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Geertjan en Nathalie Kloosterboer

‘The farm connects us; we've put our hearts and souls in it.’

7 November 2019

We much rather try and fail than not having tried at all. I like the idea that I have met a farmer who can think out of the box. Whatever we do, we give it our best and don't give up halfway. In that respect, we fully complement one another. We give each other energy.

She thinks he's an out-of-the-box farmer, he praises her for her enormous drive. 'Can't do' is not in their dictionary. Spinder flag bearers Geertjan and Nathalie Kloosterboer share their story about the love for their work and their farm on www.boerderij.nl

Geertjan

"Six years ago, we threw ourselves entirely in the farm. Since urban developments got closer and closer, we looked around until we consciously chose to continue here. We are within a stone's throw of motorway A1, which we have used to our advantage. The new barn is suitable for many visitors, because I like to do other things as well. Things like promoting the farming sector, conducting guided tours and organising laser games. I like things like that. It would drive me nuts if it was just me and my cows."
 


Geertjan (39) and Nathalie (37) Kloosterboer live with their sons Finn (10), Mats (8) and Kay (5) in Oxe near Deventer (province of Overijssel). That is where they run a farm with 120 dairy cows and 62 hectares of land. In addition, they are into farm education and welcome visiting groups, from meetings to children's parties - photograph: Ronald Hissink. 

"I am a farmer in heart and soul, but when it comes to the crunch, she comes first."

Nathalie and I talked about the role of our farm in our relationship. I said, "I'm a farmer; is that what you really want?" Every calving cow, I want to be there. It wouldn't be right if I had to make concessions in such things. The farm is always in the forefront of my mind. Another missed birthday celebration because a cow is giving birth, that comes with the job. To sum it up: I'm a farmer in heart and soul, but when it comes to the crunch, she comes first. I believe it is an advantage that Nathalie is not from the farming sector. So refreshing, that she is not in my bubble. I sometimes think traditionally in business operations; I'm happy with her original vision. Thanks to her, we have wild flower borders. It takes the space of four rows of corn, but I think it's great.

"She has an enormous drive. "Can't do" is not an option."

We hardly ever have a fight. At most, we both stick to our guns, a matter of us "agreeing to disagree". For example, if she wants the flower border to be three times the size it is, we have to compromise. We both have a busy life, right up into the evening hours. We have a notebook full of ideas, a few of which we develop from time to time. She is the mastermind behind creative ideas, I'm the one who is responsible for the practical development, the permits, and the business plan.

She has an enormous drive. "Can't do" is not an option. Nathalie has taken over the calves from my mother and she looks after them well. But she has to be careful not to overdo things. I try to put 120 percent in a day myself, meaning that I'm running late at times. When I'm early, I quickly fit in something else and arrive late anyway. The farm connects us, the way we are running it now. That is because we are passionate about it."


Nathalie

"We first met at school. I was into floral art; he was into dairy farming. Having a farmer as a boyfriend was fine with me. When things got more serious, I told him: if you ever want to move abroad, you'll be on your own. I have been in paid employment and had my own company. After our third child was born, I stayed a home.  If you're not raised on a farm, you must feel some connection. He is not the kind of person who wants to be on the farm 24/7. I'm not saying I like all of it all the time, but I understand. Farming does not come with only disadvantages, it has advantages as well. Our sons did not have to go to a day-care centre after school, we were always there for them. Geertjan is not the kind of person who wants to be on the farm 24/7. He enjoys the second branch, people on the farm. We know exactly what we want and how we want it. I like what we are doing, I enjoy organising or making lunches for groups. We are a great team together at our farm, but we both have our own tasks and interests. That way, we always have something to talk about.

Every once in a while, I keep reminding him to speak in simple terms.

We like to connect people from elsewhere to the green sector. Sometimes, when Geertjan shows a group around, I have to remind him to talk in simple terms. But it gives us great satisfaction if we manage to reach out to a group that thinks it has nothing to do with the agricultural sector. Where do we differ? Geertjan can be very messy inside the house, but he thinks I leave a lot of stuff lying around in the yard. Neither of us is good at making time for ourselves. I like many things about Geertjan. He is an enthusiastic, caring father and he is open to new ideas. I guess I would not be where I am now if he hadn't reacted so positively. He sees opportunities. We much rather try and fail than not having tried at all. I like the idea that I have met a farmer who can think out of the box. Whatever we do, we give it our best and don't give up halfway. In that respect, we fully complement one another. We give each other energy."