SUMMARY
Subject
Milk Week 2026: Exploring animal welfare, research and innovation in dairy farming
© Mårten Svensson
From understanding the world through a cow’s senses to exploring how calf feeding affects wellbeing, Milk Week 2026 has several sessions worth adding to the calendar for anyone interested in the future of dairy cattle welfare.
Taking place across Skåne, Sweden, from 30 November to 3 December, Milk Week brings together farmers, researchers and agricultural advisors to discuss the latest developments in milk production. The programme includes webinars, farm visits and a conference day at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Alnarp on 2 December.
Animal welfare features prominently in the conference programme, particularly in a session dedicated to housing, animal health and the environment. Researchers will explore how lighting conditions in cow housing can be improved, how cows experience their surroundings through their senses, and whether calf feeding practices can support the wellbeing of both calves and the people caring for them.
The programme also looks at practical changes to dairy farming systems. A webinar on 30 November will examine whether virtual fencing can be combined with dairy cattle production, drawing on research and experience from farms. Other presentations will address the transition from tie-stall to loose housing and how barn design can support better animal health alongside more efficient farm work.
Milk Week is organised by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the Agricultural Research Foundation, Knowledge Hub Animal Production, SustAinimal and SLU Partnership Alnarp, with contributions from researchers and practitioners across the dairy sector.
Milk Week 2026: Key details
- Dates: 30 November–3 December 2026
- Location: Skåne, Sweden
- Main conference day: 2 December, 08:00–16:00 CET, at SLU Alnarp
- Format: In-person activities and online webinars
Registration is open for the different activities. If you are interested in attending the main conference day, make sure to register by 11 November 2026.
