“I took over the farm from my parents this summer. I have been Managing Director for six years and make all the decisions. Our farm has existed for more than 300 years and I am the tenth generation. That makes me very proud.

My family has been supplying milk to DMK and its predecessors, such as Nordmilch, for many years. It almost sounds like tradition, but the above-average payment for the fat and protein milk components, and the opportunity to participate in various value-added programmes, are among the reasons why I supply to DMK. A few years ago, I decided to feed my 130 dairy cows GMO-free feed. DMK helped me to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles during the conversion and certification process. For me, using GMO-free feed is part of sustainable agriculture.

Another advantage of working with DMK is that, as a farmer, I can decide which value-added programmes I want to participate in. At the moment we don't meet the requirements for Farming Type 3. However, I find it very interesting and I am considering investing in my barn so that we can meet the requirements for Farming Type 3. 

In the future, I see challenges in the increasing demands on dairy farming. In terms of animal welfare, sustainability, climate protection and fair payment. To be honest, we farmers have already achieved a lot in the past when it comes to animal welfare. But change is a process and needs to continue. However, as a farmer I cannot make these changes alone and I need the support of DMK and society. What I mean is that the responsibility for sustainability and animal welfare cannot be borne by farmers alone. It starts with adequate payment for better animal welfare. For me to be able to implement this, consumers must demand it and the dairy must process it accordingly. Farmers must be willing to implement it on their farms. Everyone has a part to play in the change - you can't do it alone.”