Continuity on Calf Farm Despite Coronavirus

Due to the coronavirus, farmer Thieu Derks tries to keep people away from his company in Sambeek (North Brabant). Thieu Derks keeps calves for the Peter's Farm concept of the VanDrie Group. Due to corona, the farmer attempts to keep people away from his farm in Brabant. For example, representatives aren't allowed to visit. “In normal circumstances, the representative drops by every week. Fortunately, we can still keep in touch by telephone.”

Feed Supplier Visits
The calves are now 13 weeks old. The animals are past the start-up period. "This means fewer visits from the vet and other external people." The feed supplier does stop by, however. This is absolutely essential to the company's continuation. “I need to maintain sufficient distance from the driver of course.”

Working Without Staff
Derks tries to maintain continuity in his company. The cattle farmer handles all activities by himself. This means he doesn't have to consider taking extra measures for personnel. "As long as everything continues like this, not much will change at the company. The animals need care and this can fortunately continue.” 

Everyone will be hit by the corona crisis

Sale of Calves More Difficult due to Corona
Derks does expect that the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic will be long-term. He expects that the sale of calves will be more difficult and that prices will drop. "Everyone will be hit economically. Now that everything is not so normal anymore, we're realising how fortunate we were in our regular lives." Derks is convinced the corona crisis will have long-term consequences.

Source: Boerderij Vandaag