Farming Insiders: the Beeckens

You have taken over a well-functioning farm. Are there things you would like to do differently or do you aim to continue in a similar way?

Arne: Because we’ve been helping out on the farm for many years, we’ve already had plenty of opportunities to shape things, to try out the work involved and to develop personally. There is therefore no reason to change anything simply because we are now in charge of the farm. I think that for us, employee motivation plays a major role, because next to the land, the employees are the most important thing for a farm. We as a family can accomplish a lot, but without our employees things simply won’t get done. That’s why the topic of team motivation, I believe, is an important point.
Henning: Exactly, and that’s why I believe that our generation is trying to display a somewhat different management style. These days, you have to deal with employees and trading partners a little differently than in the past. We are a bit more relaxed in how we handle things, but we still know what we want. This way, we bring people along with us.

It’s not at that point yet, but if you ever have children: How important would it be to you for your offspring to join the farm?

Arne: That depends entirely on the children. If they are keen themselves, appreciate the varied work on a farm and want to experience something new every day, then they should be happy to do it. I would recommend it to them.
Henning: I think I would recommend that my children continue in the family firm. It’s a job where you’re plenty tied up in terms of work, but it also comes with a lot of advantages, such as flexibility and versatility.

How much do your father and grandfather still help out with day-to-day work?

Arne: Well, our father has withdrawn a little more than our grandfather. During the season, however, he helps us wherever he can. Even our grandfather is still here every morning at half past seven for the staff meeting, providing support.
Henning: Grandpa is 87 years old now, and it’s fun to have him around every day. Not only did he lay the foundation for our business, for which he deserves respect, but he also livens up our day-to-day work with his sense of humor. Of course, he used to be able to help out more physically, but now he does more transport work, which also includes picking up our friends from an event during the night. We are happy and thankful that we are supported by our family and also by the employees in a way that means we can also enjoy our freedom sometimes. It’s not uncommon for Dad to do the accounts for me in the evening, for example, and feed the pigs for Arne in the morning.

What did you pass on to your sons when you handed over the baton?

My wife and I tried to consolidate and expand the business. For the next generation, my main concern is to continue to pay attention to the human aspect, in the sense of good employee management. That means maintaining enthusiasm, forming a team and also bringing it forward. This creates new opportunities. Values and norms play a strong role here in our family anyway. For my wife, family, feeling more connected to each other and to the business, is very important.