After the loss of her brother: Lena's new start in agriculture

After the loss of her brother: Lena's new start in agriculture

In Stegemannshof, a small district of Prenzlau, there is a family that sticks together despite tragic circumstances and runs their farm with passion. The Bernhard family, consisting of Silke, Christian and the children Karl-Friedrich and Lena, manages their farm with a lot of commitment and love. The story took a dramatic turn when the son Karl-Friedrich, who already had the dream of becoming a farmer, had a fatal accident in October 2022. The loss has affected the family deeply and they find it difficult to talk about it, but they try to make the best of the situation.

Lena Bernhard, who originally wanted to study pharmacy, made a decision after her brother's death that would fundamentally change the direction of her life. She began studying agricultural economics in Neubrandenburg. That's not surprising, as she likes the natural sciences and is already active as a chemistry tutor. Her bachelor's degree is due in a year and a half, and Lena has already actively integrated into the family business.

A family business with tradition

In many cases, farming is run as a family business, which also applies to the Bernhard family. Agricultural area describes family businesses as organizations that are primarily run by one family. In doing so, they often secure the family's livelihood and finances. The family business in Stegemannshof is no exception: the children are actively involved here, and the goal is clear - to continue the farm in the Uckermark for future generations.

• Der Betrieb wird mit viel Einsatz und Engagement geführt.
• Familienbetriebe in Deutschland sind oft mit Herausforderungen wie dem Rückgang der Zahl zwischen 1940 und heute konfrontiert.
• Weltweit sind sie jedoch wichtig für die ländliche Entwicklung.

The Bernhard family is currently heavily involved in strawberry cultivation. Juicy strawberries grow here on around four hectares, around 80% of which are harvested by self-pickers. On peak days, around a ton of strawberries leave the farm every day. But the conditions are not always easy: high temperatures pose a challenge and can shorten the harvest season.

Challenges and future prospects

The family realized they needed to improve their communication to stay in touch with their customers. Christian Bernhard's mother takes care of telephone inquiries and supports the family by not only providing them with culinary delights, but also helping them overcome daily challenges. But together we are strong, and solidarity within the family is seen as the key to getting through these difficult times.

As the Statistical offices of Germany reported, the use of farms is often complex, but in places like Prenzlau the family usually remains closely connected to the region. The headquarters is essentially where the heart of operations beats, and for the Bernhards, this is the place of their cherished traditions.

With an optimistic look into the future, the Bernhard family shows that the challenges of modern agriculture can be mastered even in difficult times. Lena is ready to follow in her brother's footsteps and the entire family firmly believes that the Uckermark will continue to play an important role in agriculture in the future.