Robot Feeders in Action: Inside De Reebok’s Automated Calf Nutrition System

Curious how modern farms keep young animals healthy at scale—without losing the human touch? At De Reebok in Garderen, guests can see robot feeders up close during a guided barn tour. The adjoining calf farm houses about 1,350 calves across three barns, which are automatically fed twice per day by a mechanised system. This automated calf nutrition system delivers consistent care while offering a fascinating glimpse into contemporary, sustainable farming on the Veluwe.

Below, you’ll learn how robot feeders work in plain English, why they matter for animal well-being and farm efficiency, and how to plan a visit to see the system in action.

What You’ll See on a Barn Tour

• Guided tours: The owners are happy to show guests around the stables and explain daily routines.
• Scale and setup: Around 1,350 calves are cared for in three barns located near the farmhouse.
• Robot feeders in operation: You’ll observe a mechanised feeding system delivering twice-daily nutrition with dependable timing and temperature.

Tip: The reception is located in the farmhouse. When you arrive, simply ask about a tour. You can also plan your stay via the Camping page and booking options:

• Explore the campsite: Camping De Reebok
• Book your stay online: Online boeken
• View the campsite map: Plattegrond
• Contact the team: Contact

How Robot Feeders Work (Plain-English Overview)

Robot feeders are automated systems designed to mix and deliver milk (or milk replacer) to calves at set times. The aim is simple: consistent nutrition, delivered safely and efficiently.

Mixing and Temperature Control

• A central unit measures and mixes the feed to a target consistency.
• The system heats and maintains the mixture within an optimal serving temperature range, helping ensure palatability and gut comfort.

Delivery and Timing

• The mechanised system dispenses feed on a programmed schedule.
• At De Reebok, calves are fed automatically twice per day, providing reliable, repeatable routines that support healthy growth patterns.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

• Automated rinsing and cleaning cycles help keep lines and surfaces sanitary.
• Consistent cleaning reduces the risk of residue build-up, which supports good barn hygiene.

Monitoring and Adjustments

• Operators can check settings, verify volumes, and fine-tune routines as needed.
• Because the system follows a schedule, any changes—like adjusting portion sizes by group—are straightforward to implement.

Why Automation Matters for Calves and Farmers

Automation isn’t about replacing care; it’s about amplifying it. With robot feeders handling the repetitive, time-critical job of mixing and dispensing, staff can focus on attentive observation—spotting which calves need extra bedding, a health check, or a calm moment of reassurance.

Here are practical benefits you’ll notice on a tour:

• Consistency: Identical feeding times and temperatures reduce variability that can stress young animals.
• Animal well-being: Predictable routines support calm behavior and a comfortable barn environment.
• Efficiency: Mechanised feeding frees up time for deeper animal care and proactive maintenance.
• Hygiene: Automated cleaning protocols help keep equipment sanitary between feeds.

Sustainability in Daily Operations

The farm and campsite run on a total of 264 solar panels installed on the stable roofs and a wood-pellet heating system. This setup makes the site fully self-sufficient in electricity and no longer dependent on gas—an important step toward low-impact hospitality and farming on the Veluwe. Learn more about the site’s energy approach: Duurzame energie.

Quick Answers (Great for First-Time Visitors)

How often are calves fed at De Reebok?

Calves are automatically fed twice per day by a mechanised system.

How many calves live on the adjoining farm—and how many barns are there?

About 1,350 calves are housed across three barns located near the farmhouse.

Can guests get a tour of the calf farm?

Yes. The owners offer guided tours and are happy to show you around the stables during your stay.

Where do I go to ask about a tour?

Visit the reception in the farmhouse or get in touch ahead of time via Contact.

Make It a Family Day: From Barn Tour to Children’s Farm

Alongside the campsite entrance you’ll find a children’s farm with fallow deer, sheep, goats, chickens, and peacocks. Guests are welcome to feed these animals during their stay. Around June, young animals are born—making late spring and summer especially memorable for families. Read more: Kinderboerderij.

Note: Feeding at the children’s farm is separate from the mechanised feeding you’ll see in the calf barns.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Wear closed-toe shoes: Barns are working environments; sturdy footwear keeps you comfortable.
• Follow staff guidance: Listen to the tour lead’s instructions and stay within designated areas.
• Mind hygiene: Wash or sanitize hands after visiting barns and before eating.
• Supervise children: Keep little ones close and explain that barns are active workplaces.
• Ask before photos: Always check with your guide before photographing equipment, staff, or animals.

Planning to camp?

• Check availability and rates: Tarieven
• Reserve your pitch: Online boeken
• See where everything is: Plattegrond

Plan Your Stay on the Veluwe

De Reebok sits just 800 metres from the village of Garderen—perfect for combining a nature-filled holiday with a behind-the-scenes look at modern farming. The camping field is spacious and family-friendly, with modern facilities and easy visibility across the terrain. Next to the campsite is the working calf farm you can tour during your visit.

If you value hands-on learning for kids, love seeing practical sustainability in action, or simply want to understand how robot feeders support animal care at scale, De Reebok is an ideal place to explore.

Conclusion

Robot feeders do more than automate a chore—they bring precision, consistency, and calm to a crucial part of calf rearing. At De Reebok, that reliability scales to about 1,350 calves across three barns, with twice-daily mechanised feeding you can see for yourself on a guided tour. Pair your visit with a relaxing stay on the Veluwe and discover how thoughtful technology and warm hospitality go hand-in-hand.

Ready to experience robot feeders in action? Book your stay and ask about a farm tour when you arrive at reception.

• Address: Sleedoornweg 29, 3886 MS Garderen
• Phone: +31 6 23 66 13 11
• Email: info@campingdereebok.nl
• Reserve now: Online boeken