Cows grazing in herb-rich grassland in the Netherlands

Kees van Wezel manages a 68-hectare dairy farm in Roosendaal, Netherlands, using sustainable practices on sandy soil. He focuses on herb-rich grasslands with diverse species including timothy, clover, and chicory, minimizing synthetic inputs. Through strip grazing, overseeding (5–10 kg/ha annually), and maintaining grass height at 10–15 cm, he supports soil health, biodiversity, and resilient forage production. The farm uses 140 Holstein x Montbéliarde x Viking Red cows, milk robots, and natural fertilizers like manure and bokashi. Challenges include drought sensitivity and achieving optimal dry matter in feed. The system emphasizes long-term ecological balance and natural regeneration, with no chemical fertilizers or concentrates.