'It's important to know what's going on'

Boerenbusiness is 10 years old this year. In the context of this anniversary we publish on Boerenbusiness various interviews with loyal Boerenbusinesssubscribers. What developments, opportunities and threats do they see? This time it is consultant Bert Aasman's turn.

1. Who are you and what kind of business do you have?
"I am Bert Aasman, I work at Delphy as a manager and senior advisor in the working area of ​​the South of the Netherlands (Limburg, Brabant and Gelderland) I live in Wanroij"

2. What motivated you to take out a subscription 10 years ago? Has this affected your business?
"I've been a subscriber from the start because I think it's important to know what's going on in the market, especially the developments in the futures markets, the development of the crops and of course the weather. I then decide to inform growers and continue Agroweer is a different story. I was involved with DLV (now Delphy), Meteoconsult and Zet Solutions from which Agroweer originated. The website had to provide the correct weather data for farmers to work with, such as reference evaporation and temperature at 10 centimeters. That was not there. In 2011 Agroweer was taken over by Boerenbusiness and has experienced an innovative development. I still work with Agroweer to draw up the irrigation advice for drip irrigation. I also look at injection times and disease pressure."

3. Which page of Boerenbusiness do you always open first?
"Agroweather and then the markets."

4. What development (in the last 10 years) are you most proud of in your company?
"Delphy stands for Worldwide Expertise for Food & Flowers. We have grown in our advice, conduct research and work internationally. This makes Delphy the company in knowledge and expertise for our partners in the vegetable sectors worldwide. Delphy's knowledge experts contribute to the success of our partners and thereby also create our own success. I am proud of that as one of the owners."

5. What hinders you most in your current business and why?"
"In any case, there are no obstacles, I convert them into challenges. Because the number of companies is decreasing, we see a changing demand for advice such as more digital, management and real cultivation questions. The latter has to do with crop protection policy and climate change."

6. Where do you see the most opportunities for your company and why?
"Obviously we see the most opportunities in professional cultivation, knowledge development and digitization. Relieving entrepreneurs and helping them to make a profit."

7. Are you an 'online' entrepreneur or do you still attach great value to information on paper?
"Especially online. Current events are becoming increasingly important. Responding to good weather information from hour to hour, but also the market and growth pattern is a must. Useful background information is stored digitally as a reference work."

8. Who in agriculture compliments you?
"The farmer. These are professionals who ensure good products every year through all kinds of weather."

9. Where will your company be in 10 years and will you still be a subscriber?
"Over 10 years, Delphy will have grown in research to solve farmers' knowledge questions. Solving technical questions, both in cultivation and digital translation, agricultural advice. Getting agricultural advice from our international companies for the Dutch farmer. Yes, I will remain a subscriber to keep up with to stay."

10. If I'm editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness wash then...
"Would I convert challenges for the coming years into digital support services. Such as climate, disease forecasting and water management to develop more. Look at what you are good at and give that attention."

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