“We have been working at our site for 54 years. Before that, my parents and grandparents had a mixed farm in Bussloo. I decided to secure our milk supply for the long term. We really wanted to become a member of a cooperative because everyone works together towards a common goal: a good milk price. This is one of the differences between us and many other milk-processing companies. In addition, the supply routes to DOC Kaas are short and the contacts are personal. I like that. I also like the fact that the DMK Group has a wide range of products, from cheese to fresh dairy products and baby food, which are sold in different regions. This diversifies the risk and helps us make better use of our milk. 

But I think DOC Kaas could show more courage by announcing milk prices earlier to differentiate itself from the competition. Especially in these uncertain times for us dairy farmers. Members only find out what the milk price will be in the middle of the month. This means that you deliver milk for two weeks without knowing what you will get for it. I think we should know on the first day of the month so that we can take this into account in our business operations.

In general, I think DMK has the right strategy. Consumers and retailers are demanding more and more sustainability, and we as dairy farmers are facing more and more demands as well. The cooperative has to keep up, I understand that very well. But at the end of the day it has to pay off - our milk price has to be earned on the market. So it's fine for consumers to have high standards when it comes to animal welfare or biodiversity, for example, but they're not always prepared to pay the higher price for it. It's a bit contradictory.

I have noticed that in the Netherlands the number of dairy farmers is decreasing because of increasing regulation. When all is said and done, there will be a group of farms left that are forward-looking and sustainable. I would like to be part of this group. But I don't want the farm to keep growing. I want to keep my connection with all the animals. I'm a real cow person!”