use of virtual fences to guide grazing animals. The Ministry of Agriculture in Stockholm announced that the minority government, in collaboration with the Sweden Democrats (SD), has agreed to amend the animal welfare regulation accordingly. This adjustment is subject to approval from the EU Commission, to which a proposal will be submitted. The goal is to enable the use of virtual fences in the Nordic country starting from January 1, 2026. A virtual electric fence typically consists of a solar-powered, GPS-enabled collar for grazing animals. With digitally set boundaries, livestock can be guided and contained within a designated area. In Sweden, it is proposed that virtual fences be exempted from the ban on electric shocks in the animal welfare regulation, similar to how physical electric fences are currently treated. The current regulation prohibits devices that administer electric shocks to animals with the intent of controlling their behavior. Animal welfare and competitiveness come together in this initiative. Sweden's Minister of Agriculture, Peter Kullgren, justified the proposal by stating that the use of virtual electric fences can enhance competitiveness in the production of beef, milk, and lamb while ensuring animal welfare. The Swedish Farmers' Association (LRF) welcomed the announcement and sees significant opportunities in this technology. Virtual fences provide farmers with new possibilities for flexible and sustainable grazing management, according to LRF Vice President Mikaela Johnsson. The Swedish Farmers' Association believes that this technology can open up access to challenging grazing areas and reduce the need for physical fences and associated labor.