Gerben

Gerben van Bennekom took over his family's dairy cattle farm in Renswoude in 2017. Gerben took over from his father, who still actively supports the daily operations. Early in his farming career, Gerben explored various ventures, such as raising Belgian Blue beef cattle and selling Wagyu meat. However, his true passion lay elsewhere.

In 2018, Gerben attended a soil improvement course with other farmers and local officials, sparking his interest in sustainable soil practices. Since then, he has been running experimental plots aimed at enhancing soil health. These experiments include techniques like non-inversion tillage, undersowing maize, using bokashi, comparing compost with artificial fertilizers, and introducing bacteria into liquid manure. Gerben's journey is far from over, as he continues to explore new methods like compost tea and BlueN applications.

In addition to his soil work, Gerben has developed a second branch of his farm business, focused on compost, worms, and worm mulch. Using locally sourced materials, he produces high-quality compost and worm products to support soil health. Gerben's dedication to experimentation allows him to tailor his practices to his farm's unique needs. As he puts it, his goal is to "get the livestock under the soil to work just as well."

A vital aspect of Gerben's approach is his herb-rich grasslands, where he uses strip grazing to manage his cows. By rotating the grazing areas every few hours and allowing the grasslands to rest for weeks, he has cultivated a diverse and resilient ecosystem. This system enhances biodiversity, improves feed quality, supports cow health, and builds resilience against external pressures.

Support Gerben and his family as they continue their efforts to improve the health of their soil and livestock!

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