“Being a farmer and making cheese is a wonderful profession.”
Welcome to De Leidse Kaas Koe, the Versteegen family's dairy farm in Zoeterwoude. Theo and Ina run the farm with love and passion. Together, they care for their seventy cows every day and make cheese three days a week, including the authentic Leidse cheese that is characteristic of the region.
the cooperative
Cheese has been made on the farm since 1982. In 2025, Theo and Ina rejoined Coöperatie De Producent, a partnership that is not new to them. De Leidse Kaas Koe had already been a member for some time. Over the years, they have renovated and adapted their cheesemaking facility. They are happy to be part of the cooperative again, as it offers security and stability.
life on a farm
Both Theo and Ina grew up on a farm, so farming life is in their blood. Ina grew up in a family that already made cheese and dairy products, so cheesemaking is something she was very familiar with. Theo took over his parents' farm, where the cheese dairy was built later. Ina came to live on the farm thirty years ago, and together they began sharing the farm life. They lovingly care for their cows, make cheese and other dairy products, and run a farm shop on the property. The children, who no longer live at home, are ready to lend a hand when needed.
the future
They do not know what the future holds. The rules and requirements are changing, but as long as the work goes well, they continue to enjoy it, and their health allows, they will keep going. The profession itself is wonderful, and that's precisely why Ina and Theo keep doing it. Because if you enjoy something, you will keep going.
