After losing the brother: Lena Bernhard starts new path in the agricultural economy

After losing the brother: Lena Bernhard starts new path in the agricultural economy

In a small town in the Prenzlau area, more precisely in Stegemannshof, the Bernhard family tells a touching story about loss and new beginning. After the tragic death of her brother Karl-Friedrich in October 2022, young Lena Bernhard made a pioneering decision. Instead of continuing her initial pharmacy studies, she is now devoting herself to the agricultural economy in Neubrandenburg. Here she not only draws personal motivation from her fate, but also a deeply rooted family tradition.

The Bernhard family manages their farm with dedication and passion. Around four hectares of strawberries are grown on the family business, which is conducted with commitment and love for agricultural tasks. About 80% of these fruits are harvested by self -pickers, which not only reduces the workload, but also creates a special connection to customers.

a new way in agriculture

Lena, who enjoys natural sciences and quickly incorporates into her new study field, even takes over tutorials in chemistry. Her bachelor's degree in agricultural economy is in a half years, and it is already actively integrated into the family business. Despite the challenges with which the family is fighting, such as the high summer temperatures that endanger strawberry cultivation, the family looks optimistically into the future.

The everyday concerns of a family that runs an agricultural company are complex. There is no uniform definition for family -run agriculture, but they are the backbone of many rural communities. According to Eurostat, agricultural companies are defined as such that at least 50 % of the workers put from their own family, and this is the case with the Bernhards. Such companies not only secure a living, but are often across generations and are inherited within the family. Agrar rooms emphasizes that over 93 % of the agricultural businesses are managed by business managers and family members. Despite the decline in classic family businesses in Germany - around 80 % since the 1940s in West Germany - the Bernhard family remains a shining example of the continued relevance of this traditional structure.

daily challenges and future plans

The challenges are not just climate. In order to optimally market the harvest, the family regularly informs its customers on the website and plans to improve their communication strategies through social media. Christian Bernhard's mother actively supports the family by taking care of telephone inquiries and also taking care of the physical well -being.

The cohesion in the family is not only an emotional anchor, but also the key to breaking new ground in agriculture. Regardless of the grief for Karl-Friedrich, the Bernhards underline the importance of community and the belief in a positive future. Around one tonne strawberries leave their farm every day, despite the challenges that the weather and the market situation bring. Destatis What also benefits from the Bernhards, because the organization of the processes and resources is crucial.

Full of determination and hope, the Bernhards look into the future and are still an epitome of family agriculture in the Uckermark. With new ideas and fresh approaches, the family is convinced that it has grown to the challenges and in the long run can make a sustainable contribution to agriculture.