“As a dairy farmer, I want to build a future-proof business. That means translating policies and societal developments to the farmyard.” That’s why Jens Bultinck (32) from Lievegem, Belgium, is not only a farmer but also a district council member for Belgium at FrieslandCampina. “Communication lines are short, and real action is taken on what matters in the region.”
Together with his wife, the fifth generation on the family farm, Jens runs a dairy farm with 120 milking cows and 70 young stock. “We grow all our roughage ourselves. That way, we keep control over quality, manure disposal, and cost price.” In the barn, Jens combines ecologically responsible choices with economically sound decisions. “We’ve invested in heat recovery, a precooler, and a vacuum pump with frequency control. Step by step, we keep optimizing with a clear ambition: longer lifespans, more robust cows, and soy-free feeding. We want to be ready for the future and meet the societal expectations that come with it.”
The power of cooperation
Jens believes the best way to achieve these ambitions for your own farm is by working together with others. That’s why he became a member of FrieslandCampina in January 2023. “My wife’s family had been supplying for generations. Joining as a member was a conscious step forward for us.” Jens has several clear reasons for this. “You get transparency about the milk price and are entitled to profit sharing in the form of a cash payout.”
Jens and his wife also feel strongly connected to the cooperative philosophy. “As a member, you invest in the cooperative, but you also get a lot in return: influence, knowledge, and financial opportunities. As a farmer, you’re part of something bigger where we strengthen each other.”
Regional representation at the table
Jens is active within the cooperative as a district council member for Belgium. “Our region is still quite new within the member area. That’s exactly why I think it’s important to have someone at the table who understands the reality of Belgian dairy farmers and can translate that to the board.” So far, his experience has been very positive. “Considering the number of members, there’s a lot of attention for our region. Thanks to short lines with the board, we manage to explain the Belgian context well, which can differ from the Dutch one in terms of laws and regulations.”
A good example is the Foqus planet Sustainable Development table. “We sit down with FrieslandCampina to think about how this program can better align with Belgian regulations. So that dairy farmers here are also optimally rewarded for their sustainability efforts.” That’s exactly what Jens values about the cooperative: “Together, you decide what works, taking into account the interests of both the company and individual farms.”
Proud to be connected
Besides connecting with other farmers, Jens also values the connection with consumers and society. “Producing good food is our license to produce. It makes me proud to see brands like Campina and Nutroma on store shelves. When people hear those products come from our farm, it creates connection and recognition.”