Some realized projects
August 2025
ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON LOW-STRESS STOCKMANSHIP FOR DAIRY FARMERS:
This one-day seminar was organized by Netzwerk Fokus Tierwohl and took place at the organic dairy farm “Hof Pfaffendorf”, right next to the farm's own dairy processing facility in 06388 Edderitz, Germany.
In addition to its agricultural activities, Hof Pfaffendorf operates an organic dairy farm with around 670 dairy cows and 550 reared cattle.
It has also undergone extensive renovations to meet the high standards of animal welfare-oriented husbandry.
Source photos Marga Fogt
August 2025
LOW STRESS STOCKMANSHIP IN PRACTICE FOR SHEEP FARMERS
Organizer:
Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Gartenbau Iden (LLG) and Netzwerk Fokus Tierwohl, as part of a joint project.
Yes, you are reading correctly, Low Stress Stockmanship also works in day-to-day sheep herding.
Due to increasing international demand for this method from both hobby and professional sheep farmers, I organize these (practical) training courses on request.
On August 27, 2025, a practical training day on this topic for sheep farmers and veterinarians took place at sheep farmer Mario Wehlitz's farm in Dessau Roßlau – Brambach (06862), Germany. It was a great honor for me to present a practical training day at such a well-known sheep farmer's farm in Germany.
In addition to sheep farmers, the participants included the well-known Dr. Karl-Heinz Kaulfuß from “Fachtierarztpraxis Dr. Karl-Heinz Kaulfuß” (Dr. Karl-Heinz Kaulfuß Veterinary Practice), as well as some of his veterinarians for small ruminants.
A lot of knowledge and information about handling small ruminants was shared during the day.
After the practical part, the day ended traditionally with coffee and cake, with special thanks to the hospitality of the Wehlitz family.
Source photos Marga Fogt
May 2025
LOW STRESS STOCKMANSHIP WORKSHOP FOR DAIRY CATTLE AND SUCKLER COW FARMERS AT THE SÜNDERMANN FARM IN 28355 BREMEN, GERMANY
In addition to horses and Scottish Highlanders, Jersey dairy cows are also kept on this farm.
The practical part of the Low Stress Stockmanship Workshop started in the calf barn, followed by a demonstration and explanation of how Jersey dairy cows can be managed.
It was shown and explained how calves as well as dairy and suckler cows can be moved through the barn safely, efficiently and in an animal-friendly manner.
For the cow specialists among us:
“An interesting challenge to non-trained Jersey dairy cows!”
Source photos Marga Fogt
April 2025
THREE ONE-DAY SEMINARS IN GERMANY, MORE IN SAXONY AT "LEHR- UND VERSUCHSGUT KÖLLITSCH", 04886 ARZBERG
The program included knowledge transfer on the species-appropriate, safe and efficient handling of:
- Pigs
- Suckler cows
- Sheep
The species-appropriate, safe and efficient handling of animals is becoming increasingly important, which is why I am particularly pleased to hold seminars for several target groups at one location.
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
LSSE is the only provider on the market to offer one-day seminars on the subject of “low-stress handling” (theory and practice) for dairy farmers, suckler cow farmers, pig farmers, sheep farmers as well as animal transport specialists.
I also use my years of practical experience in working with livestock kept by farmers as well as by hobbyists in the training of emergency and rescue services for technical large animal rescue.
Your questions about the seminar and training programs are welcome!
Please contact me here
Ronald Rongen
Source photos Ronald Rongen
April 2025
LOW STRESS STOCKMANSHIP WORKSHOP FOR FREE NATURE WILDLIFE HERD MANAGERS.
The Foundation for Restoring European Ecosystems, FREE Nature, works on the development of natural areas, allowing nature to stand on its own feet. Natural processes are reactivated, shaping wild nature.
Free Nature is letting large herbivores such as horses, bison, deer, rewilded bovines and flourish as part of these natural ecosystems.
People are welcomed to enjoy this natural wealth freely.
The animals graze in more than 30 nature reserves throughout the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
For the second time, FREE Nature herd managers met with me to discuss how to “capture, select and move large grazers” in a safe, efficient, animal-friendly and low-stress manner.
Various working methods and portable holding pens modes were discussed on the Dutch nature reserve “De Biesbosch” at Werkendam.
Source photo Ronald Rongen, logo: FREE Nature
April 2025
"FARMERS EVENING 2025" AT VETERINARY PRACTICE FLEVOLAND
“Hans & Grietje Pancake House and Event Park” in Zeewolde, (The Netherlands), is traditionally the venue for this always well-attended and sociable farmers' evening.
Also this year I was the invited guest speaker, with the topic “The connection with, and the importance of, good calf rearing on the lifetime production of a dairy cow”.
Topics included individual, duo and group housing of calves, the daily amount of milk for calves, (milk requirements and what they actually get), drinking frequency and drinking speed of calves, types, sizes and shapes of drinking nipples and their influence on the drinking behavior of calves.
And, of course, useful practical tips on how to get calves that don't want to drink to do so easily (without drenching), on-the-spot and on their own free will.
Subsequent reactions from the audience ranged from “sounds interesting” to “I don't believe that at all, it can't be that simple”.
That's the good part of my profession, sharing practical knowledge to people who are skeptical and like a practical approach.
Within 24 hours after the farmers' evening was ended, I received a video showing a calf drinking and the text:
"Really works, too. Calf was reluctant and skittish. Theory being practiced!"
Farmer happy, and calf saved. I couldn't get more appreciation!
Source photos Ronald Rongen
Februari 2025
VITELIA MASTERCLASS FARMING WITH FUTURE 2025
On Thursday evening, Feb. 13, 2025, the annual "Vitelia Masterclass Farming with Future" for young agricultural entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 35 took place in Oirlo, the Netherlands.
Remon Kissen, general manager of Coöperatie Vitelia UA, opened the Masterclass with a back and forward look.
After that a plenary session was started with Ger Koopmans, chairman of LTO. He briefed those present on current political issues.
Next, those present were given the opportunity to participate in the lectures of the three guest speakers:
- Wim Thomassen (UPP salesman):
On working together on a sustainable earnings model in the egg and broiler market.
- Ruud Michels (owner Growth with Michels):
How and with whom do I determine the direction of my (pork) business. What data are there to benchmark and how and with whom can I spar about this?
- Ronald Rongen (founder and owner Low Stress Stockmanship Europe):
About how cattle perceive their environment and how this can be applied in practice on your dairy farm. This in terms of efficient, safe and animal-friendly handling of dairy cows.
This Masterclass is also eligible for 'HAS Linturen' for the students of the courses 'Business Administration and Agribusiness' and 'Animal Husbandry' of the HAS Green Academy. The opportunity was well used.
It was an educational and very pleasant evening for all participants!
Source photo Vitelia