The barn swallows fly between our cows, hunting for insects

FrieslandCampina’s farmers play a vital role in conserving and restoring biodiversity in the Netherlands. More than 25 percent¹ of all land in the Netherlands is managed by dairy farmers. Farmers are also referred to as the guardians of the landscape, but do we really realise their significance?

A glorious display of barn swallows

Jean-Pierre Kerckhoffs from Limburg is one of these farmers. He lovingly takes his cows to pasture each day and does his utmost to improve the soil life. Jean-Pierre explains: ‘Cows belong on the pastures in this hilly landscape. Our grassland isn’t situated around the farm, so we frequently have to cross roads with our cows. That takes a bit more time, but we enjoy doing it. We only grow grass, as grass is good for the soil life and readily absorbs water throughout the year.’

Insects and clovers

‘Consequently, less water runs off the hills when it rains heavily, meaning we’re contributing to preventing flooding in urban areas. What’s more, grass is good for groundwater quality. There are clovers and herbs on several of our grassland plots. Herbs attract all sorts of insects and clovers extract nitrogen from the air, as a result of which the grass needs less fertiliser. Barn swallows hatch their eggs on our farm. If rain is on its way, then dozens of them will simultaneously fly between the cows, hunting for insects. A glorious display.’

1. CBS Statline. (2021). Agriculture, crops, livestock and land use by region. Agrimatie. (2021). Increased amount of agricultural land on dairy farms in 2020.
2. Based on FrieslandCampina management records.