Offered: NVM Agricultural & Rural
Vision on the poultry and veal calf farms market
Johan Zandbergen and Jeroen Aalberts van VSO Brokers & Appraisers in Dronten agree with each other. In 2023, the market in poultry and veal farms was largely determined by the Lbv-plus and the Red for Red schemes, which were used by various farmers in their working area (Gelderland and Flevoland).
Both expect that this will also be the picture for the coming year. "The government is a good buyer. If the schemes are continued in 2024, it will be difficult for ordinary poultry or veal calf farmers to compete."
Not enough elbow room
Johan Zandbergen comes from Barneveld, the cradle of poultry farming in the Netherlands. His colleague Jeroen Aalberts is also a farmer's son. They have a good view of the chicken and calves market. "A lot of money is being made in both sectors. The prices for feed are low and the prices for eggs are high. The veal calf farms export many calves to Italy for a favorable price. The larger companies are doing well. The smaller, older companies are struggling. more difficult. They often do not have sufficient scope to make the investments necessary to continue to meet government requirements."
Zandbergen notes reluctance towards innovation and growth in both sectors. "There is little space and supply of land to expand. Due to the nitrogen problem, there is a lot of uncertainty about changing regulations. In addition, banks have also become increasingly cautious with financing due to the government's sustainability requirements."
Peak load
A large number of the companies that rely on the expertise of VSO Makelaars are located on the Veluwe close to the Natura 2000 areas and are so-called peak loads. It is often the older business owners who want to find out what the options are for them. "They approach us so that we can make an appraisal and see whether they are entitled to the schemes. For example, the Red for Red scheme, where you get a building plot back in exchange for your land, does not apply to every municipality in the Veluwe. And this arrangement does not exist in Flevoland."
His colleague Aalberts adds. "Every situation is different, so we always have to provide tailor-made solutions. In appropriate cases, for example in the absence of the correct permits, we tap into our network of specialists." Once it is clear which regulations apply, VSO can provide support in the remainder of the process. "In the case of Rood voor Rood, we can look for a buyer for the building plot. Or if the farmer decides to leave for the village, we can help in the search for a house or the sale of the old house. We also support in the event of zoning plan changes or the development of a plot," says Zandbergen.
Attractive purchasing arrangements
As long as the nitrogen impasse in the Netherlands is not resolved, Zandbergen and Aalberts see little change in the market for poultry and veal calf farms. "If it suits your situation and you are satisfied that after the sale you will never be able to work in your old sector again, then the purchase schemes are very attractive. The government is currently the largest buyer, which means there is little supply. We can see that we will not suddenly change in 2024."
