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Farmer of the Year 2023 Martin Stiegler shows Federal Minister Özdemir his pioneering ideas
BBV representatives address the concerns of Middle Franconian agriculture
19.08.2024 | In 2023, Martin Stiegler from Cadolzburg (Fürth district) was named “Farmer of the Year”. Now Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir – together with BBV President Günther Felßner and other BBV representatives – has taken a look at the young farmer’s showcase farm in Gonnersdorf.
On his Hof in Gonnersdorf near Cadolzburg, he combines chicken farming with a special crop – hazelnuts. The poultry eats the larvae of the hazelnut borer, a pest. The chickens also fertilize the soil, which benefits the bushes. This means Stiegler can do without chemical plant protection for his hazelnut bushes. These, in turn, offer the chickens natural protection from birds of prey such as hawks. The animals are placed in a mobile stable overnight.
In addition, Stiegler wants to install solar panels over his hazelnut fields. The so-called agri-PV system has already proven itself in a model test with hops. The elements are translucent, so they do not harm the hazelnut bushes. This would mean that the resourceful farmer would be able to grow plants, keep animals and generate sustainable electricity on one area. But he is not satisfied with that. The surplus electricity should be used sensibly or stored.
For the Federal Minister’s visit, the Schaeffler Group provided an electrolyzer that will convert solar power into hydrogen in the future. BMW presented the hazelnut farmer with its pioneering ideas and a hydrogen vehicle of the latest generation.
The BBV used this opportunity to explain the problems and concerns of Middle Franconian agriculture to the Federal Minister of Agriculture. BBV President Günther Felßner, District Manager of Middle Franconia Ottmar Braun, District President of Middle Franconia Peter Köninger and the District Farmer of Middle Franconia – Christine Reitelshöfer were on site for this purpose.
