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SustainabilityFarmers: the guardians of biodiversity
For centuries, extensive cattle farming has helped shape the unique landscape of Spain’s western region. Rural areas in Western Spain are increasingly being deserted by young people due to lack of opportunities. Facing a lack of succession, many aging farmers eventually go out of business. And with grazing cattle disappearing, the delicate balance of the grassland ecosystem is under serious threat. A group of passionate researchers, agricultural experts and local farmers are on a mission to revitalise the extensive farmer’s profession. Leading the efforts of De Heus in this initiative is Jesús Carrizo, Technical Director at De Heus Spain.
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Our peopleArturo Peña Cuervo - Veterinary Surgeon and Area Manager
Arturo was born in Badajoz in 1987 and trained as a Veterinary Surgeon at the University of Extremadura. After 7 years doing clinical work with farm animals across Extremadura, he joined De Heus in 2017, becoming part of the team as Area Manager. He currently lives in Mérida, close to De Heus’ factory in La Garrovilla.
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SustainabilityDeveloping a self-sufficient food chain and fostering rural communities in Ghana through layer farming
As an entrepreneurial company, De Heus strongly believes that independent entrepreneurship of farmers is the engine of local economies. We believe in maintaining the vitality of rural communities. To help achieve this, local business units collaborate with supply chain partners to support rural farmers so they can strengthen and improve their business operations. This in turn benefits local communities and helps countries become more self-sufficient in terms of food supply, particularly in developing nations. In Ghana, the vast majority of laying hens are imported, resulting in high egg prices. De Heus has formed a pioneering joint venture with Kuipers Breeders to produce layer chicks locally. This will not only support the country in developing its own independent food supply, it will also help provide the local population with an affordable and nutritious source of protein. We talk to Jurjën Kuipers of Kuipers Breeders and Theo Smalbraak, Business Group Director Africa & Middle East, De Heus, about how the partnership developed, what they plan to achieve and their long-term ambitions.
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Our peopleDavid Strombom - Plant Manager at De Heus Kenya
David Strombom, hailing from Sweden, possesses degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration. With a career spanning 25 years in manufacturing, his roles have included Production Manager and General Manager at Sandvik, as well as lean project manager. He later transitioned to Coca-Cola as a Senior Engineering Manager. In South Africa, he managed phosphate production for Yara, including applications in animal feeds.
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SustainabilityPioneering sustainable aquaculture for a growing world
At De Heus, we believe in more than just providing feed; we aim for a sustainable and efficient aquaculture. In a world witnessing rapid population growth and increasing demand for animal protein, we recognize the need for responsible and high productive forward-thinking practices. De Heus aims to be part of an aquaculture industry that is recognized for productive sustainable farming and positive global impact.
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SustainabilityHow a De Heus plant can support fish farming in Uganda and help feed the nation
In June 2023, De Heus began construction of its first dedicated aquafeed plant in Uganda. Located in Njeru, near Jinja, on the north shore of Lake Victoria, the factory is expected to start operations early next year. Once the facility reaches full capacity, it will produce some 50,000 tons of fish feed per year, helping to support a rapidly developing aquaculture industry. In addition, it will help to improve the diet and food security of the country's growing population and boost local agriculture.
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SustainabilityInternational professionalisation of local livestock farms
As an internationally oriented animal feed supplier, we consider it our duty to promote professionalisation of local livestock farming. And we do not limit ourselves to the optimisation of efficient conversion of raw materials into animal proteins, we also make use of local raw materials, and help to improve both the quality and the food safety of the produced food products
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Our peoplePaula Gabriela Henriques - Technical Assistant of Monogastric
Paula Henriques was born in Mozambique and has always had a passion for animals. She says it is in her genes. After graduating in Zootechnical Engineering, she decided that her primary objective was to help improve the living conditions of animals. She is currently a Technical Assistant of Monogastrics, with enormous experience in the animal and feed sector. She began her career in the mid 90s, maintaining her connection to the company that became part of the De Heus Group.
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SustainabilityPioneers in sustainable poultry farming
In 2013, we entered into agreements with several Dutch chain parties to make the production of chicken more sustainable. A number of requirements, including the use of more slowly growing broiler breeds, were laid down. But research has demonstrated that these breeds react differently to energy-protein ratios in their feed. That is why De Heus has developed modified feeds for the different segments. Depending on the segment a poultry farmer has chosen for, our specialists will give customised and reliable feed advice for optimum results. It is with justifiable pride that we can state that we are able to provide every poultry farmer with a compound feed to match their specific business operation. The use of more slowly growing broiler breeds, in combination with the correct feeding strategy, has reduced antibiotics use to virtually nil.
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Dutch consortium targets Ethiopian poultry sector
The Ethiopian poultry sector is, just like Ethiopia itself, ready for take-off. Although on each and every shackle of the poultry chain fast improvement is needed, the potential is enormous. But these quality challenges also provide opportunities, as a group of Dutch poultry companies have rightly realized.
