The debut of EuroTier Digital was a great success, according to organiser DLG, the German Agricultural Society. More than 41,000 participants connected to the digital platform created by the DLG during the four days of the event.
EuroTier Digital/EnergyDecentral Digital was held from Februari 9th until 13th. In addition to being able to access the offerings of around 1,200 participating companies, the visitors were also able to take part in 300 specialist events and to conduct targeted networking with the industry. Some 45 percent of the participants were located outside Germany.
Platform
“DLG’s new digital platform has successfully positioned itself as a digital business network and forum for professional exchange for the national and international agricultural industry. The access and engagement rates are impressive. The lively participation in events and the strong interest in the digital technical program are a reflection of the networking competence of the farmers, the industry and our members. The digital format will be a complement to our physical trade fairs in the future,” concluded Dr. Reinhard Grandke, Chief Executive Officer, DLG.
Digital technical program
Under the guiding theme of ‘Farming in the food chain’, the organizer DLG had set up a technical program with eight parallel online video channels, transmitting more than 300 interactive programs that addressed relevant future topics affecting the global livestock sector and the decentralized energy supply industry. Visitors on the platform were able to interactively participate in numerous talk shows and discussion events. In total, the professional program was visited around 83,000 times during the four days on the platform.
Opening
The ‘EuroTier / EnergyDecentral digital’ was officially opened by German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Julia Klöckner, who in her opening speech encouraged farmers in Germany to participate in the developments in agriculture and animal husbandry. Klöckner emphasised that it was not just technology or how to reduce workload that constitute the topics of today, but, more importantly, the social acceptance of livestock farming and animal welfare.
Klöckner also noted that the industry is undergoing radical change, which can, however, only be successful and sustainable if done in a proportionate manner with a view to the long-term perspectives for livestock farmers in Germany. “Should the production leave Germany, nothing would be gained”, according to the Minister of Agriculture. “Neither environmental nor animal welfare issues can be solved by exporting them.”
Future
Hubertus Paetow, President of the DLG, noted that animal husbandry in Germany and Europe will continue to look different in the future than in many other regions of the world. “Higher demands on animal welfare and sustainability require different technical concepts.” This poses significant challenges for manufacturers and farmers alike. However, it also presents opportunities for those who recognise the trends early on and implement them efficiently.
Exhibitors
More than 1,200 exhibitors presented information, in real-time, on their range of products and services using various multimedia tools. Exhibitors were also able to network and engage directly with participants via chat and video meetings. In addition to offering new technologies and consulting for livestock farming, the companies’ offerings also included the upstream areas of livestock farming, such as breeding, techniques and farm input, as well as downstream areas, such as processing and distribution channels.
On demand
All content of EuroTier/EnergyDecentral digital will be available on the digital platform from February 18 until April 15. Participants will continue to have the opportunity to find out about exhibitors’ offerings as well as the content of the technical program. Likewise, they can network with companies via text messages and contact requests, using the platform.
Next edition
The next EuroTier and EnergyDecentral will take place from 15th to 18th November, 2022, at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds, Germany. The trade fair will be complemented by the DLG Digital Platform.
Also read: Eurotier 2021 fully digital
