Rundveebedrijven

Rundveebedrijven are farms that raise cattle, known as rundvee in Dutch, for dairy and/or meat production. They can be specialized in dairy farming, beef production, or operate as dual-purpose enterprises that manage both milk and cattle for meat. Dairy farms keep lactating cows and produce milk, often rearing calves as replacements or selling them for fattening. Beef farms concentrate on cattle raised primarily for meat, including suckler operations that retain calves and finishing farms that grow cattle to market weight.

Management on rundveebedrijven includes breeding programs to improve fertility and genetics, nutrition planning with forage and concentrates, and pasture management. Housing and welfare practices vary, from pasture-based systems to closed barns with milking parlors or automatic milking systems. Health management covers vaccination, biosecurity, monitored growth, and proper weaning of calves. Record-keeping and herd management software are commonly used to track milk yield, animal health, and reproduction.

Economically, rundveebedrijven are often capital-intensive with costs for feed, housing, equipment, and labor. Revenues depend on milk prices, beef prices, and demand for other by-products, while subsidies and regulatory requirements influence profitability. Environmental and regulatory considerations include manure management, nutrient planning, and compliance with animal welfare and traceability standards, which are particularly prominent in EU countries.

Trends in rundveebedrijven include the adoption of automation and precision farming, consolidation into larger farms, and increased focus on sustainability and methane reduction. The sector remains a central part of the agricultural landscape in regions with strong dairy and beef industries.