Who doesn’t know the farmer… FarmCamps De Buitenhoeve

These are Aico and Kirsten de Jongh. Together, they run a dairy farm, a cheese dairy, and a dairy factory. Their farm is located in Haaften, in the Betuwe region. They have two children: Riley and Bradley. Aico was born on the farm where they now live. Kirsten is from Wijk bij Duurstede, which is more of a "city" background. They met each other at agricultural school during their dairy farming training.

How many animals do you have on the farm?

We have 60 dairy cows, 30 young cattle, 5 ponies, 10 rabbits, 6 goats, 2 mini pigs, 1 donkey, a cat, a dog, and a few chickens.

Why did you become farmers?

Because we love working with animals. Our farm has been passed down from father to son. We took over the business from our father/father-in-law. We enjoy making beautiful products from our own milk. And we especially love that others can enjoy these products too.

What does a typical workday look like?

The alarm goes off at 6:00 AM. Aico starts milking the cows and making cheese, which usually lasts until around 12:00 PM. Kirsten takes care of the children, prepares breakfast for the guests, and then gets to work: she feeds the animals, cleans the stables, and brings the horses in or out. Or she works in the shop, where she prepares orders and assists customers. During weekdays, our employee Charlotte cares for the cows and calves. We do this ourselves on weekends.

At 12:00 PM, we have lunch. Afterward, we feed the cows, wax the cheeses, brine the cheeses, and work in the shop. The household chores also need to be done. On days when the campsite is open, we also organize activities for the children.

Around 4:30 PM, we feed the animals with the kids, then cook and eat. The kids go to bed around 7:00 PM. Afterward, we bring the cows in from the meadow. Around 9:30 PM, we do the final round in the barn.

What does being a FarmCamps farmer mean on top of all the other work you already do?

Plenty! For example, making breakfast, baking pizzas, making a campfire, bringing cows in from the meadow with the kids, feeding the animals with the kids, and occasionally organizing an extra activity.

Why did you want to become a FarmCamper?

We enjoy showing people our business. Letting them experience what it’s really like on the farm, and explaining how things work here.

What is the best experience you've had with FarmCamps guests?

The honesty and joy of the children: happy kids on the farm. Children who have overcome their fear of animals. And, of course, children who cry when they have to leave because they wish they could stay longer.

Kirsten and Aico’s Favorites

Favorite vacation:

Going on trips with the family, preferably outdoors and in nature. We are big fans of Austria, enjoying hiking in the mountains and having a drink or meal at a mountain hut.

Favorite hobbies:

Aico doesn’t have hobbies; he enjoys working. Kirsten loves working with her horses and also enjoys photography (Instagram: kirstensoulierfotografie).

Favorite food:

Aico’s favorite food is definitely fries. Kirsten’s favorite food is bread.

Favorite animal:

Aico’s favorite animal is a cow. Kirsten’s favorite animal is either a cow… or a horse.

Our FarmCamps farms can be found throughout the Netherlands. Curious? Visit our handy farms page to find them all.