Wilco Brouwer de Koning is a dedicated third-generation dairy farmer who runs his family farm in Heiloo, a village in the western Netherlands. With a herd of 180 dairy cows and 125 hectares of land, Wilco's farm is nestled in one of the most densely populated areas of the country, making it a unique blend of agriculture and community engagement.
A Family Tradition: Farm Ter Coulster is truly a family affair, with three generations actively involved in its operations. From a young age, Wilco has been accustomed to interacting with visitors who stroll through the estate and the farmyard, answering their questions and sharing insights about dairy farming.
Core Values of the Farm: The farm is built on three essential pillars:
Grazing: The cows are primarily grass-fed and enjoy grazing outdoors from April to November whenever possible.
Combination with Nature: The farm includes 35 hectares of nature land where dry cows and young stock graze, promoting biodiversity and providing habitat for meadow birds.
Connecting with Society: Located in the heart of Heiloo, the farm maintains strong ties to the local community by sharing their farming story through social media, selling their own products, and hosting events like the popular spring "dancing cows" party.
Commitment to Biodiversity:
Wilco is not only focused on running his farm but is also deeply committed to enhancing biodiversity within dairy farming. He actively participates in the Dairy Farming section of LTO Netherlands (the Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural organization) where he addresses critical issues related to biodiversity, communication, and international relations. Additionally, he represents dairy farmers globally in the Science and Programme Coordination Committee (SPCC) of the International Dairy Federation (IDF).
One of Wilco's significant initiatives involves developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure biodiversity on farms. By collaborating with various stakeholders—including banks and NGOs—he aims to create tools that help farmers improve their biodiversity practices while ensuring continued social and financial support for dairy farming.
Innovative Projects:
Wilco is also the driving force behind an exciting project called the 1001 Hectare Herb-Rich Grassland initiative. In partnership with Urgenda, an NGO focused on sustainability, this project encourages dairy farmers to cultivate herb-rich grasslands by offering financial incentives. This initiative not only promotes biodiversity but also helps farmers diversify their income.
Looking Ahead: A Global Perspective:
With an eye toward the future, Wilco is passionate about exploring how biodiversity is discussed and rewarded in dairy farming around the world. For his Nuffield scholarship, he plans to embark on a global journey to investigate how different countries approach biodiversity within their dairy sectors. His goal is to ensure that dairy farmers are recognized not just for producing high-quality milk but also for their contributions to environmental sustainability and society as a whole.
Through his efforts, Wilco Brouwer de Koning exemplifies how modern dairy farming can harmoniously blend productivity with ecological responsibility and community engagement.