"Leaving gender stereotypes behind"

"Now that we've broken free from overly restrictive expectations and stereotypes as a couple, we have so much more freedom, opportunity and joy in our farming work. I hope that many more people in the farming sector can experience this."

Her career

"I trained as a forester and initially worked in forest conservation. Later, I worked as a consultant on landscape conservation agreements.

Since 2016, my husband and I run a farm in the southern Black Forest. We are both career changers and have searched for land in the local area. We are therefore dependent on various lease agreements."

A lifelong calling

"I've always been drawn to farming. My parents weren't farmers, but I grew up in a village and have always loved the company of animals. 

Since I really enjoy eating high-quality food, the next logical step for me was to start producing it myself.

Being a farmer is a lifelong commitment that can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires sacrifices."

Her challenges

"Becoming a female farmer is challenging enough, but finding and running a farm without inheriting a family business is even more difficult.

My husband and I divide the tasks between us according to our interests, rather than traditional gender roles. Of course, I can put my professional knowledge of promoting biodiversity to good use here. 

However, farming isn't a hobby for us; it's our livelihood."