De Woeste Grond, with its junk-free butcher's shop, is the best alternative to the bio-industry. We show that it is possible to "produce" meat that is kind to animals, people and the environment. Our ultimate goal is that people make conscious choices in their diet and therefore eat less meat.
We (Eugénie Benda and Léon Stam) did not start De Woeste Grond to make a lot of money, but to make the world a better place. For us, social profit is paramount and the profit motive has become secondary.
Our mission is to create social and sustainable added value. We do this by maximising the positive impact that our company has on society and minimising the negative impact, such as our carbon footprint. Examples of this are: creating employment in shrinking regions, filling jobs with people who are distanced from the labour market and producing animal-friendly meat with an eye for the environment and health.
Our carbon footprint
The animals are born as landscape managers and grow up grazing in the nature of the Northern Netherlands. Because the animals maintain the nature, no fossil fuels are needed. The animals get their food and water from the areas, they do not need transport and they do not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Because they are not fattened with protein-rich feed, they emit less methane. Also, the manure is not stored and directly absorbed into nature, which means that no methane and nitrous oxide are released. No feed is produced for these animals and they therefore do not contribute to deforestation and climate change. All this means that the carbon footprint of these animals is significantly lower than that of (organic) animals on a farm. We sell almost all of the animals: 90%, normally 70%.
Animal welfare at its best
All cattle are born as landscape animals and grow up grazing in nature reserves. The animals enjoy this great freedom of movement. The bulls stay in the herds and walk among the heifers and calves. Our cows give birth naturally in nature and the calf stays with its mother. This is animal welfare at its best!
The strong old breeds sniff the fresh air all day long; after all, they live in the open 365 days a year, without outside help.
Concentrate? Well, no! Unless you mean herbs, grasses, branches and leaves. The animals eat intuitively and live in natural areas where there is plenty of food, thus keeping themselves healthy. Since food is different in winter and summer, they move with the seasons. Living in the natural habitat makes the meat tasty.
Fattening, finishing... terms that we do NOT concern ourselves with. Our animals are given time to grow at their natural pace. This keeps the animals healthy and the meat a very healthy food for us.
It is not necessary to give our animals antibiotics, deworming or vaccinating them. The primitive breeds can withstand the outdoors and therefore do not get sick (quickly).
The slaughtering takes place with all respect and peace in a small slaughterhouse. Our natural farmer André brings them himself and stays with the animals until they are on the hook. The meat is processed by our (biologically certified) artisanal butcher.
Taste-free
Because Léon doesn't want to use any junk food, he composes his own organic herb mix. This way, no sugar, harmful e-numbers and other junk enters the butcher's shop. He also adds 50% less Celtic sea salt.
Meat is a luxury
We want people to be aware of the abuses in the bio-industry. They should see meat as a luxury item again, pay the right price and eat less meat. Then we will save animal suffering, the environment and our health. And we also want to make natural meat available for everyone.
We love people
Our small team includes people with disabilities. Everyone is able to be themselves and develop their talents, which results in a special mix of talents.
De Woeste Grond
Ter Apelerstraat 16
9551 XK Sellingen
Department of Administration
0599727050
[email protected]
Sales/marketing department
Eugénie Benda
Telephone: 0599 727050 option 2
[email protected]
Butchery department and nice stories
Léon Stam
Telephone: 0599 727050 option 4
[email protected]
