The Grobben farming family has always done farming their way. The two farmer's sons are taking over their parents' dairy business, but they are also doing it their own way. They combine the dairy business with soy milk. It can be done. Annet (59), Wim (62), Tom (27) and Bart (30) tell their story.
Annet and Wim have been farmers since 1981 and have always farmed their way. They did not go along with the norm, such as intensive farming. Farming with a balance between the number of animals, land and nature was their vision. In retrospect, they don't need to adjust their farm too much because they have always farmed in a very responsible way. Their milk meets all the Planet Proof conditions and the current takeover is gradual. Annet and Wim have not left the company completely, the 4 of them are doing it together.
The New Milkman
Five years ago the sons took over the dairy business. The balance between vegetable and animal proteins had to be restored. Also, with the takeover of the company, the ambition to produce soy milk grew. The New Milkman was born, where cows and soybeans live side by side. Literally even. And so far the farmer's sons are doing well. For now, the sons are making their new milk on a kitchen scale, but they are looking for someone with an understanding of process technology. Someone who knows how to set up a production line with the right equipment.
Kiempunt only highlighted the innovative aspect of the Grobben family. Read the entire interview here.
In Limburg, soy is also already being grown. Ruud Steinbusch in Voerendaal, for example, produces soy for Alpro Soja, albeit still on a small scale, as a test. Read more about it here.