I’ve certainly struck up friendships
and deepened existing ones.
I believe a very, very important aspect is that
you’re not only a partner who
offers advice on farming, but you’re perhaps respected as a person, too.
The goal has always been
to do something good for the farm. And, of course, for KWS as well,
although that’s more of a secondary concern
because the most important thing is to help the farm achieve its goals.
I’m first and foremost the partner there.
I’ve worked with the farm of Hans-Werner Brinkmann,
now Brinkmann & Pförtner GbR, for ten years.
And I naturally knew its background
and that he had four sons.
My basic approach was to think about
who I might choose as a successor.
And I picked Johannes, the second-oldest.
He’s open, he has a rapport with people
and can reach out to them.
He therefore has everything you need.
I learned how to farm.
Then I attended the one- and two-year program at the technical college in Hildesheim.
Because my brother took over the running of our farm,
I went to one I knew in the neighboring town
and my main job is still there.
I’m responsible for arable farming there
and also began to
work for KWS.
When farmers have time is also when I usually have time,
so there’s not any great problem fitting everything into my schedule.
I’ve gotten to know a lot of farmers
because I was out and about with them and visited them at their farm.
That’s a huge advantage, certainly for the farmers.
If you’re a stranger,
it’s always a bit more difficult than if
you’re someone who has worked with the farms for a long time
and introduce someone else.
That’s actually been a pretty good combination
and, I believe, has gone over
very well with the farms. And it makes things quite a bit easier for me.
It’s definitely a fun experience to
follow in his footsteps.
and continue his work.
I think that goes over very well with the farms
and I’m really looking forward to taking over on my own,
completely on my own, at some point in the future.
The farmers are a lot of fun, and I eagerly anticipate the tasks ahead.