We are the Brouwer de Koning family. Our dairy farm, located on the historic Ter Coulster estate in Heiloo, is a true family business. The farm has been in operation for several generations, and today, the second, third and fourth generations are actively involved in day-to-day operations.
The farm’s roots go back to the 1950s when our grandfather moved from Heerhugowaard with his wife, a few children, and a small herd of cows. Back then, he milked by hand and worked the land using horses. Now, we use advanced technology, such as a milking robot, and the landwork on our 120 hectares is done using modern tractors.
The farm is spread across two locations;
- Our dairy cows and newborn calves are based at the same location as our chickens and sheep.
- At the other location, we keep our youngstock, including the heifers and dry stock.
We are committed to the well-being of all our animals, and they play an integral role in the life of the farm.
From spring to winter, our dairy cows, calves, heifers, and sheep are given access to the lush grasslands we manage, which stretch across the meadows between Heiloo and Akersloot. These meadows form an essential part of our farming operations, providing fresh grazing for the animals and contributing to the sustainability of our farm.
The land is carefully maintained, and we practice rotational grazing to ensure that the soil stays healthy and the grass grows back robustly. Through these practices, we also promote biodiversity in our fields, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. For the past three years we’ve also been experimenting with herb rich grasslands.
Nature and biodiversity are important to us at Farm Ter Coulster. Our meadows are home to a variety birds, wildflowers, grasses, and herbs, which not only benefit the cows and other animals but also support local pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects.
In addition to our commitment to sustainable farming practices and biodiversity, we are proud to be part of FrieslandCampina, one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives. As a member of FrieslandCampina, we supply high-quality milk that is processed into special NH cheese and participate in FrieslandCampina's FocusPlanet program.
Ter Coulster is not just a farm
It is part of a broader agricultural heritage. The estate, with its rich history and beautiful surroundings, provides the perfect setting for both farming and conservation. We are proud of our long-standing tradition of farming in this area and are committed to maintaining a balance between modern dairy farming practices and respect for the natural environment.
In addition to our core dairy operation, we also sell some of our farm's products (milk, eggs, meat and cheese) directly to local consumers. We strive to maintain a connection with the community and to share the story of our family farm with those who support us.
We regularly host activities and open days on the farm, giving visitors the chance to see how we operate and what’s involved in running a modern dairy farm. These events provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of agriculture, nature conservation, and biodiversity in the region. It also raises awareness about the origins of food and engages younger generations with farm life.
With the involvement of each generation, from the pioneers of the 1950s to the young helpers of today, the Brouwer de Koning family remains dedicated to running a farm that honors the past while looking towards a sustainable future. We believe that by nurturing both the land and the wildlife around us, we can create a thriving farm that benefits the entire community, now and in the future.
Meadow birds on 23 hectares of land.
- White: Lapwing
- Blue: Oystercatcher
- Red: Black-tailed Godwit
- Green: Redshank