Dutch farmer in Denmark aims to expand dairy herd to 2,500 cows
Gerard Doldersum, a Dutch dairy farmer living an hour's drive South of Copenhagen, took over his parents' farm in 2020. His parents moved from Drenthe to Denmark in 1996 in search of more space and affordable land. Since running the business, Gerard has focused on growth and innovation. His goal: to expand the current herd of 1,000 cows to 2,500 to create a future-proof business.
Dutch knowledge as an advantage
Gerard sees an advantage in Dutch agricultural knowledge in the field of efficiency and sustainability. According to him, this knowledge is an important advantage for Dutch entrepreneurs abroad. With ample agricultural land and clear regulations, Denmark also offers good opportunities. While many Danish farmers do not care about relatively small plots of land, Gerard has recently seen a number of Dutch farmers thrive on these farms.
Lessons from the United States
In addition to Dutch expertise, Gerard has also drawn inspiration from America. “When you do business you know, we both want to make a profit, that provides clarity.” He also discovered that the American focus on increasing turnover, instead of the main focus on cost savings, helps him achieve growth goals. “You don’t always have influence on cost savings, more on economies of scale. Fortunately, you can do that here in Denmark.” For Gerard, this strategic focus is an important lesson, which he now applies daily.
Integration and networking
Gerard sees integration into the Danish community as an essential part of successful entrepreneurship. He is active in local networks and boards, which not only helps him to make business connections, but also to better understand local regulations and market developments. “Not that they always listen to me, but you do have the latest knowledge and information”. Gerard attaches great value to sharing knowledge and working together with other farmers, which for him strengthens both his business and the community. By investing in employees and being involved, he builds strong relationships that are crucial for the long term.
Sustainability and innovation for the future
In order to save costs, he plans to equip his four stables with solar panels. In addition, he wants to invest in air washers and a biogas installation in the short term to supply his company with energy. According to Gerard, the clear and stable regulations in Denmark make it easier to implement innovations. “If something is allowed, then it is really allowed”.
Advice for other Dutch entrepreneurs
Gerard has a number of tips for Dutch farmers who are considering Denmark as a new challenge. He advises to delve deeply into the regulations and the Danish financial system, as well as to actively network and seek cooperation. He points out that Denmark offers great opportunities for scaling up, something that is often limited in the Netherlands. “Here you can expand more easily and the rules are more predictable.”
Entrepreneurship as a passion
For Gerard, entrepreneurship goes beyond just making a profit. He enjoys discovering new opportunities and the satisfaction that a well-run company gives him. He also looks forward with confidence to the new rules that will be imposed on farmers in Denmark by the agreement for a green Denmark that is expected to be concluded this year. “At first I was strongly opposed to the CO2e tax on livestock emissions, but it soon became clear that it would come. I have now prepared myself for that.” For him, entrepreneurship is a dynamic process in which he learns valuable lessons, even from difficult moments. He sees his experiences in the US, where he sometimes encountered losses, as learning moments that make him stronger. “Even if I won the lottery, I would continue to do business. I am concerned with discovering new opportunities.” With his vision of growth, Gerard is building his company with dedication or, as he himself says: “A healthy company that is in balance, that is the core of good entrepreneurship.
