'I would rather invest in the soil than in a shed'

organized for the sixth year in a row Boerenbusiness the crop tour. This year, too, we are following ten arable farmers throughout the Netherlands in the cultivation of chips potatoes of the Innovator variety. In this series of business reports, we introduce the entrepreneurs. This time: Wim de Witte from Steenbergen (North Brabant).

De Witte considers it important that his soil is in good condition. He levels his plots himself with a dozer grading bucket. Furthermore, animal manure, compost and green manures are used. The Brabant arable farmer wants to keep the soil in good condition for himself, but also for future generations. "My heart is with the ground and soil."

That is why twenty business and personal questions to Wim de Witte, participant in the Boerenbusiness Crop Tour Potatoes.

Which potato varieties are you growing on the arable farm this season? 
"I only grow one variety of potatoes and that is Innovator. I do that to keep it simple. Innovator is also less sensitive to rot and you can harvest earlier. The variety is sensitive to drought and nematodes."

What is the pre-crop for potato cultivation?
"Mainly grains and sometimes onion sets."

What do you think is the most beautiful crop to grow on your farm?
"Winter onions and onion sets are my favorite crops, because there is market forces in these crops. They spread the financial risk. Moreover, winter onions and onion sets can be harvested early, so that the land is free in time to sow green manure. Another advantage The advantage of winter onions and onion sets is that I don't have to store them."

Chopping or baling straw?
“We have been chopping straw since I left school, which has been for at least thirty years. My experience of poaching is that there is a lot of tractor movement during baling and loading of the straw. preservation of organic matter in the soil and no mineral runoff is ensured. It is also possible to sow a green manure immediately after threshing."

What kind of tillage/fertilization is done prior to potato cultivation?
"The main tillage is usually plowing and sometimes digging. Planting is done with a front cultivator in the front linkage and at the back of the planter. I worked with direct ridging during planting, but I didn't like that. With direct ridging you have to force too much , we mill the ridges later. We fertilize the row with Vivisol Agri. This releases the phosphate in the soil. We do not apply phosphate ourselves in the row. We try to feed the soil with compost and pig slurry. Serving the pig slurry we add in winter wheat and sometimes for the cultivation of potatoes, depending on how dry the soil is."

Fries (french fries) or boiled potatoes?
"Fries", in unison with his daughter.

What is your crop protection strategy in potato cultivation?
"I try to protect my crop preventively to prevent diseases. Sometimes I work with supporting systems, such as a weather station. I think it's too risky to only spray them. I did that once, but then I was completely 'wet ' gone. So I've become more careful with this."

What are your hobbies?
"My hobbies include hunting and motorcycling. I have a hunting dog that I enjoy going out with. This year I'm going to Scotland on my motorbike."

What are you proud of when you look at the company or cultivation?
"In a manner of speaking, I would rather invest in the soil than in a new shed. All plots are leveled myself with a dozer-level bucket. The annual spreading of variable compost has considerably increased the organic matter percentage. I manage the soil sustainably, also for the next generation."

What do you want to change/work towards in the coming years?
"I think the company is solid. The demand for (vegetable) food will always remain. It is important that fresh water remains available in our region. Look at Italy, the Po River, there is almost no water there and major problems arise for the agriculture. I am now working on stability and continuity in my company."

What has been the best choice/change in recent years on the farm?
"Because of my health I started working with two freelancers instead of one. I outsource much more work to them and therefore drive less on the tractor myself. I manage the company, this way I keep a better overview. Now I have more peace for myself and make time for my family and my hobbies."

What is number 1 on your bucket list?
"I would like to go on holiday to Italy with the whole family and supporters."

What activities are you most looking forward to during the year?
"I look forward to spring work and harvesting work the most. I think these are the best periods."

Potatoes from your own company or potatoes from the supermarket?
"Always from your own company, of course."

What is the sales strategy of the products?
"Most of the potatoes go into storage and some years something is sold off the land. In one storage, the potatoes are stored until January because we cannot use sprout inhibitors there. At the home location, the potatoes are stored until March. Part of the I grow potatoes under contract and partly free. In fact, I spread the risk. Anything free is too risky for me and gives me too much stress."

What occupation would you have had if you had not been a farmer?
"Representative at a car dealership. I find it interesting to keep up with the technology of cars. I always like to read about it."

What do you see as the opportunities and threats for your company?
"In addition to the increasing drought being a threat throughout the world due to food scarcity, it is also an opportunity for Dutch agriculture, provided we keep our fresh water supply in order. The demand for food will always remain."

Can there be irrigation? If so, what strategy do you use?
"All plots on the farm can be irrigated. We use, among other things, moisture sensors in addition to 'common sense'. It is important to be able to irrigate on time."

Sun holiday or winter sports?
"Sun vacation," says his daughter. "I also like winter sports myself. Are you active and can I clear my head."

Why are you participating in the Potato Crop Tour?
"The reason I participate is to meet colleagues from all over the Netherlands. I think it is important to exchange experiences. If you are open, you can learn a lot from each other."

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