Company report Teunissen family
'Jerseys are the future at our company'
The dairy farm of the Teunissen family is located in Halle, in the heart of the Achterhoek. Father Jan (56), mother Annemieke(54), daughter Daphne(26) and son Robbin(24) all contribute to this family business. While Daphne successfully runs a daycare on the farm, the rest focuses on dairy farming, which is increasingly numbering Jerseys.
With son Robbin as a potential successor, the fourth generation Teunissen presents itself. Jan's grandfather started at this location in the late 20s with chickens, cows and pigs. In the late 50s, the chickens made way for extra cows and pigs. Around 1990, the company had approximately 800 fattening pigs and 50 dairy cows. When Jan took over the farm, the focus was completely on dairy cattle. The pig houses were rented out until 2011, after which the pig branch was completely divested. Over the years, the company has been scaled up and modernized bit by bit. In 2018, for example, part of the dairy barn was renovated and investments were made in a new milking parlor. The old milking parlor, dating from the 70s, was then replaced by a brand new installation from GEA (2x8 herringbone). A milking robot was not really an option. “We have considered this, but with this parlor we can grow more gradually in the future,” says Robbin.
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The Teunissen family owns 30 hectares of land, the majority of which is grassland. Jan: “Our plot has become what it is today through various land consolidation schemes. In the context of land-relatedness, we aspire to purchase additional land. At the moment we still have to remove about 220 tons of manure every year.”
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Jerseys and PlanetProof milk
The company now has almost 90 cows, of which 16 are pure-bred Jerseys. There are also a number of crossings. The accompanying young stock is stabled elsewhere. Introducing Jersey blood is Robbin's idea. As far as Jan and Annemieke are concerned, the stable remained filled with their beloved Frisian-Holsteiners. Still, they support their son's idea. “Our future is like next week, but our children's is much further away. That's why we support good ideas that our children come up with," says Annemiek.
Why Robbin is excited about Jerseys? “With 1,5 tons less milk production, thanks to lower costs, we can still generate the same yields. Although others tried to talk the idea out of his head, Robbin is convinced of his choice. “Jerseys are the future, as far as I'm concerned. They are strong, have good percentages and are pleasant animals to work with.” The average milk production per cow is 8.100 kilos of milk with an average of 5,10% fat and 3,70% protein. The Jerseys sit on 6.300 kilos of milk with 6,20% fat and 4,20% protein.
FrieslandCampina has been collecting the milk for years and this cooperation is a good one. Robbin: “For me, historical ties don't really count, the milk price just has to be right.” The Teunissen family is one of more than 1 dairy farmers within FrieslandCampina who supply milk under the PlanetProof label that was introduced by the dairy cooperative last year. “This gives us 600 cents extra milk money and that's quite a bit”, says Jan. He says that their company already almost met the conditions set by the quality mark. “Now the trick is to stay in it.”
Daycare FarmersHummeltjes
Every working day, 12 children come to the 'BoerenHummeltjes' daycare. The shelter is located on the family's dairy farm. “We started this in 2017 and it is going well beyond expectations,” says Daphne enthusiastically. The idea dates back to much earlier. “Actually, the daycare center is a shared dream between Robbin and me. When we used to cycle to school together, this idea arose to let more people enjoy the farm. We are privileged to have grown up on the farm.” After Daphne had completed her pedagogical studies at Windesheim, she gained practical experience in Arnhem. “The idea of having our own daycare on the farm kept itching, so we decided to chase our dreams.” And so it happened. The former residence of grandfather and grandmother was converted. Part of the yard has also been fenced off, so that the children can play outside safely. “Every now and then we go into the barn with the children, so they can see how milk is produced.” All in all, the daycare center with 4 employees has become a serious industry. It is not for all farmers to start a childcare, according to the family. "It really should suit you," says Daphne.
In 10 years
The future of this dairy farm is not exactly shrouded in mystery. Robbin is currently completing his study Agricultural Entrepreneurship at the Aeres Hogeschool in Dronten. Unlike his older brother, Robbin is a farmer through and through. “We were never encouraged to become 'farmers',” said Robbin. “We also had to orientate on the work field outside of farming.” Robbin did this during his MBO study as an administrative assistant. After six months it was clear to him: he became a farmer. He managed to finish the year, after which he switched to MBO livestock farming.
He gained experience outside the home at various internship addresses (including in Ireland and Denmark). “We also spar a lot with our neighbor who is also a dairy farmer. For example, we compare our figures, help each other back and forth and share the largest part of the machinery.” In time, Robbin will take over the dairy farm from his parents. Daphne continues to focus on the nursery. Although Jan and Annemiek still want to be active for the time being, the succession has been secured. Annemiek: “You could speak of an ideal picture. It's really enjoyable like this.”
Where will the company be in 10 years? “Hopefully we can let more children enjoy the farm. Enlarging the daycare center might then become a reality”, Daphne outlines her ambitions. Robbin wants to steadily expand the dairy farm. He also wants to bring in more Jersey blood. Robbin is not necessarily gloomy in terms of future prospects in the Netherlands. “It is not the best farmer who survives, but those who can adapt. I am really convinced of that.” Even after his studies, Robbin wants to continue to gain knowledge. “That's why we participate, for example, in the Vruchtbare Kringloop Achterhoek, a study group for the exchange of knowledge about circular agriculture and the soil. He would also like to be active in the future for the FrieslandCampina Youth Council or the NAJK.
Jorine Cosse
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