From a cattle farm to a modern dairy goat farm
Our goat farm
From cowshed to campsite
Until the 1990s, we kept cows and did our milking in a traditional tie-stall barn. During the summer, we’d clean out the barn so camping groups—like scouting clubs—could stay overnight. In 1990, we also started allowing tents in the meadow. That same year, we joined the Stichting Vrije Recreatie (SVR), marking the real beginning of our “farm camping” adventure.
What started small, with just five caravans, has over the years grown into a full-fledged campsite with space for 40 camping units. A place where farm life is still very much at the heart of everything we do.
Goats
The switch to dairy goats
In 1994, we made the decision to specialize in dairy goats, alongside our cows. We both love working with animals, and goats turned out to be a great match for our farm and way of life.
We started by raising our own goat kids, and in 1995 we began milking. Since 2000, we’ve been fully focused on goat farming. We phased out the cattle side of the farm to work more efficiently and to create more peace and balance on the farm — also for our family with five children.
Our modern goat barn
In 2001, we built a spacious, modern barn measuring 50 by 26 meters, divided into four groups (“pens”) of 120 goats each. In total, we keep around 450 dairy goats, with additional space for the young kids.
We use a rapid-exit milking parlor that allows 60 goats to be milked at the same time. Thanks to the automatic take-off system, we can milk efficiently — usually within two hours. On average, our goats produce 1,350 liters of milk per year, with 4.31% fat and 3.76% protein.
The milk is stored in a 7,850-liter tank and collected every few days by Bettinehoeve in Etten-Leur, where it’s turned into delicious goat cheese.
Healthy animals, circular farming
Our goats are checked every six weeks for milk production, fat, and protein content. We have been using artificial insemination (AI) for many years, which contributes to a healthier herd and improved genetic progress. This way, we remain a closed and healthy operation, free of CL and CAE, and officially scrapie-monitored.
Our dairy goats are the heart of our farm – feel free to come and meet them during your stay at Costa Kabrita!
Discover how working with animals, small-scale camping, and a warm family-run business come together perfectly in Huijbergen.
