Who doesn't know the farmer . . . FarmCamps Op Flakkee
These are Huibert and Annet Groeneveld. Together they have a dairy farm in Sommelsdijk. In addition, they also grow arable crops, do agricultural nature management and run a FarmCamps farm with 20 luxury tents. Also super fun: it is also possible to rent a space to celebrate a party, for example. Busy bees! Huibert was born in Gouda and has lived in Sommelsdijk since 1989 and Annet was born and raised in Genemuiden and has lived in Sommelsdijk since 1996. Together they have 4 children, of which the daughter is only home on weekends. The two oldest children are in a relationship. So it is nice and busy on weekends.
How did you meet?
We met on holiday in Switzerland. Annet was there with friends and Huibert with friends.
How many animals do you have on the farm?
We have about 150 dairy cows, 80 young cattle (heifers and calves), 3 goats, 3 ponies, lots of rabbits, a dog Puck, a number of farm cats and in the winter there are lots of sheep in the field!
Why did you become a farmer?
Huibert wanted to be a farmer from a young age. He loves working with animals, being outdoors, the ebb and flow of the seasons. Annet came to live on the farm when we got married and first worked in care. Huibert worked outside the home for other farmers for years and later for the province and water board.
What do you like most about your job and what do you like least?
We really enjoy working with cows. We really interact with the cows. We try to take the best possible care of them and to carefully consider their food. We want to offer the cow as much comfort as possible so that the cow produces a lot of healthy milk. The variety in work and entrepreneurship also gives us a lot of satisfaction. Our least enjoyable job? Opening the feed storage in bad weather.
What does an average working day look like?
When we get up, we first do a check in the barn. Then we milk the cows and feed the calves and cows. There is always maintenance to be done and administration to be done. No two days are the same on the farm. The weather determines the work on the land and whether the cows can go outside, for example. A cow can also calve unexpectedly, even at night.
What do you actually do as a FarmCamps farmer on top of all the other work you already do?
You have a lot of interaction with the children. We also supervise various activities. But also think of repairs to tents, solving minor malfunctions and of course... setting stamps!
Why did you want to become a FarmCamper?
We were looking for an extra branch in connection with our son joining the company. We also like to show where and how food is produced and to meet all kinds of different people. In short: FarmCamps is a fun, extra branch that also supports our company financially.
What is the best thing you have experienced with FarmCamps guests?
Everything! A lady who was pooped on by a cow or a man who walked the dog in his underwear. You sometimes see friendships develop. But the best part is that people often arrive stressed and become more relaxed during their stay.
Huibert and Annet's favorites
Favorite vacation
Going to the sun and visiting & discovering things.
Favorite hobbies
We like reading, cycling, watching a movie and going out for dinner.
Favorite food
Bami and nasi, but we actually like everything.
Favorite animal
Ha ha, a cow of course! And the dog.
