Our history

How it all started…

Heemskerk Dairy is a real family business which was founded in 1968 by Piet Heemskerk. Our pioneering spirit has enabled us to introduce many innovative products ever since. Over the past 50 years, we have developed into a partner who can support dairy farmers in various aspects of healthy and efficient management. We take a quick look back …

‘Koekalender’ lays foundation

As the son of a bulb grower, Ir. P.C. Heemskerk started working on the dairy farm of the van Puijenbroek family in Hilvarenbeek. With 200 dairy cows and no proper management system, keeping track of the cows’ fertility cycles was a hopeless task. Piet developed the ‘biscuit ‘cowcalendar’, which put things in order and laid the foundation of Ingenieursbureau Heemskerk in 1968.

Partner ABS

In the early 1970s, Piet managed to get his hands on 50 straws of American Holstein bulls. This produced 20 heifers in Hilvarenbeek, which stood head and shoulders above the rest of the herd. That tasted like more and so he travelled to America to investigate importing these genetics. The first contacts with ABS were made and now Heemskerk has been the exclusive importer of ABS semen in the Netherlands and Belgium for over 50 years.

Revolution in teat disinfection

Cows became top athletes and should also be treated as such, so Heemskerk’s range expanded with high-quality care products. In 1991, Heemskerk was the first to market a two-component teat disinfectant based on chlorine dioxide. Since then, teat disinfectants have become a household name when it comes to mastitis prevention.

Internationaal operations

In 1992, son Eric took over and the company developed further. The product range, just like the operating area, continued to expand. Based on the concepts of Breeding, Care, Nutrition, Crops and Guidance, Heemskerk supports dairy farmers at home and abroad in almost all aspects of dairy farming. Every day, more than 100 employees work on dairy farms and behind the scenes to achieve this. Science and developments in the sector do not stand still. Heemskerk continues to invest in new techniques, knowledge and people to be an innovative, professional and reliable partner for its customers.
Serving the dairy farmer…, that’s what we stand for.

Our vision

Continuous research, innovation and advice are characteristic features of Heemskerk. Our employees have both feet firmly on the ground and know what is happening on the farm. This is where we get our inspiration from. We aim for a preventive approach, but also offer solution-oriented products and advice. We continuously invest in knowledge, training and technology. This keeps us a progressive, expert but above all reliable partner for our customers and suppliers and an inspiring and stable employer for our employees.