The cow dance in Volkel has attracted a record number of visitors this year. More than 1,200 people stood in rows on a sunny Easter Monday to watch the cows run into the meadow. “This image makes us very happy as farmers and it is extra nice when there is so much interest,” says farmer Nanne van Dijk.
On Monday there will be crowds around the meadow where the Van Dijk family’s cows are allowed outside again after months. The parking lot around the Volkelse Hooiberg is overcrowded and the meadow is completely surrounded by curious onlookers. With cameras at the ready and children on their shoulders, visitors wait patiently for the moment the stable doors open.
To the loud drum roll of the brass band, the cows run hysterically into the meadow. “It’s really nice how they dance through the meadow like that,” says Jolanda, who is there for the first time, together with her grandchildren. “At first they looked around and seemed to wonder whether they were really allowed to go outside,” laughs her granddaughter Julia.
Junior and his family drove all the way from Breda to Volkel to see the spectacle. “We are happy to do that,” says Junior. “You must experience this once. So much joy for those animals when they can go outside again, very cool.”
Nanne van Dijk, the daughter of Corné and Arnanda, is enthusiastic about the large turnout. “Beautiful, this image always makes us very happy and it is extra nice when the interest is so great.” In other years, according to Nanne, about 800 people usually came to the farm, but this year they are well over a thousand. “We hope that we can provide something of where that milk comes from and what the farmer does.”
According to Nanne, the cows had been looking forward to this moment for a while. “You notice that on the first day of spring they start running around and playing in the stables. And as soon as all those people walk around here, they know that something fun is coming.”
Grazing not only means more freedom for the cows, but also tastier milk, Nanne explains. “The milk will have a softer taste and the fats will also decrease.” Desi and Melvin are happy with that. “We always get our milk here, so it is very nice to hear this and see the cows so happy.”
