Boerderij De Oude Ruif is a fifth-generation family farm located in Stoutenburg, which has transitioned from a traditional dairy operation into a small-scale, nature-inclusive agricultural business focused on community connection and sustainable food production. The farm operates as a “bio-logical” farm, following organic principles without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
Visitors can self-pick a diverse variety of fruit, vegetables, and herbs in the farm’s pick-your-own garden (oogsttuin). The self-picking season runs from approximately late May through late September. The season begins with honeyberries, followed by a summer peak with abundant soft fruit. Fruit available for picking includes red currants, raspberries, blackberries, black currants, Japanese wineberries, tayberries, honeyberries, jostaberries, and black raspberries. The farm also grows apple, pear, and plum trees; these are young and expected to yield larger harvests within three to five years. A selection of vegetables is cultivated, including lettuce, beets, carrots, cabbages, courgettes, and pumpkins, alongside a variety of herbs.
The farm is open for visitors on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00. During the winter months (starting from late September), the pick-your-own garden is closed, but a self-service point is available at the parking area on those same days, offering seasonal products like pumpkins and garlic. The farm is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Parking is available on-site but limited.
Beyond the pick-your-own garden, the farm also offers a charming meeting barn (vergaderschuur) in a former cowshed, which can be rented for events and meetings. Additionally, they sell ‘rainbow eggs’ (regenboogeieren) from their free-range chickens, which produce a variety of blue, green, speckled, and dark brown eggs. The farm is actively dedicated to nature management and biodiversity conservation.
What visitors say
Visitors consistently express their delight with this self-picking farm, praising the opportunity to harvest fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs directly from the land. The seasonal nature of the offerings is seen as a fun challenge, inspiring culinary creativity and new cooking experiences. Guests frequently highlight the warm and welcoming atmosphere, describing the staff as exceptionally friendly and dedicated to nature. Overall, it is considered a beautiful and enjoyable destination, highly recommended for a pleasant outing.