Beyond the Bulb: with Pieter Hanssen | Ep. 129

When farmers think about improving performance, they typically focus on genetics, nutrition, reproduction, or ventilation. Lighting rarely makes the list.But what if one of the most overlooked management tools on a farm is also one of the most influential?In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Pieter Hanssen, Global Head of Dairy & Business Development at HATO Lighting, to explore how lighting affects animal behavior, welfare, and performance across livestock systems. Drawing from decades of experience in poultry and livestock facilities around the world, Pieter explains why light should be viewed as a critical part of the animal's environment—not simply a tool that helps people see.The conversation explores circadian rhythms, animal behavior, environmental management, and lessons learned from over 50,000 livestock lighting installations globally. Pieter shares how HATO built its reputation in the poultry industry and why those lessons are now being applied to dairy, swine, and other livestock sectors.If you've never thought of lighting as a management tool, this episode may completely change how you look at your barns.MEET THE GUESTPieter HanssenPieter Hanssen serves as Global Head of Dairy & Business Development for Europe, the United States, and Canada at HATO Lighting, one of the world's leading livestock lighting companies.Originally from the Netherlands, Pieter began his career as an electrician before entering the livestock industry in 2018. His experience spans poultry, dairy, swine, and other livestock sectors across Europe, North America, South Africa, and beyond.At HATO, Pieter works directly with producers, nutritionists, veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders to better understand how lighting influences animal welfare, behavior, and performance. His work focuses on helping producers leverage lighting as a management tool rather than simply an infrastructure component.Drawing on decades of poultry industry experience and more than 50,000 livestock lighting installations worldwide, Pieter is helping bring precision lighting concepts into new sectors such as dairy and swine production.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels, and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.