“When I look around the region, I see a clear advantage for farmers in being part of DMK. In my opinion, the bureaucratic requirements for milk collection are low and all suppliers receive the same milk price. That's not the case elsewhere. And of course I know what it means to be part of the largest dairy cooperative, with different catchment areas and conditions. 

The company is like a big cruise liner that takes a long time to change course. There have also been some decisions in the past that I have not been happy with, such as the construction of the tower in Zeven. The fluctuating milk price has also affected me. But I remain optimistic when I look at DMK now and see where the ship is heading. I think the division into business units makes sense, because each unit is responsible for itself, but works together like a cluster of intelligent insects. I also think it makes sense to invest in sustainability, as long as it remains economically viable. 

What I'm thinking of here is the Altentreptow site, which wants to supply itself with a biogas plant, or the introduction of plant-based alternatives - I think that's good. Of course, as a milk producer, I had to take a deep breath at first, but if it helps me stay on the retailers' lists, I'm happy. At the end of the day, it helps to be part of a dairy that is also internationally diversified. Not to be underestimated is the fact that the milk money always comes on time and gives me a lot of planning security.

As a member of the advisory board, I make sure that there is a meaningful exchange with the management and that I gain insights into the complex structure of a global player that you don't necessarily see from the outside. I appreciate the exchange with our CEO Ingo Müller. I can see that he comes from a farming background, is passionate about the dairy industry and is not just another top manager moving from company to company.”