Our family business has been around for several generations. We took it over from my parents in 2005. For seven years I worked in partnership with them. It was also during this time that we made the switch to Peter's Farm. We have been rearing calves since 1975. But when we were introduced to this very animal-friendly system, the decision was quickly made.

PETER'S FARM THE IDEAL SEGMENT WITHIN OUR COMPANY

Peter's Farm is a way of rearing calves that is not only good for the welfare of the animal, but also for the farmer. You have a lot of contact with the calves. We also have 2 poultry sheds with laying hens. We get day-old chicks and we raise them until they are 17 weeks old and then they go to the next poultry farm for laying hens. What's remarkable is the difference in approach. You tend to see chickens more as a flock, and a calf as an individual animal. In late 2005, we built a new calf barn according to the Peter's Farm model. We did most of that ourselves. DIY is a big hobby of ours. In this barn, calves have all the space they need to move and relax, and are allowed to consume as much roughage and water as they want. 

The farm is energy neutral, with 530 solar panels, and since 2005 we have been using a wood-fired heater that runs on wood chips. We use this to heat the whole business, including the homes. My parents still live on the farm and still do some work for the company. Our son Gerrit likes to help out on the farm nowadays too. In the photo of the calves being unloaded, you can see three generations at work. That's really nice to see. The older generation is stepping back and the younger generation is starting to join in.

We were blessed with eight healthy children. Of which two have since married and three are in relationships. In October 2024, we also became grandparents to our first granddaughter. It's very special, because we have five generations now. Besides the business and busy family life, Adriana also wanted something on the side for herself, to take a break from it all. She has been a ProWIN consultant since 2022 and also runs her own business. This is a German company with 3 product lines. Symbiotische reiniging (Symbiotic cleansing), New Wellness, Bestfriends. People and animals, environmental awareness and sustainability are the focus here. She sells these products through demonstration evenings, 1 or 2 a week, or via online demos. She is 100% behind these products and enjoys interacting with people. We also like to go away for a few days in the camper from time to time. Either in the Netherlands or abroad. We take our bikes and simply enjoy having a relaxing break, the beautiful surroundings and being together.

• Gerrit and Adriana Gerritsen
• Based in Vaassen, Gelderland
• Eight children and one grandchild
• A Peter's Farm since 2003
• Special details: A real family business
• Hobbies: Gerrit: building, doing everything himself (carpenter, welder, electrician and plasterer); Adriana: painting and fixing things up, being creative