{"id":6018,"date":"2025-10-15T13:04:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fullwood.com\/?post_type=story&p=6018"},"modified":"2025-10-24T09:30:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T09:30:25","slug":"family-van-der-bij","status":"publish","type":"story","link":"https:\/\/fullwood.com\/en\/stories\/family-van-der-bij\/","title":{"rendered":"Family Van der Bij"},"content":{"rendered":"
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10 years ago, organic dairy farmer Jacob van der Bij took a big step: he switched to automatic milking with the M\u00b2erlin. As one of the first farmers in the Netherlands to adopt the robot, he now milks 120 cows with two M\u00b2erlins and enjoys flexibility, peace of mind, and reliability. As he puts it: \u201cThe foundation was solid right from the start \u2013 and it\u2019s only gotten better since.\u201d <\/p>

Organic dairy farming <\/h2>\n

Together with his wife Jacoba, Jacob runs an organic dairy farm where nature conservation, animal welfare, and meadow bird protection play a central role. With 120 dairy cows, youngstock, and plenty of grazing land, they combine milk production with a strong focus on biodiversity. 10 years ago, Jacob was among the first farmers in the Netherlands to choose the M\u00b2erlin milking robot from Fullwood. <\/p>\n

At the time, he was already working with dealer Tinus de Jong, who supplied Fullwood milking parlours. \u201cWe compared several brands back then,\u201d Jacob recalls. \u201cThe M\u00b2erlin stood out for the quality of the milking and the quiet operation. Other robots were air-driven and noisier, but I wanted the cows to stand calmly. That made the difference for me.\u201d <\/p>\n

A good start, a trusted process <\/h2>\n

The transition to automatic milking went smoothly. \u201cAt first, we guided the cows a bit, but they learned quickly,\u201d Jacob explains. \u201cBy the third day, they were walking to the robot on their own. That was a great moment \u2014 the promise of freedom and flexibility became real. We hardly ever have to fetch them; they come to the robot themselves.\u201d <\/p>\n

Today, the cows are milked on average 2.5 times per day, and around 3 times in winter. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t just increase milk yield \u2014 it also creates a better rhythm for the cows. Milking is calmer and more natural, which fits perfectly with our farming philosophy.\u201d <\/p>\n

Caring for nature <\/h2>\n

For the Van der Bij family, farming is about more than just milk production \u2014 it\u2019s about sustainability and caring for the environment. With shallow wetland plots, wildlife-friendly banks, and higher water levels, their farm has become a haven for lapwings, black-tailed godwits, and redshanks. The family also avoids artificial fertilisers and pesticides and generates its own renewable energy. <\/p>\n

For Jacob, the M\u00b2erlin fits perfectly into that picture. \u201cIt\u2019s a reliable, animal-friendly milking robot that aligns with our vision of organic farming. The robot supports us \u2014 but it\u2019s still a partnership between people, animals, and technology.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Reliable and continuously improving <\/h2>\n

Over the past decade, Jacob has seen the M\u00b2erlin evolve \u2014 without losing its core design. \u201cThe foundation was strong from the beginning, but practical improvements have been added over time,\u201d he says. \u201cThings like screen settings, automatic teat spraying, and other small refinements. As a user, you hardly notice \u2014 and that\u2019s actually the best compliment: it just works.\u201d <\/p>\n

Breakdowns are rare. \u201cOver the years, the system has become more and more refined \u2014 and now it just runs,\u201d Jacob explains. \u201cAnd if something does come up, it\u2019s solved quickly. The dealer is easy to reach, and often you can fix it yourself. It\u2019s still technology working with animals, but you can really depend on the M\u00b2erlin.\u201d <\/p>\n

Flexibility and peace of mind <\/h2>\n

The arrival of the milking robots changed Jacob\u2019s daily life dramatically. \u201cIn the past, I was tied to two fixed milking times each day \u2014 now I have much more freedom,\u201d he says. \u201cI can organise my day differently and make my own choices. That flexibility is something every farmer deserves. And you notice the cows are calmer too. Calm cows create a calm farmer \u2014 you see that every day in the barn.\u201d <\/p>\n

It\u2019s an experience Jacob gladly recommends to others. \u201cIf you\u2019re thinking about switching to a milking robot \u2014 do it,\u201d he says. \u201cThe freedom it gives you is incredible. You can plan your work better, spend more time with the animals, and still have time for other things on the farm. The cows are more relaxed, milk production remains stable, and the system runs reliably.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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Want to learn more about the M\u00b2erlin? <\/h2>\n\t\t

Curious to see what the M\u00b2erlin could mean for your farm. Get in touch with one of our dealers near you for personal advice and tailored solutions. \t\t<\/p>\n\t\t

Find a dealer<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n\t

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