The Beemster Story

Caring Dairy

Happy Cows

• Cow-Compass: Beemster uses the Cow-Compass. This instrument measures the welfare of the dairy cows. It also gives the farmers insight into the steps they can take to optimize the welfare of their cows.

• Beemster encourages its farmers to let cows graze outside by paying a price-premium. Farmers who let the cows graze outside get a premium of an average of €3000 per farm. In the Netherlands approx 80% of the cows graze outside. Within Beemster it is over 95% of the cows!

• In the Netherlands there are 1.1 million dairy cows. Approximately 35,000 cows produce the milk that is used for Beemster cheese and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Fewer cows per farm means closer observation and attention spent improving sustainability.

Did you know ...

... cheese contains vitamins A, B and D.

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Happy cows

Beemster farmers about happy cows:
• “By taking care of our cows properly, they will reach a greater age. We are really proud of our cows Paula and Emma, since Emma is twelve years old and Paula is a magnificent 13! Beemster is also proud of these cows and has given Paula and Emma an award because they have produced more than 100,000 liters of milk during their lifetime!” Welhuis family.
• “In our new shed, the cows lie on lovely soft rubber mats.” Hooch Antink family.
• “Cows should be able to lie down for more than half the day, preferably in the field on the grass or on a nice comfortable bed in the shed. Lying down as often as possible is better for the cows and the quality of the milk!” Veterinary Joost de Veer.

Cook tips:

Delicous recipe for $$Product$$

Beemster Vlaskaas Fondue

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