If you’re on the hunt for truly grass-fed, ethically raised meat in the Netherlands, it is my honour to introduce you to Boerderij GAOS. Situated in the heart of Flevoland, GAOS is more than just a farm; it’s a beacon of regenerative agriculture and biodynamic principles, offering some of the highest-quality meat available in the country.

 

What Makes Boerderij GAOS Different?

Boerderij GAOS stands out because of their consistent commitment to working with nature, not against it. Surrounded by conventional farms, they’ve chosen to go against the grain and embrace biodynamic and regenerative farming methods. Their cattle, the hardy Gasconne breed, are pasture-raised and free to graze on nutrient-rich grasses for much of the year. During the winter, they are supplemented with hay and a small percentage of rejected crops, ensuring their diet remains species-appropriate and free from industrial feed.

The result? Healthy, robust animals that produce meat rich in nutrients, flavour, and integrity. This is meat you can feel good about. Knowing that it comes from a system that regenerates the soil, supports biodiversity, and prioritises animal welfare.

 

Closed-Loop Farming Practices

One of the most impressive aspects of Boerderij GAOS is their commitment to closed-loop farming practices. Their approach ensures that waste is minimized, and everything on the farm feeds back into the health of the soil and the animals. For example:

Genius Manure Management: One of the most fascinating parts of my visit was learning about their manure management system. It’s nothing short of genius. When the cows are kept closer to the farm during winter, their waste becomes part of a carefully designed cycle. The cows urinate and defecate on a bed of wheat straw. The straw absorbs and locks in the urine, preventing the formation of ammonia—a common problem in conventional farms where urine and manure mix and create harmful gases. This mixture of manure and straw is later composted and used as fertilizer for their crops. The wheat straw plays an additional role here—it’s rich in carbon and has a fibrous structure that helps balance the manure. When mixed and composted, it slows decomposition, creating a stable, slow-releasing fertilizer. This process not only minimizes waste and odor but also nourishes the soil, steadily enhancing its fertility over time.

Crop Integration: The farm grows feed for their livestock, reducing the need for external inputs. Crops are rotated and intercropped to maintain soil fertility and prevent nutrient depletion.

Soil Health: By using composted manure and practicing crop diversity, GAOS nurtures soil biodiversity, improving its structure and resilience.

By closing the loop, GAOS ensures that nothing is wasted. Every part of their livestock management feeds back into improving the soil, which in turn nourishes the grasses their cattle feed on. This circular approach is the foundation of their regenerative farming philosophy. This holistic system reflects their belief that everything on the farm is interconnected—healthy soil leads to healthy plants, which feed healthy animals, ultimately producing nutrient-dense meat.

 

Why Choose Grass-Fed Meat?

Grass-fed meat is not only better for the environment but also for your health. Compared to conventional grain-fed meat, grass-fed beef is higher in:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
• Vitamin A & E
• Antioxidants

These nutrients support everything from reducing inflammation to improving heart health, while also contributing to clearer, healthier skin.

 

How to Buy Boerderij GAOS Meat

You can purchase Boerderij GAOS meat directly through their online partner, Hofweb. Hofweb is an organic grocery delivery service that works with small, sustainable farms across the Netherlands. Ordering is simple, and they deliver straight to your door.

Additionally, you can visit the Boerderij GAOS website to learn more about their practices, values, and the people behind the farm.

 

Supporting Local, Supporting the Future

Choosing to buy from farms like GAOS means investing in a food system that values quality over quantity, and regeneration over depletion. It’s a choice that supports not just your health, but also the health of the land and the future of farming in the Netherlands.