For years me and my father kept calves, pigs and some dairy cattle. In 1990 I took over the business and we started focussing on calves. In 1998 I changed to Peter's Farm. Something you notice right away is how peaceful the cowshed becomes. With all the freedom the calves get they obviously feel very relaxed. No stress. I enjoy walking between the calves and seeing them do whatever they like. One is lying comfortably on the floor, another one is on its way to get something to eat.

All natural in Dodewaard

Especially the first weeks of the start-up are very hectic. Calves come in from different dairy farms and we like them to find their way as quickly as possible. We have a separate shed for the start-up. My two mentally challenged brothers help out in their own way as well. This caring for the animals, that is what being a cattle farmer is all about. We too are confronted with a mountain of rules and regulations. I get why, but at the same time it has so little to do with what you are actually passionate about. 

We eat our own veal. Our favourite dishes are veal tenderloin and veal mince. We actually use a lot of what our farm gives us. Vegetables from the vegetable garden. Milk, buttermilk and butter from the cow, meat from our double-muscled cows and eggs from our chickens. All natural right from our own backyard. It doesn't get any better than that!

• Jan and Mia van Garderen
• Located in Dodewaard, Gelderland
• 4 daughters and 7 sons
• A Peter's Farm since 1998
• Special detail: Two mentally challenged brothers also help out on the farm.
• Hobbies: We keep beef cattle and grow vegetables in our own vegetable garden