At just 28 years old, Petra Commijs has already experienced the highs and lows of running a family farm, and the painful decision to let it go. She was part of the fourth generation of dairy farmers in her family. Together with her brother, she ran a mixed business producing milk, yoghurt, ice cream, and butter, which they sold directly to consumers. “The passion was big”. she recalls. “I liked working outside, with cows and with people”.
But despite their dedication, growing financial insecurities and policy uncertainties forced them to make the difficult decision to sell their farm near Rotterdam. Now, her family keeps a few cows as a hobby — a far cry from their former herd of 200.
Rather than stepping away from agriculture entirely, Petra chose a new path. Today, she works as a teacher at an agricultural school, where she instructs young people — many of whom come from farming families — on dairy production and essential soft skills for the future. “They are 16 or 17 years old”, she explains. “They’ve chosen this path with passion, but I want to help them make clear, carefully considered choices”.
Petra knows first-hand how overwhelming it can be for young farmers to navigate the sector. She highlights several of the most pressing issues facing agriculture in the Netherlands today: “The insecurities from government regulations, new laws, the difficulty of taking over the farm from their parents, the high cost of feed, and environmental pressures like manure regulations”. These uncertainties, she says, can be paralysing for students trying to plan their future.
When asked what kind of support would be most helpful, Petra is clear: “Clarity. They need a goal to work towards”. She wants to equip her students not only with technical knowledge but with the ability to step back from pure passion and evaluate the risks and realities of farming. “They want to take over no matter what it costs, but I want to teach them to look further, to make decisions that are sustainable for their future”.
Petra also participates in the GRASS CEILING project, a rural development initiative that has provided her with the tools and support she needs during this transitional period. Although she no longer owns a farm, she remains connected to the farming world and is committed to shaping its next generation.
Her advice for young women considering launching an agriculture business? “Don’t get defeated. Stay strong, get back on your feet, choose a new path, and, with passion, you’ll get to wherever you want to be”.