De Bioschuur farm completes transition to Demeter certification

De Bioschuur, a family-owned farm in Meeden, has completed its transition to the Demeter biodynamic certification. The certification now covers the farm's entire operation, including arable farming, sheep farming, and poultry farming.

Arjan Prins stated that after years of growth and expansion, the focus for the coming years will shift from increasing size to improving performance and operational efficiency. The transition involved several changes, such as planting trees and shrubs to provide poultry with protection from predators and introducing roosters to the flocks to increase stability.

In terms of livestock management, the farm has also changed its approach to male chicks; instead of being culled as day-old chicks, they are now raised to become meat cockerels. While the transition has not been overly difficult, the long-term financial impact remains to be seen, as reduced fertilization may affect yields while Demeter products may command higher market prices.