Boerderij

Boerderij is the Dutch word for a farm or farmstead. It denotes a rural property that combines living quarters with agricultural buildings and land used for farming, such as crops or livestock. In the Netherlands and in Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium, a boerderij typically includes a residence, a barn or shed, stables, and surrounding fields or pastures.

Boerderijen vary in size and function. Some are primarily dairy farms with barns for cows and milking facilities; others are arable farms focusing on crops; many are mixed farms that combine crop production with livestock. In addition, specialized operations exist for horticulture, poultry or pig farming, and some farms include on-farm processing or agritourism activities.

Historically, boerderijen have formed the backbone of rural economies. They originated in medieval manor systems and evolved through enclosure, mechanization, and modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries. The postwar period saw intensification and specialization, followed by shifts toward sustainability and diversification in recent decades.

Today, boerderijen operate within national and European agricultural policies, and face pressures such as environmental regulations, market fluctuations, and labor availability. Many farmers adopt sustainable practices, precision farming, and diversify income with farm shops, direct sales, or agritourism. The architectural character of a boerderij—often a brick or timber-framed house with a gabled roof and an enclosed yard—remains a recognizable feature of rural landscapes.

Terminology: while boerderij is the common term for the farm itself, related words such as hoeve or boerderij are used in different regions and contexts. The term landbouwbedrijf is common in official speech to emphasize the agricultural business aspect.