Dairy Campus builds first emission-free and animal-friendly dairy barn: the EVA Barn

The EVA Barn is not a traditional barn with a few improvements — it is a completely new system. Thanks to intelligent ventilation, separation of manure and urine, advanced monitoring of animal health and the use of automation, greenhouse gas emissions are greatly reduced. At the same time, the barn offers an environment in which cows can behave naturally and remain healthy. “EVA is a total concept that affects everything: from how we care for animals to how we interact with our environment,” says Aebe Aalberts, manager of Dairy Campus. “We want dairy farming to be more sustainable, more efficient and more respectful of animal welfare.”

The arrival of the EVA Barn fits within the broader ambition of Dairy Campus to fulfil a leading role in the sustainability transition of the dairy sector. The barn will also become part of the national FTO-Sustainability consortium for developing, monitoring, evaluating and adjusting policies and measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollution. Partners include Wageningen University & Research, KNMI, Deltares, TNO and RIVM. The practical data from the EVA Barn will contribute to better climate models and innovations in agriculture.

The role of Dairy Campus within the FTO-Sustainability consortium underscores the importance of applied knowledge for the major societal challenges around climate, health and food production. Through close collaboration with universities, governments and societal partners, a robust knowledge ecosystem is created in which practice, science and innovation come together.