Meeting for provincial sheep farmers: ‘It’s 2 to 12’

At an information evening about the wolf of the province of Drenthe in Fluitenberg, emotions ran high among sheep farmers. “Sheep farmers have a sad view of the future for their company,” says Harry Oosterman, chairman of the Drenthe Area Committee for the Prevention of Wolf Damage.

Two years ago, the province also organized an information evening about the wolf, but according to Oosterman this could not be compared to tonight, which attracted approximately 150 visitors. “The tension among the sheep farmers is starting to increase, and that translates into emotion. For them it is 2 to 12.”

On behalf of the province, deputy Egbert van Dijk spoke to concerned sheep farmers. “I have heard impressive stories, those present showed a lot of emotions and also blamed the province.” Van Dijk explained what the province can and cannot do against the wolf. “But the wolf is a protected animal, which means we can’t actually do anything.”

One of the sheep farmers present showed his desperation by saying that “he can’t last two more years” this way. Another added: “These are all nice words, but no one can help you. It’s the end of sheep farming.”

Van Dijk does see opportunities to better protect farm animals. “We point out to people the available funds for wolf-resistant measures. The number of ungulates behind a wolf-resistant fence has increased from 10 to 25 percent.” But according to Van Dijk, it remains a significant step for people to put cattle behind a fence.

Sheep farmers also do not always trust the measures proposed by BIJ12, the organization that handles wolf damage for the provinces. “Many people have doubts about the usefulness of wolf-resistant grids and nets,” explains Harry Oosterman. “For example, for large companies, networks are not workable. That is impossible to do in terms of working time.”

The province aims to make Drenthe a wolf-free region. “But first the protected status of the wolf must be lowered,” says Van Dijk. To date, no majority has been found in favor of this in Europe. “There is more money available to keep the wolf out.”

A solution for sheep farmers has not been found after tonight’s meeting, but Van Dijk has been given homework. “I will have discussions with BIJ12, have coffee with those involved and as a province we will present a new wolf strategy before the summer.”