During the second “heat wave” I wrote this new message from De Kandelaar. In Flevoland we also reached temperatures of 39C. Fortunately it remained 10 degrees cooler in the stables with the help of two large fans and a small sprayer. The cows remained calm hence milk production has remained equal.

With the showers from time to time we have been able to cut the grass for the 5th time this week (normally half is the standard). In the meantime, the grass seed harvest is more than a month ago and we now wait for the month of September (removed comer) when we will harvest corn, potatoes and onions.

Today we made a start on the construction of a new path to reach our fields better; a nice smooth concrete path which will soon be used to bring in the harvest..

This week we were also mentioned in the local newspaper ‘Flevopost’ with an article written by Flow Media about our guests who have been staying with us each year during the Lowlands for more than 10 years. You can read the article from Flevopost.

Finally a photo of our young kittens; Nala, Simba and Sarabi were born on 4th August.

 

 

2018 was a year which brought much uncertainty for dairy farms. We monitored the news regarding Phosphate Regulations with trepidation.

2018 was also a year of extreme drought across much of Europe. Fortunately the soil on the farm is heavily clay based with water retaining properties and therefore not as susceptible to drought conditions. However, with the drought conditions in mind we did try a few things a little differently than in previous years:

• we sprinkled the potatoes six times, while we normally would never do that and the yield proved to be good.
• we did not irrigate the sugar beet, which resulted in a slightly lower yield but with a sugar content of 17.5%, there was more than enough sugar cubes generated from one hectare.
• we also managed to harvest more than enough grass and maize silage which we attribute to the clay soil

Sustainable farming and living is something we pride ourselves on. In a bid to contribute more to sustainability, we decided to install Solar Panels onto our farm buildings’ roofs. As a result our homes now use and produce only green energy.

Looking forward into 2019, the first few months will be dedicated to preparing for the Tulip Route and these are in full swing. Join us on Saturday 13 and Monday 22 April 2019 for the Tulip Market, where various local companies will present their produce, products and services. The Flevoland Tulip Routes are open from 13 April to 5 May 2019. More information can be found on Tulpenroute Flevoland.

 

 

Time flies!  While the last cold days pass by in the Netherlands, we are already focusing on spring and are currently delivering the potatoes from our shed. Three trucks full of potatoes are delivered to the stores every day, the onions are also delivered so the storage shed will soon be completely empty. Meanwhile, we are starting again with the new planting season and expect to sow the sugar beet by the end of this week.

In the meantime we are busy at the Bed & Breakfast with bookings and preparations for the tulip route Flevoland 2018. This year, again, the opening will take place at De Kandelaar. On Saturday, 14^th April there will be a tulip market from 10:00am to 4:00pm, where various companies from the region will promote their products and services. At 10:30am the official opening of all the tulip routes in Flevoland takes place. This year, 4 car routes, 4 cycle routes and a walking route are planned for three weeks, from 14^th April to 5^th May.

Our location is on the car route ‘Lelystad’ and cycle route ‘Lelystad’. However, the routes in Dronten and Zeewolde are easy to drive from our location. In short, plenty of opportunities to admire the many beautiful fields and visit the companies that organize an activity. More information and the routes can be found on www.tulpenrouteflevoland.nl

In addition to the Tulip market on 14^th April, we will have an exhibition about tulip cultivation from that day until 5^th May. On the basis of photos, more explanation is given about the cultivation of tulips. Ed Voigt will also exhibit on 100 years of Zuiderzee (the South Sea) law and Ir. Lely.

We welcome you from 14^th April to 5^th May between 10:00am to 4:00pm – every day.

There it is, nearly another summer gone and we are finally enjoying a beautiful but late summer.  The colours at dawn and dusk are such a beautiful event at De Kandelaar.  Over the summer DeLaval has filmed a superb documentary about the Voluntary Milking System which we have been using for over 16 years.  There is an interesting interview with Dad and Joris about their experiences with the milking robot. See the full report via this link.  In addition, Bert Rijk has also taken some stunning aerial pictures with his drone.

Meanwhile, the fifth cut of grass was mowed and last week our contractor Frens from Hulshort had chopped the corn. The yield was less than previous years, but the product seems to be of excellent quality. We have to wait a little longer for the delicious potatoes that we use for fries to be harvested but the onions will be harvested this month.  Bulb company Fa. de Wit is already busy with preparations for the planting of the new tulip bulbs. Next year, in cooperation with Tulips Route Dronten, we will yet again create walking, cycling and car routes along the tulip fields.

 

 

 

During this year we have received lots of different nationalities in our Bed and Breakfast, from the Netherlands to Japan.  Next month, many visitors will be staying at the B&B who have booked the special deal “one night at the B&B and entry to Walibi Fright Night”.  If you would like to visit please book quickly because full is full.

 

After a moderate winter with few cold days we are getting ready for the new season. We are waiting for drier times but slowly the country will be worked again.

Meanwhile, it’s also the start of the tourist season. In a few days we hope to have a striking new brochure available in 4 languages.  Furthermore, with a few of the co-owners in the borough we are organising various tulip routes. There will be a car route starting from the B&B De Kandelaar.  This route will not only bring you through more than 50 tulip fields but also via several other attractions and restaurants in the scenic region of Dronten. There is also a cycle route of almost 30 km near B&B De Kandelaar. In short you can fully enjoy the beautiful and vibrant colours of the flowers.

Saturday 16th April is the opening of the various routes.  However, that of course is dependent on Mother Nature if the tulips will be in full bloom. On April 23, we have arranged a special Tulip Open Day. During the day you can have a look at our farm and you can admire some of the machines that are used to cultivate tulip bulbs.

More information can be found on our website or follow www.tulpenroutedronten.nl  or “Tulips Route Dronten” on Facebook.