'Showing that growing onions in Zeeland is certainly possible'

organized for the sixth year in a row Boerenbusiness the crop tour. Also this year we follow ten arable farmers throughout the Netherlands in the cultivation of yellow seed onions. In this series of business reports, we introduce the entrepreneurs. This time: Klaasjan Boer from Kortgene (ZL).

Klaasjan Boer thinks and wants to show that growing onions in the province of Zeeland is still possible, despite the growing conditions. For example, he cannot irrigate his plots. Boer says he will show this year in the Gewastour how he deals with these challenges in onion cultivation. In addition, he has a fixed strategy for storing onions.

That is why 19 business and personal questions to Klaasjan Boer, participant in the Boerenbusiness Crop tour Onions.

Which onion varieties are grown on the farm? 
"Next year we will sow the onion varieties Hyfive and Hystore. We chose Hystore because this variety was available with force coating. We sow this variety on a plot that used to be grassland, so you always have the risk of wireworms. The Hyfive variety is because of the yield capacity of the variety and the good quality characteristics."

What is the precursor for onion cultivation?
"The pre-crop for the plot participating in the Gewastour is sugar beet."

What do you think is the most beautiful crop to grow on your farm?
"We think the potatoes are the most beautiful to grow. There is just a little more to potato cultivation and the potatoes are doing well here. It is the crop that gets me the furthest. Onion cultivation is also a good crop, but there is going to be something wrong because we can't irrigate."

Chopping or baling straw?
"All the straw on the farm is chopped up and we have been doing this for years. I opt for chopping for soil fertility, because we cannot irrigate. We try to keep the soil in optimal condition. That is why I sow a green manure crop, sprinkle compost and use plenty of cattle slurry."

What occupation would you have had if you had not been a farmer?
"I think there is also something in agriculture. I think something in consultancy."

What kind of tillage/fertilization is done for onion cultivation?
"The plot is plowed in the autumn. The seedbed is prepared in the spring with a seedbed combination or harrow. Before sowing, polysulphate is spread. The rest of the fertilization takes place after sowing and during the season."

What is the crop protection strategy in onion cultivation?
"The crop protection strategy is to keep the crop healthy. Spray when necessary. The thrips can be controlled well under growing conditions thanks to the new products of recent years. We use an advisory program to determine the moment of spraying ."

What are your hobbies?
"Football (also referee) and Feyenoord, my old-timer and we also like to go cycling or to the beach."

What are you proud of when you look at the company or cultivation?
"I am proud of the company across the board, how the company stands and what we are achieving in the cultivation of potatoes. We have been here for over fifteen years now and we have grown considerably in terms of mechanization."

How do you see the future of the company in terms of developments?
"We sometimes look at drip irrigation. If I can still get good yields without drip irrigation, I won't start it yet. I might have been able to get more yield with drip irrigation, but I don't know. The next thing, how am I going to add water to my get a plot? Then it has to be with water from a basin. I think that's all still a thing."

French fries or boiled potatoes?
"Then do fries anyway."

What activities are you most looking forward to during the year?
"I think spring sowing and potato planting are great work. During the rest of the season you look forward to the harvest, but later I'm also happy when it's over."

What role does the cultivation of onions play in your company?
"I think onions are an important crop. Potatoes are the main crop, but onions make an important contribution behind that."

Onions from your own company or onions from the supermarket?
"Onions from their own company, of course."

Are the onions sold off the field or from storage?
"All onions go into storage. The onions usually go into longer storage and I always grow my onions freely."

What is number 1 on your bucket list?
"Visiting a football match in the British Premier League is high on the wish list. And would also like to see large-scale farms in America, Brazil or Australia."

What do you see as the opportunities and threats for your company?
"There is a chance that I can grow good potatoes here and I see the best future there. One threat is salinization and drought."

Sun holiday or winter sports?
"Sun Vacation"

What is the reason you are participating in the onion crop tour?
"It is often said that onions can no longer be grown in Zeeland. I want to show that growing onions in Zeeland is certainly still possible. I do not yet believe that we should stop growing onions and that excellent yields can still be achieved. be achieved."

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