EuroTier 2026: biosecurity, AI and efficient management at the heart of future livestock farming

Avian influenza, cost volatility, automation and new technologies are reshaping the livestock sector. For poultry farming, disease prevention and biosecurity are emerging as key priorities in the run-up to EuroTier 2026.

Livestock farms are currently facing market instability, rising costs, animal disease risks, climate change and an increasing need to use resources more efficiently. These are among the key issues set to shape EuroTier 2026, scheduled to take place in Hanover from 10 to 13 November, under the guiding theme “Intelligence in Animal Farming”.

During the international EuroTier press conference held on 22 September, Dr. Lothar Hövelmann, CEO of the DLG, identified geopolitical uncertainty, fragile supply chains, rising feed and energy costs, extreme weather events, the global spread of livestock diseases and labour shortages in industrialized countries among the main factors transforming livestock production. These challenges are compounded by growing demands relating to animal welfare, emission reduction and resource efficiency.

Positive outlook for the poultry sector

Within this complex scenario, the poultry sector continues to benefit overall from positive market prospects, according to the analysis presented by Hövelmann.

Margins, however, remain highly sensitive to changes in feed, energy and housing costs. In Germany, the laying hen sector is currently performing robustly, supported by strong consumer demand for eggs.

Significant risks nevertheless remain. In addition to volatility in feed and energy markets, the analysis presented by Hövelmann particularly highlights the threat posed by avian influenza outbreaks, which can rapidly reduce livestock populations.

According to Hövelmann, future-oriented business strategies must combine economic resilience, animal health, biosecurity and responsible resource use. He also stressed that the economic performance of livestock farms can no longer be considered in isolation, as market prices, extreme weather events, feed availability, energy supply, animal health, political frameworks and technological developments are closely interconnected.

Biosecurity among the top priorities, especially in poultry

The DLG’s Agrifuture Insights Survey 2025/2026, whose findings were used to shape EuroTier’s technical programme, found that animal disease prevention emerged as one of the highest priorities.

Around 1,770 participants from the international DLG network took part in the online survey. Respondents identified priority areas for innovation and future investment.

Participants placed particular emphasis on prevention, monitoring systems and effective biosecurity concepts, especially in the poultry sector.

As Hövelmann stressed, biosecurity is not a single measure, but a continuous process combining prevention, monitoring and consistent management.

Automation and artificial intelligence

Another issue expected to become increasingly important is automation. Labour shortages and rising wage costs are expected to further accelerate automation in livestock farming.

The analysis presented by Hövelmann also highlights that AI-supported herd management systems are increasingly capable of analysing animal health indicators, feeding behaviour and activity patterns. These technologies can enable earlier detection of health problems and support more informed management decisions.

Hövelmann also stressed that smart farming and artificial intelligence must not become objectives in themselves. The decisive factor is the availability of practical, reliable and economically viable solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing farm operations and support better decision-making for livestock producers.

Technology, productivity and animal welfare

EuroTier 2026 will highlight the connection between technology, productivity and animal welfare.

Among the planned features is the Barn Robot Event, where automated livestock solutions can be experienced live.

The trade fair will showcase technologies, management concepts and technical expertise that support practical business solutions.

EuroTier 2026 will take place from 10 to 13 November 2026 at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds. More than 2,100 exhibitors from over 55 countries are expected to participate. The event will be held alongside EnergyDecentral, the international trade fair for decentralized energy supply, and the Inhouse Farming – Feed & Food Show.