In 1996, Alien and Manfred Holtslag took over Manfred’s parents’ farm in Hall. Since 2001, they have been farming organically, with the principle of farming as naturally as possible.
On their sandy soil, this means grass-based agriculture, with permanent herb-rich grassland and low fertilization. In this way, the landscape with trees and meadows is not only preserved but also strengthened – more and more flowers and herbs found their place there.
“Everything starts with the soil and organic fertilizer,” says Manfred. To keep the soil healthy, he uses the tractor as little as possible and spreads manure above ground with light machinery. The cows graze outdoors for nine months and fertilize the pasture themselves. Chickens and turkeys also forage in the herb-rich grass, which they convert into healthy food. Calves are born only in the spring, so that the mother cow can produce plenty of milk thanks to the rich grass. Moreover, since 2004, the heifer calves have stayed with their mothers for three to four months.
For years, there has been a shop on the farm selling products from their own land: pasture cheese, raw milk, beef, chicken, and turkey, eggs, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, apple juice, and jam. “That’s what we do it for,” says Alien, “for this area and for the people who enjoy such pure products – even a head of lettuce with the root ball.”
Address and contact
Vosstraat 24
6964 BB Hall
