Cheese &, Casper

From breakdown assistance to milk flows: the extraordinary journey of intern Casper

Some careers go exactly according to plan. Casper Overvelde’s did not. And that is precisely what makes his story so interesting. The 30-year-old intern at Henri Willig worked for years in international vehicle and breakdown assistance before deciding to change direction completely. Today, he combines his degree in Animal and Livestock Farming with an internship at Henri Willig and his work on an organic dairy farm.

A passion for the agricultural sector

“During the pandemic, I started asking myself what I really found important,” says Casper. “In my previous job, I helped people who’d broken down on the road. It was good work, but I found myself becoming increasingly interested in food production and the agricultural sector. These are sectors that will always remain relevant and where you make a tangible contribution.”

That interest didn’t come out of the blue. Casper has been working for some time as a milker on an organic dairy farm that supplies milk to Henri Willig. Through that practical experience, he not only gained a better understanding of dairy farming, but also of the sustainable vision that Henri Willig stands for.

An internship that’s a perfect fit

When Casper started looking for an internship, it soon became clear that there was a great match between his studies, his practical experience and a current issue within the organisation.

During his placement, he is exploring options relating to a special organic milk supply chain. To this end, he is liaising with various dairy farmers and examining both the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain.

“That appealed to me straight away,” says Casper. “I’m a firm believer in the concept of organic and sustainable food production. So it’s even more rewarding when you can actually make a contribution to that whilst you’re still studying.”

Learning from different perspectives

What appeals to Casper about his placement is the combination of practical experience and strategy. On the dairy farm, he experiences first-hand what daily life on the farm is like. At the same time, through his studies and placement, he is learning to consider the broader issues within the sector.

“It’s precisely that connection that I find interesting,” he explains. “From what happens on the farmyard to the choices made further down the supply chain. I find linking those different levels together incredibly fascinating.”

At Henri Willig, he is given the freedom to conduct independent research whilst also learning a great deal from colleagues with a wide range of knowledge and experience.

Dreams for the future

Casper hasn’t quite let go of his dream of one day becoming a dairy farmer himself. At the same time, he’s also looking more broadly at the opportunities within the sector.

“My course doesn’t just prepare me for practical work, but also for roles such as consultant or researcher. That’s why I’m now trying to take a broad view of where my interests and opportunities lie. I’m not ruling anything out, really.”

Will Henri Willig be part of that in the future?

“Who knows,” says Casper. “Above all, I’m trying to follow my enthusiasm and continue to develop myself.”

Outside of studies and work placements

When Casper isn’t busy with his studies, research or work on the farm, he likes to get on his road bike.

“An hour’s cycle and you’ve covered forty or fifty kilometres in no time. I love that. Just being outdoors and clearing your head.”

Working on something that matters

What appeals most to Casper about his work and studies is the feeling that he’s contributing to something valuable.

“Producing food remains essential. At Henri Willig, I see a strong focus on quality, sustainability and the story behind the product. That makes it an interesting place for me to gain experience.”

With his combination of practical experience, curiosity and enthusiasm for the agricultural sector, Casper is a fine example of how different backgrounds come together at Henri Willig. And although his future plans are not yet fully set in stone, one thing is clear: his passion for dairy farming and sustainable food production is the common thread running through them all.