Gert Kerkhofs – Team Leader Dairy Specialists Flanders (Belgium)
Although he did not grow up on a farm, Gert Kerkhofs developed a passion for the sector at an early age. “During my holidays I worked on a farm, and that really sparked my enthusiasm,” he says. After attending agricultural school in Bocholt, he moved to Geel to obtain his bachelor’s degree in dairy farming. He then started working on a dairy farm to gain practical experience. “After several years in the barn, I moved into advisory work and eventually joined De Heus. I’m now team leader for the dairy team in Flanders.”
Team Leader Dairy Specialists Flanders (Belgium)
Working together towards results
Gert believes it is important to work with the customer towards the same goal. “For me, it’s about the complete picture. That can mean achieving high milk yields, but also improving feed efficiency. It’s all about strong cooperation between the specialist and the dairy farmer, where we reinforce each other.” What energizes him most is the technical side of dairy farming. Gert explains: “Data on milk production and animal health is constantly evolving. As a specialist, you have to keep up — and that’s what keeps it interesting.”
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Group HR Business Partner
Freedom through trust
What does Gert see as a key strength of working at De Heus? “The freedom. If you’re entrepreneurial and willing to take initiative, you’re given the trust to make it happen. The motto ‘results create freedom’ truly lives here. And as specialists, we have a very broad range of possibilities towards the customer. At De Heus, almost anything is possible, and that opens doors,” says Gert.
“We’re always looking for people with drive”
Gert Kerkhofs
Team Leader Dairy Specialists Flanders , De Heus Belgium
Belgian perspective, Dutch backbone
As a team leader, Gert notices clear differences between Belgium and the Netherlands. “The mindset is different, and technically we often use different rations as well. In Belgium, they are usually more maize-based. At the same time, in Belgium we greatly benefit from the knowledge our Dutch colleagues have built up, for example in grassland management.” According to him, however, the challenges are similar everywhere. “In Belgium too, dairy farmers are facing stricter regulations. As specialists, we must guide them in this new reality.”
World-class Workplace
We are extremely proud that De Heus was awarded the World-class Workplace label for 2024-2025. At De Heus you work in an environment where the employee is central.
A team in full growth
Gert looks to the future of the Flemish dairy team with strong ambition. “We want to continue growing in Belgium, and of course we need good people to do that. We are especially looking for driven dairy specialists in the north of Antwerp and in the west of the country. People with drive, who are entrepreneurial and want to build success together with us — for our customers and our team.”
