Strong Management as the foundation of Muylemhoeve
We asked them how they manage their farm:
Stijn: “For us, everything revolves around teamwork and good management. I handle the feed rations, while Tom takes care of the milking. We can always count on our wives and a few friends who help out alongside their regular jobs, as well as interns who support us with operational tasks.”
What do you consider important on your farm?
Tom: “Healthy goats and tight forage management are key to high milk production. That’s why we focus on proper rearing and ensure high-quality forage. Being self-sufficient in forage gives us peace of mind and security. Renewing grassland is also an important part of our operations. For forage, we always get guidance and advice from Brecht. He gives us the right tips so we can mow at the optimal time. Silage above 1,000 VEM helps us keep concentrate use per 100 kg of milk low.”
Tom and Stijn’s keys to success also lead to impressive results. In 2024, Muylemhoeve achieved a top production of 1,616 kg of milk per goat, with 120 kg of fat and protein. This earned them the number one spot in Belgium for the second year in a row.
They closely monitor these results with us through our Agroscoop monitoring program. We asked them about their experience with the program.
Tom: “The monitoring program gives us an annual overview of our performance and shows how we compare to other farms. This insight is crucial for understanding where we stand and how we can improve. Continuous progress is essential for us.”
What areas do you see for improvement in the future?
Tom: “We aim to optimize rearing by reducing mortality before 6 weeks, although it’s already below 5%. We want to achieve this by increasing antibody transfer to the kids. Goats are disease-sensitive, and the more we can support their immunity early on, the fewer problems they’ll face later in life.”
What advice would you give to fellow goat farmers or new starters?
Stijn: “Having a good partner like my brother Tom is essential—but unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky!” he says with a laugh and a wink at Tom. “Our tips for starters: buy goats from a single source, choose disease-free animals, don’t forget about quality forage, and pay close attention to rearing. In short, everything starts with good management and passion!”
With those words, we say goodbye to Tom and Stijn, where the strong bond between the brothers clearly contributes to their success. We also treat them to a delicious piece of cake to celebrate their achievements over the past year. Keep up the great work, and thank you for the wonderful collaboration!
