Farming Smarter with Data: Gallagher Charts a Course for the Future
On March 31, 2025, Gallagher Europe officially became part of the New Zealand-based Gallagher Group. With the acquisition of shares from the Dijkstra family—who built the brand in Europe since 1978—a new chapter begins. Over more than four decades, Gallagher Europe has grown under their leadership into a trusted name in European agriculture. Thanks to their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and close collaboration with farmers across Europe, the brand today stands on a solid foundation.
A Strong Foundation, Enhanced by Smart Innovations
Gallagher will continue to offer its proven range of electric fencing and weighing solutions. These products are the backbone of Gallagher Europe and are continuously improved based on real-world insights. Think solar-powered energizers, enhanced conductors, and robust wireless weighing technology.
At the same time, Gallagher is looking ahead with Gallagher Next: a new brand within the Gallagher family focused on the future of farming. Gallagher Next encompasses innovative solutions that help farmers run their operations based on data—from smarter monitoring to virtual fencing and individual animal management systems. Farmers can decide their own pace: some will continue using traditional tools, while others may adopt one or more data-driven solutions, or gradually build a fully connected ecosystem. Gallagher offers the right combination of solutions for every farmer—regardless of scale or digital ambition.
“Every farmer wants to move forward, but in their own way,” says Bianca de Haan, Chief Marketing Officer Europe. “Whether you’re working with traditional products or just taking your first steps into data-driven farming, our solutions are grounded in what happens on the farm every day. Practical, purposeful, and developed in close cooperation with farmers themselves.”
The Farm of the Future is Data-Driven—But Always Tailored
Farmers face major challenges: they need to produce more with fewer resources, while animal welfare, health, and sustainability become increasingly important. This calls for better insights and new ways of working—not just gut feeling, but fact-based decision-making, data-based.
Gallagher believes the farm of the future is powered by data—but always tailored to the farmer’s situation. Not every solution has to be connected. Farmers seeking trusted products can stick to the basics. Those wanting more insight can choose data tools that meet specific needs. It's all about flexibility and control: farmers decide what fits their business.
“We make technology simple and practical, without unnecessary complexity,” Bianca emphasizes. “Farmers need to trust that it works—and above all, that it helps them.”
Stronger Together: Local Expertise, Global Innovation
By becoming full part of the Gallagher Group, Gallagher Europe gains access to a global network of knowledge, technology, and innovation. This allows faster response to market developments and a stronger, unified product offering.
“We’re combining local market knowledge with global innovation power,” says Roald van Noort, interim General Manager Europe. “That enables us to make technology accessible for every farmer, at every stage of their business development.”
From Weighing to Managing: Smart Insights, Better Results
A great example is Gallagher’s weighing system. Weighing animals has long been an important indicator of health and growth, but traditional systems were often cumbersome or fragile. Gallagher, in collaboration with farmers, developed rugged wireless loadbars that combine ease of use and insights.
“We’re building on what farmers are already doing,” says Sarah Adams, General Manager – Strategy and New Ventures. “And we’re adding smart data analysis.”
By weighing regularly, farmers gain early insight into growth delays or health issues and can act immediately. This turns weighing from a routine task into a strategic management tool.
From Standalone Solutions to One Integrated Ecosystem
The future of animal management lies in connected systems. Farmers increasingly want to link data—from grazing behavior and feed intake to weight and health indicators. With Gallagher Next, they can take that step—but at their own pace. They can start small and expand gradually.
One example is eShepherd, Gallagher’s virtual fencing system that allows farmers to manage grazing zones via an app. This enables them to digitally fence off areas, optimize rotation planning, and automatically track animal movement.
“eShepherd enables precision grazing,” says Sarah. “You can allow pastures to recover, improve nutritional value, and monitor animal behavior at the same time.”
For Every Farmer—Now and in the Future
Whether it’s a small family farm or a large-scale operation, Gallagher offers tailored solutions. From reliable fencing to advanced data tools: every farmer chooses what they need.
“The farm of the future is about data, the individual animal, and insight,” concludes Roald. “And we’re here to support farmers—on their terms, at their pace.”