The Beemster Story
Caring Dairy
Happy Planet
Our cows eat grass whenever possible. And that’s why Beemster tastes so unique!
Our Cheese is CO2 Neutral
Running a dairy farm and making cheese requires energy (gas and electricity); the more energy is used, the more CO2 is emitted, which then contributes to Climate Change. For that reason, Beemster has decided to not only change over to using green energy but also to offset any CO2 emissions caused by the use of gas. As a result, our cheese is CO2 neutral.
And we even go several steps further: at the farms and in the dairy we take clever measures to reduce the amount of energy we use. In addition, the plan is to buy energy from Beemster farmers who generate their own power using windmills, solar panels or a biomass digester. This way, our farmers do not only supply the best milk, but they also supply us with power.
Sustainable Soy
Beemster cows eat grass whenever this is possible, supplemented with concentrate feed (“pellets”). This feed contains soy, the cultivation of which is related to deforestation, slavery and the use of crop protection products. Because of this, in collaboration with Solidaridad, the World Wild Life Fund and Stichting Natuur en Milieu, Beemster has decided to use sustainable soy. In addition, soy farmers try to limit the impact of soy cultivation on the environment and they are aware of the importance of the working and living conditions of their employees and their families.
Give Nature a Chance
Farmers live and work close to nature, which means they can help preserve plants and animal species. During the Caring Dairy workshops we discuss measures with the farmers that will give the natural environment surrounding their business a chance. They can give meadow birds such as the black-tailed godwit and the lapwing room to nest, for instance, and manage the sides of drainage channels and canals in such a way that plants and herbs have a chance to grow there and provide insects and butterflies with a place where they can find food.
Happy Planet in Practice
• “Milk straight from the cow is about 100.4 degrees. It is then cooled down to 39.2 degrees. This cooling process releases a lot of heat, which we use to heat the water for our shower.” Vermeer family.
• “The workshops have given me a better insight into my business and my business strategy. As a result, I managed to build my new shed in accordance with the “Duurzame Maatlat Melkveehouderij” (“Yardstick for Sustainable Dairy Farming”) guidelines. In short, this means that we can pay extra attention to animal welfare and the restriction of greenhouse gas emissions” Hooch Antink family.
• “On part of my land I don’t mow the strip along the canals. Along those strips plants and herbs can grow. I’ve also noticed that meadow birds use these strips to hide when they sense danger.” Antoon Stokman.