Boerderij Ruimzicht is a biodynamic dairy farm and market garden located in Halle, in the Achterhoek region. Certified with the Demeter-label, the farm operates with a strong focus on nature-inclusive practices, prioritizing the health of the soil, plants, animals, and people.
The farm is home to a family herd of cows, where calves stay with their mothers for three months, and cows retain their horns. Pigs, dual-purpose chickens, and sheep also live on the farm, all cared for with respect for their natural behavior and environment.
A market garden, managed by Imke and Martijn, cultivates a variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers from spring to autumn. Grains such as rye, wheat, oats, and barley are grown in the fields, alongside clover, alfalfa, and chicory, contributing to a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
Visitors to Boerderij Ruimzicht can enjoy a range of experiences, including guided tours of the farm, cheese dairy, and market garden. The farm hosts “Boer’nTafelen” dining events, offering seasonal meals often featuring wood-fired pizzas made with ingredients from their land. Workshops on cheese making and cooking are also available, as are Yoga-Spirit sessions. Seasonal festivals like “Ruimzicht op de Melkweg” provide a vibrant atmosphere with music, food, and craft stalls. A 1.5-kilometer walking route, the “Hazepad,” allows guests to explore the farm’s pastures and learn about its sustainable practices. Educational programs, including a farm school for children and internships, are also offered.
The farm shop, open on Fridays and Saturdays, sells a comprehensive range of products harvested from the farm or sourced locally, including raw milk, artisanal cheeses (such as Achterhoekse Bergkaas), quark, and soon, yogurt. Other products include beef and pork from their animals, eggs, fresh vegetables, fruits, bread baked from their own grain, flour, and flowers. Additionally, cowhides and felted wool items are available. For those unable to visit, a webshop offers nationwide delivery, including cooled items. Boerderij Ruimzicht also operates a market stall in Doetinchem on Tuesdays and supplies products to various other retail points and restaurants.
For self-picking, Boerderij Ruimzicht organizes an annual berry picking day where visitors are welcome to pick red and white currants using their own containers.
What visitors say
Boerderij Ruimzicht consistently garners high praise for its unwavering commitment to ecological and biodynamic farming practices, with a strong focus on animal welfare and sustainability. Visitors are particularly impressed by the delicious, high-quality products available in their farm shop, which includes a diverse selection of vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy, honey, wine, and artisanal jams.
The farm’s “Achterhoekse mountain cheese” is a standout item, frequently highlighted for its exceptional taste and variety, drawing comparisons to fine French cheeses. These acclaimed cheeses are even available for mail delivery. Customers universally appreciate the hospitable and passionate individuals who run the farm, commending their dedication to fostering a friendly atmosphere and their holistic approach to caring for people, animals, and nature. Animal welfare is evidently a core value, with reviewers noting that calves stay with their mothers, cows retain their horns, and pigs and chickens enjoy spacious, natural environments.
Beyond the shop, Ruimzicht offers engaging experiences, such as highly recommended cheese-making workshops that provide both informative instruction and exquisite homemade meals. A memorable 5-course dinner, featuring ingredients sourced directly from their farm and garden, further underscores their creative and wholesome philosophy.
While an isolated negative review mentioned a messy yard, an “annoying” dog, and an unwelcoming impression, this perspective is largely contradicted by numerous other reviewers who describe the dogs as very sweet and the overall environment as enjoyable and relaxing. It’s also worth noting that the farm maintains specific opening hours, typically Fridays and Saturdays, which one reviewer discovered upon finding it closed. Overall, Boerderij Ruimzicht is celebrated as an exemplary farm, embodying a progressive and honest approach to agriculture, delivering authentic products and a truly enriching experience.