The EuroTier trade fair in Hanover, Germany, held from November 12-15, reinforced its position as a global leader for livestock farming and energy sectors.

This year’s event, under the theme ‘We innovate animal farming’, attracted nearly 2200 exhibitors from 51 countries, including 48 from the UK, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for animal welfare, sustainability, and productivity.

With over 120,000 visitors from 149 countries in attendance, they grasped the opportunity to explore innovations in digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, animal housing, and health management solutions.

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EnergyDecentral, held alongside EuroTier, highlighted advancements in renewable energy, including solar power, biogas, and biofuels.

EuroTier 2024 also debuted the ‘Inhouse farming – feed and food show’, showcasing forward-thinking approaches to indoor and vertical farming, alternative proteins, and sustainable food production. Visitors sampled insect-based snacks and algae smoothies while engaging with start-ups presenting fresh ideas for the future of agriculture.

Freya von Czettritz, CEO of DLG Holding GmbH, emphasised the event’s success in combining productivity with sustainability.

“Here, in Hanover, we have seen an array of forward-looking solutions for animal husbandry and renewable energies that promote competitiveness,on the one hand, and animal welfare and sustainability on the other,” she said.

EuroTier project manager Ines Rathke noted particular interest in topics such as animal housing, feeding technology, milking systems, and alternative food production.

International participation was strong, with 42% of attendees travelling from abroad, including significant UK delegations.

Focus on poultry

The World Poultry Show reaffirmed its role as a pivotal hub for the global poultry industry. From breeding to processing, exhibitors and attendees explored AI-driven advancements and market opportunities. The International Poultry Conference, which preceded the show, also focused on AI applications in poultry farming.

Spotlight on Young Farmers

The Young Farmers Day proved a popular highlight, with a sold-out party attended by 2,000 young professionals, including several from the UK.

Meanwhile, the premiere of the FarmRobotix platform showcased AI, robotics and digital solutions for livestock management. It included the ‘Barn robot event’, focusing on automated systems like feed-pushing robots for dairy housing.

International presence

EuroTier 2024 saw a 25% increase in exhibitors, reflecting global industry trends. Participants came from 25 national pavilions spanning three continents, with notable contributions from China, the Netherlands and the UK. Thirty-seven start-ups from 16 countries, including three from the UK, presented innovative ideas.

The next EuroTier will return to Hanover from November 10-13, 2026.