I have been taking care of calves since I was 16 years old. My wife has a farming background as well. Her parents also had a veal farm. We were both born in Lunteren. Our wish was to have our own veal farm and preferably in our native village. In 2022, we were able to take over this Peter's Farm in this wonderful location in Lunteren. 

I am responsible for looking after the Peter's Farm calves. Annemarie and the children help me take care of the calves. What makes farming so much fun is the contact you have with the animals, and the love and care I can give them. Our veal farm is truly our place. We enjoy the space and freedom here, and it's great for our children too.

KEEPING CALVES WAS INSTILLED IN US FROM AN EARLY AGE

Annemarie also has a job caring for the disabled. Working with these people gives her great satisfaction. Partly because of that our farm recently opened its doors as a daytime activity location. We love sharing the peace and space we have here with our fellow humans. Besides working on the farm, I drive a lorry for Mineraal Trans. I really enjoy alternating between work on the farm and driving.

What we love about Peter's Farm is the animal welfare! The calves get to play with a skippy ball, rub themselves down by pushing past a brush and can satisfy their need to suckle on a teat. The drinking machines where the calves get their milk is linked to the computer. This enables us to see how much the calves are drinking, how often they stand in the drinking station and how fast they drink. 

Our wish is continue optimising our farm for the future, in addition to the existing 200 solar panels that fulfil our energy needs. We don't know what the future will bring in terms of farming, but we will simply keep doing our job with passion every day. We also hope that the government will continue giving us the scope to continue doing this beautiful and important work.

• Henry and Annemarie van Beek
• Located in Lunteren, Gelderland
• Four children
• A Peter's Farm since 2022
• Hobbies: Annemarie loves reading and gardening in the vegetable garden. Henry loves lorry driving