For us, Peter's Farm is the best rearing system for calves. The intense interaction with animals is precisely what makes being a farmer so rich and rewarding. The calves are all different because they come from different dairy farms. That's something that you take into account. This calls for an individual approach, so we give each calf the attention that it deserves. It's about managing calves individually. We raise calves in accordance with the conditions of the Better Life (Beter Leven) label. We feed the calves unlimited amounts of maize, straw and feed concentrates. In doing so, we meet particularly high standards of animal welfare. 

We have four barns; each barn houses calves of different ages in herds, which creates a natural and social environment. We have been energy neutral for years already thanks to solar collectors. This helps us to operate in a sustainable way.

THE CALVES LIVE IN HERDS BUT ARE MANAGED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS

School classes have also visited us a few times. It is always heartwarming to see the children's amazement and delight at the space and light in our barns. They all want to pet the calves and learn about life on the farm. As well as our work on the farm, Carla has a flower garden which she is really enthusiastic about. She also enjoys making miniature buildings from scrap iron. My passion is for our dogs, whom I love. We have one son, and besides our work with the calves, we also grow sugar beet, maize and winter barley. We have created a nature reserve close to our farm, which is rich in flora and fauna.

• Marco and Carla Ploegmakers
• Located in Heesch, North Brabant
• One child
• A Peter's Farm since 1999
• Since 2023 Peter's Farm Rosé Better Life veal farmer
• Interesting facts: Also grow sugar beet, maize and winter barley. A nature reserve rich in flora and fauna has been created next to Peter's Farm.