Rewind #7 - Running a profitable regenerative farm in Germany [Benedikt Bösel]

In this powerful rewind episode, we revisit the inspiring story of Benedikt Bösel, who took over his family’s 3,000-hectare estate in 2017 and embarked on a transformative journey to redefine farming. From a conventional organic farm to a thriving mosaic of agroforestry, holistic grazing, and biodiversity strips, Benedikt shares his vision for regenerative agriculture as a source of hope in an era of ecological and social challenges.

🎙️ Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Privilege and Responsibility of Farming

Benedikt reflects on the privilege of raising a family on a farm while emphasizing the urgent responsibility of farmers to adopt regenerative agriculture for a sustainable future.

2. Transforming a Family Estate

Taking over his 3,000-hectare farm in 2017, Benedikt embarked on a journey to replace pine monocultures and industrial farming practices with agroforestry, holistic grazing, and biodiversity-driven systems.

3. A Moment of Realization

A drought-stricken landscape led Benedikt to abandon technology-focused solutions like drones and blockchain, shifting his attention to soil health as the foundation of resilience and productivity.

4. Adopting Regenerative Practices

From reduced tillage and cover crops to composting and integrating livestock, Benedikt applies diverse regenerative farming methods to restore ecosystems, build soil health, and ensure profitability.

5. Understanding the True Costs of Farming

Highlighting the hidden ecological and social costs of industrial agriculture, Benedikt advocates for a farming model that accounts for these impacts, revealing the economic benefits of regenerative agriculture.

6. Integrating Livestock into Crop Systems

Livestock, especially cattle, play a vital role in his approach, using rotational and strip grazing to regenerate soil, enhance water retention, and increase biodiversity while producing sustainable meat.

7. Building Resilience with Crop Rotation

Benedikt emphasizes the importance of long, diverse crop rotations combined with cover crops and no-till methods to maintain soil cover, reduce erosion, and improve fertility.

8. Redefining the Role of Farmers

He addresses the declining social status and mental health challenges faced by farmers, calling for renewed recognition of their critical role in biodiversity, food production, and climate resilience.

9. Attracting the Next Generation to Farming

With an aging farming population, Benedikt envisions a future where younger generations reconnect with the land, seeing agriculture as a hands-on way to drive positive environmental and social change.

10. Hope for the Future through Regenerative Agriculture

Benedikt shares his optimism that farming systems rooted in regenerative principles can rebuild ecosystems, combat climate change, and create a thriving, sustainable future.

This episode is a testament to the incredible potential of regenerative agriculture to heal landscapes and strengthen communities. If you’re curious about how farming can lead the fight against climate change, build biodiversity, and spark a renaissance of hope and purpose, this conversation is not to be missed.

🌱 Why Listen?

Whether you’re a farmer, environmentalist, or simply curious about how agriculture can combat climate change, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Benedikt’s approach is proof that regenerative agriculture isn’t just a dream—it’s a necessity.

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