"From values to future farming systems"

Martijn van den Berg Speciality Dairy

“Everything that is economically viable is sustainable”

"From values to future farming systems"

Specialty dairy by Martijn van de Berg

About me Why I choose Usefulness / Benefit Illustration of the “specialty dairy” concept The concept as applied to my own farm

"From values to future farming systems"

Specialty Dairy

In the project ‘Animal in balance’ the following illustration was developed of the specialty dairy concept as it might look in 2025

In this presentation, I will discuss the opportunities which I see for setting up such a system and the steps I plan to take in doing so

"From values to future farming systems"

Who am I?

Martijn van den Berg: 25 years old Companion Partnership with parents External job as assistant business

consultant My farm in brief:

Low costs: old buildings Labour productivity

"From values to future farming systems"

Martijn van de Berg’s strategy

Why I choose specialty dairy

I feel most comfortable with rational arguments: Market demand means economic viability

International: the added value provided by the Dutch dairy farming sector is primarily a question of knowledge; this system allows me to use this knowledge in an optimum fashion and to therefore differentiate myself in a positive fashion

Efficiency: automation (feed and milking robot) and genetically modified cows are the key here

"From values to future farming systems"

My version of Specialty Dairy

I am convinced that the specialty dairy concept is quite feasible, but I find it difficult to present my own illustration of it, as it is not yet clear what the future will bring

I would like to produce in this way myself, as it matches my character quite well

"From values to future farming systems"

My mission

I’m a dairy farmer because I would like to earn an income, as determined by the market, by managing a dairy farm in the role of entrepreneur

"From values to future farming systems"

From an “ideal image” for 2025 to a reality in 2015What changes should one expect? Developing more added value (raw materials) from milk Market perspective for these raw materials / products,

additional milk flows Additional investment possibilities (external financing,

cost price) Technology:

Milking robot: the cows are then kept indoors Genetically modified cows Feeding robot Optimising feed ration Monitoring options (e.g. chip in cow in order to

measure well-being) In the short term, I do not yet see any opportunities for a

specialty dairy in its ultimate, far-reaching form

"From values to future farming systems"

My strategy

For the near future ‘Wait – but develop’ Wait:

• For concrete market demand for milk with added value Develop:

• 2 person dairy farm• Labour productivity• > 1.5 million kg milk

Important considerations: Ensuring that you are in the loop and available if and when

demand arises via a network Ensuring that you are an attractive candidate when it comes

to specialty dairy (size / knowledge)

"From values to future farming systems"

Critical success factors in my development perspective

Entrepreneurship Realising a reasonable level of income Developing high-quality products related to milk Developing differentiation with regard to milk

products Size of farm Monitoring opportunities for optimising operational

processes

"From values to future farming systems"

What issues will I face? Level of innovation in sector

Who will develop a specialty dairy and when?I do not have the finances or knowledge to do so myself

Level of innovation by suppliersMany new developments are possible and desirable, particularly in the area of monitoring

VisionAs it is not yet clear whether a specialty dairy concept will be developed and, if so, what it will look like, it is no easy matter to adopt a strategy to take future developments into account. Possible points of departure include adequate size and a high level of technological development and knowledge, but future developments may in fact prove otherwise

"From values to future farming systems"

Do I want to and can I do this?

Overall, will I remain enthusiastic?

Yes,

It could provide a good opportunity for part of the Dutch dairy farming sector

It might allow us to become less dependent on bulk production

It could also allow us to make better use of our strengths - knowledge and infrastructure – and thereby give us a stronger competitive position

"From values to future farming systems"