'Making your own choices gives pleasure on a dairy farm'

Organized for the third year in a row Boerenbusiness the Roughage Tour. Also this year we are following 10 dairy farmers throughout the Netherlands in their decisions regarding the extraction of roughage. In this series of company reports we introduce the entrepreneurs. In this seventh part, the dairy farm of Joost van Nostrum from Sint-Oedenrode (NB).

Between the orchards and the pigsties, Joost van Nostrum works together with his parents. You will come across the mixed farm with 100 dairy cows and 850 pigs when you drive on the A50 from Eindhoven to Zwolle, near Sint-Oedenrode. It's in the afternoon. "I still have to cut a few blocks and then I'll be there", Van Nostrum shouts from the shovel. For him, working on the dairy farm is not a full-time job. Van Nostrum also has an additional job.

Van Nostrum describes himself as a cow farmer. His passion lies with the dairy cattle and with a lot of mechanization or tractor work you can't make him happy. All agricultural work is therefore outsourced to the contractor. The tractor and shovel on the farm are mainly used for feeding. In addition to the dairy cows, the company also has 850 pigs, which Joost has less passion for. "I think the best thing about being a farmer is the freedom to make choices and to be an entrepreneur."

Focus on healthy cows and high components
The dairy cows walk in the dairy barn that was built in 2013. The barn is a 2+2 barn without a dairy. The cows are milked in the old barn, where the 2x4 herringbone still makes its rounds every day. For the rest, the old barn serves as a waiting area and place for the dry cows. "We breed for healthy cows, because good production results from healthy cows". Levels are also important in making breeding choices. "MRIJ cows were traditionally kept on the farm, now the herd consists of 90 to 95% red and white HF cows".

The old dairy barn where only dry cows stand on one side and the other side is used as a waiting area. 

First, the feed is removed from the pits, with a U-cutter at the front of the shovel.

The pits are stored in rows of pits with a ground deck on top.

The fodder beets are stored in two humps in the yard. The first hump is almost finished and the second has just reopened against frost protection.

The beets are thrown into the mixer wagon with the shovel to make them smaller

During 10 minutes the beets are thrown through the mixer wagon on the fastest setting to make them smaller.

The final result. Joost turns out half of the total weight for the next day. "In general they are now all small chunks and the larger pieces are still crushed while mixing with the rest of the feed".

After the fodder beets, there is additional concentrate with the minerals and a bale of straw for the structure supplement.

The herd is 90 to 95% red fur at van Nostrum

The milk is supplied to FrieslandCampina and Vitalvé is fed. Vitalvé has been in existence for five years and focuses on cows and goats, with this company focusing on guidance to vital livestock. "Previously, the people of Vitalvé provided us with independent advice and, for the past five years, also sold concentrates." 

The Van Nostrum family also focuses on growing high-quality roughage. Good roughage is good for the health of the cow, which also produces healthy milk, is the philosophy of Joost van Nostrum. He finds growing good roughage a "nice challenge". The sandy soils are drought-sensitive and because the farm is fairly intensive, yield losses due to drought must be limited. "We can irrigate all plots via wells that have been constructed".

Fodder beet fits in the ration
With Van Nostrum his third participation in the Roughage Tour, he hopes to further optimize the roughage cultivation at his farm "I find it interesting to see how the other participants approach their roughage cultivation. The interaction with other participants also provides food for thought with regard to to silages and fertilizers”. Van Nostrum has been feeding fodder beets for a while, which he is very satisfied with. "The fodder beets fit well in the ration and it also ensures that the cows produce healthier milk with high levels". The fact that Van Nostrum is fanatical about feeding can be clearly seen when he carries out his daily task. 

Ronald Smit

Intern at the Boerenbusiness Roughage tour

r.smith@boerenbusiness. Nl

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