Partner spotlight: Janna de Kort
This year marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer, making it the perfect moment to shine a spotlight on one of our valued supply chain partners. Because behind every cut of meat is a story. And Janna de Kort’s story is one of ambition, entrepreneurship and a genuine love for farming. Based in Hilvarenbeek, Janna combines a practical, hands-on approach with a clear vision for the future. While she supplies her cattle to Vion Tilburg, her ambitions extend far beyond the day-to-day running of the farm.
Building for the future
Together with her family, Janna is building a future-proof business, with animal welfare and sustainability at its core. “With our own farm shop, where we sell our own beef and pork alongside regional products, we’ve learned just how important it is to stay connected to your customers”, she says. The shop opened two years ago and has been a great success. With 55 dairy cows, Janna considers the farm relatively small by today’s standards. “The shop allows us to broaden the business alongside dairy farming. It’s an important part of how we’re preparing for the future.”
Family at the heart of the farm
For Janna, farming has always been a family affair. “At home, the conversation always seems to come back to cows”, she laughs. “I love it. My family might not always agree, but I can’t help myself.” That involvement runs throughout the business. Her parents help on the farm, her sister works in the shop and her brother takes care of maintenance. Her in-laws are also regularly present. That strong foundation gives Janna the confidence to keep investing. She is currently renovating the barn and introducing new technologies designed to improve both efficiency and animal welfare. “A milking robot will be installed soon, and we’re gradually transitioning to Jersey cows. They’re smaller, more efficient and a better fit for the future we have in mind.” Her goal is clear. “I want to build a future-proof business that I can eventually run independently.”
A changing sector
Outside agriculture, people are sometimes surprised to hear that Janna is a full-time farmer. “But within the sector, it’s becoming increasingly normal”, she says. “Once people realise you’re a farmer yourself, any reservations tend to disappear pretty quickly.” Janna welcomes the growing role of women in agriculture. “Of course, you still come across old-fashioned ideas from time to time, but that’s changing. The increasing number of women in the sector shows how important our contribution is to the future of agriculture.” And her advice to young women considering a career in livestock farming? “Go for it. It’s the best profession there is. Not only because you get to work with animals, but because of the people too. It’s a community full of good people!”