Whole sheds being removed in some parts of the Netherlands

Used parlours, robots and even complete sheds are now coming onto the Irish market as environmental regulation changes in the Netherlands take hold.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal Diederick Voor De Poorte of Holland Dairy Machines said: “In Holland the farmers are getting big money form the government if they quit farming, so it’s an opportunity for me to buy those farm buildings which are in most cases only 10 to 12 years old and in good condition.”

Voor De Poorte is now removing whole farm buildings and exporting them.

“We specialise in parlours, mostly from the likes of Gea and DeLaval, but we can do other brands as well.

“Besides parlours we also export milk robots, some cooling tanks and barn equipment,” he said.

Farmers in some parts of the Netherlands are offered a financial incentive to leave farming.

“The government is buying farms out if they quit farming because of environmental issues.

“In the south we have some big Natura 2000 area. I know of one place north of Limberg and in that area, 50 farmers, a mix of dairy and pig farmers have quit.

“When a farmer takes that money, they are obliged to destroy all the farm buildings, they’re not allowed to ever keep animals again on that spot.”

Voor De Poorte believes that issues with environmental regulations make farming less attractive for young people.