Why are you jumping at this opportunity?
This opportunity allows me to look at the dairy industry from a different angle. Our concepts, like MS AutoHoofClean, have already proven themselves multiple times in the Netherlands, but that’s not yet the case in Canada. I’m eager to take on that challenge. The knowledge and experience we’ve built in the Netherlands can now be shared with our Canadian colleagues. Plus, I can learn how to market our concepts internationally.

I think it’s important to keep challenging myself. New circumstances push you to think in terms of opportunities:

• A different country and language
• Different conditions, like working with a dealer, extreme temperature swings, more labor per farm, a different culture, and a milk quota that limits farm growth
• Exploring how our proven solutions can be applied abroad

This keeps my work fresh and exciting, preventing stagnation. The chance to use my current role and expertise to support colleagues in Canada is a great opportunity for me to grow and get a deeper understanding of dairy farming outside the Netherlands. It’s a learning experience, as dairy farming there is quite different from what we’re used to back home.

What’s different about Canada, and what draws you to it?
Eleven years ago, I did an internship in Canada as part of my studies, and that was my first real exposure to Canadian dairy farming—an experience that’s stuck with me. At Schippers, we work with local partners and dealers in Canada, which creates a completely different dynamic. This kind of collaboration is new to me, and I find it fascinating to see how it creates new opportunities in the market. Canadian farmers are now facing challenges similar to those we saw in the Netherlands about five years ago. It’s exciting to see how we can bring our Dutch experience to the table and help out. It feels great to be part of that process.

Are you planning to move to Canada?
No, I’m not looking to move to another country right now. But if I can contribute internationally like this, I’m happy to do so! The plan is for me to travel to Canada once a year to offer support, train partners, and help launch the product in the market. The rest of my work can easily be done from the Netherlands.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue increasing my value to Schippers and the dairy industry, for example by testing new innovations with the dairy farmers I’ve built relationships with over the years. My passion lies in improving animal health. By constantly developing new ideas, we gain valuable insights that I’d love to share across the company.

Looking for a new challenge yourself? Check out our job site and join Teun in making a difference in the dairy industry.