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XtraBlatt Issue 01-2018

  • Text
  • Machinery
  • Krone
  • Forage
  • Silage
  • Maize
  • Menschen
  • Farmers
  • Contractor
  • Agricultural
  • Dairy

MENSCHEN ON-FARM RUBRIK

MENSCHEN ON-FARM RUBRIK The principle of sustainability with all food and feed produced applies within the entire farm. Thus, almost all milk is processed into cheese and then marketed: a range that includes around 22 different Demeter varieties plus quark, spreading cheese and yoghurt. The resultant whey ends up in the troughs of 24 feeding pigs kept in an open “comfort” sty. The ham from the pigs, as well as meat from culled cows, ends in the farm salami. Grain grown on the farm is partly used in the Münzinghof bakery for bread and pastryware. Vegetables can be sourced from the farm greenhouses, that are also used as nurseries for seedlings and flowers. Incidentally, some of the plants and organic vegetables are in great demand from numerous customers over a wide area. “Regionality, sustainability and inclusion are not just trendy words for us. We live this concept every day. Quite simply, I like the cycle, because it represents my convictions as a farmer”, emphasises Peter Blancke. Naturally, the cycle economy on its own is not sufficient for economic survival. Münzinghof receives financial support for every person with special needs living and working there. To this can be added the profits made by the individual workshops. “In fact, with 115 internal and external colleagues on our payroll we are the biggest employers in the Velden district. On top this come the people with special needs that live here”, explains Peter Blancke. Special challenges are the regular investments needed, particularly the larger ones for bigger machinery or for buildings. After all, it is not possible to apply the same financial efficiency measurements as in a purely profit-oriented business. “Something like 20% of required investment capital is earned by our workshops, approx. 80% comes from the appropriate institutes that support the establishment of work places for those with A bakery is also part of the community. There, farm-grown grain is used and a large selection of breads and other bakery ware marketed. special needs”, he adds. The farm business forms the exception in this respect with just 20% of capital coming from supporting institutes. “For our agricultural enterprise we receive no more financial assistance than does any other organic farm. Everything we invest in this case has to come from farm earnings.” Very pleasing is, however, the support received from outside enterprises, for instance a number of farm machinery manufacturers that sometimes offer price reductions. These also can earn the companies tax deductions. Peter Blancke is proud of the fact that the economical and marketing concepts have worked out so well and that the agricultural business within the commune makes a profit. “This was not the case 15 years ago. Organic and modern are, after all, not so contradictory”, he concludes. 30

Series: “Prevention instead of cure” CORRECT FEEDING An optimal feed quality is basis for good animal health and high milk yield. But even with the actual feeding of the ration there are clear factors for success. In part 2 of our series, vet André Hüting pinpoints the key aspects. 31