Ulke’s passion for dairy farming formed in early childhood when visiting his grandparents dairy farm in the Netherlands, where he grew up. He enjoyed his time at the farm with them immensely and was there every chance he could get.
“My grandparents dairy farm was small – they milked 45 cows. From the age of four, I remember being there with them in the dairy daily. I’d be there in the mornings, and I’d be back at six o’clock at night,” Ulke reflects.
After studying animal science at the Van Hall Institute in Holland, Ulke moved to Australia in 2010 for the opportunities it provided in the dairy industry.
“I went to Uni and said, ‘one day I will milk 1,000 cows.’ That was my goal, and Australia had great potential.”
Ulke and his wife, Sarah, farm in Pirron Yallock. They milk 1,500 Holsteins on 850 hectares. They run two systems: a fully housed system and a grazing herd, with the split about 50-50.
Ulke and Sarah moved down to Western Victoria from Northern Victoria at the beginning of 2021 seeking more favourable climatic conditions.
“We sold the farm in Northern Victoria and moved down here after three dry years. We moved here for the rainfall,” Ulke explains.
As the De Kleine’s herd has grown, so too has their team. In three years, they’ve grown from having no staff to a large and stable team of 19, around half of whom are full time.
Ulke appreciates and is grateful for the good team around him, and he remains hands-on with the day-to-day operations of the farm.
“In my journey I’ve learnt it's good to be with your team on the work floor. Create a team and be a part of that team as well.”
Ulke’s approach to dairy farming can be characterised by pursuing opportunities, and a willingness to try new things. He recently began milking the fully housed herd three times a day.
“I said we would stick to trying it for two weeks, and then we would see,” he says.
“The first week the staff and I had to get our heads around what herds to milk when. We also had the power go out and then the milking times were out, but the second week we got it right. We have more milk and healthier cows.”
Ulke brings his wealth of experience and optimistic attitude to the WestVic Dairy Board.
“I would like to bring my positivity and perspectives to the Western District dairy industry. No one does dairy farming the same. None of them are wrong or right,” he says.
“I think there is going to be great opportunities in the Western District. This year is a little different because its dry – but because of the typical rainfall in this area, there will always be dairy farming here.
Ulke appreciates the differences in approach to environmentally responsible farming between the Netherlands and Australia. In the Netherlands there is heavy regulation whereas in Australia, the industry’s Sustainability Framework helps farmers to self-regulate.
“We have very limited rules compared to overseas. There are little environmental regulations here yet. We have to be mindful that things are going to change, but restrictions are not going to come overnight here, and we can learn from what’s happening overseas and be ready when they are introduced in Australia.”
Ulke wants to see the dairy industry and dairy farmers succeed for many years to come.
“I think you need to create positivity to get the younger generation involved and give the younger generation opportunities,” says Ulke.
“I have a passion for dairy farming. I just love it – and once you fall in love with it, it never leaves you.”
