The pig farm of the Hendriks company in Heerde (Gelderland) had problems with emptying the manure cellars by segregation. In January 2004, they started using AgriMestMix, a product to improve the slurry.  Mr Hendriks explains: ”Following the manufacturer’s recommendations, we first applied an AgriMestMix overdose, adjusted for the amount of manure that was present in the slurry pits. Then we mixed up AgriMestMix according to the instructions every week and put it in there with water. The results were clearlywere able to empty the pits in the spring.” Currently, Mr Hendriks is using the product directly in the empty manure pits. This prevents the problems and he can use the normal weekly dose as well visible after a couple of months: the manure became more airy and more homogenous.We were able to empty the pits in the spring.” Currently, Mr Hendriks is using the product directly in the empty manure pits. This prevents the problems and he can use the normal weekly dose as well.

The company has green-label stalls with angles pit walls. The problems occurred in particular at the overflow to the central pit. The result was always that the blockage meant that the pits at the back were full and the front ones empty.The treated pig slurry is removed entirely. Mr Hendriks therefore has no experience of the nitrogen binding capabilities of AgriMestMix. In practice, this results in savings on the nitrogen supplement needed from fertilisers for the crops or grassland concerned.

Producing homogenous slurry is also important for Mr Hendriks because of the new 2006 manure regulations. He describes this as follows: “I want to be able to empty the pits completely so that there won’t be any gaps in my mineral balance because of too much nitrogen and phosphate being in brought and not enough taken away.” Mr Hendriks is very enthusiastic about the way AgriMestMix works and one of his customers has already started too. The Hendriks business is a breeding company with 1200 Topigs (pigs for meat) and 800 breeding goats. In addition, they have 35 dairy cows. The company, which is run with his parents and brother, also consists of several pig farms at various locations: a Topigs breeding company in Witharen, breeding farms with their own operational management and rented/managed stalls for pork production.