About us
Jules Derks Piglet and Pig Trading has been a family business in Overasselt since 1984, founded by Jules and his brother Wil. The company grew to 1,200 sows and 7,000 piglet places, with its own breeding stock. Following the passing of founder Jules, his family, together with the team, continues to actively run the business.
The origins of Jules Derks
The company Jules Derks Biggen- en Varkenshandel is located at Valkstraat 28 in Overasselt. In 1984, this location housed a barn for 50 sows. Jules’s father, Wim Derks, had purchased this location. Wim ran a mixed farm with cows, chickens, pigs and arable farming.
Jules was 14 years old at the time and his brother Wil was 19. Together, they expanded the business. First, the number of sows grew to 200, then to 400 and finally to 850. Arable farming and piglet trading also developed strongly during this period.
Wil saw the expansion opportunities and future prospects for arable farming mainly in Eastern Europe. In 1998, Wil and Jules therefore travelled throughout Europe and eventually purchased large tracts of high-quality land in Hungary, just across the border with Austria. There they acquired 150 hectares of land.
Seven years later, in 2005, Wil decided to move to Hungary to live on the arable farm. The business grew considerably in the early years and continued to expand thereafter. From that moment on, the brothers decided to go their separate ways. Wil in Hungary and Jules in Overasselt. They always remained on very good terms.
Jules passed away unexpectedly in 2020. His wife Diny, together with their sons Hein, Wessel and Giel, company manager Nick and three permanent employees, has managed to keep the business going. Hein, Wessel and Giel are actively involved and share the ambition to further improve the company and expand it where possible.
