Until last year he passed on his life’s work – and more land than most dare to dream of – to his daughter.
In a deal worth almost DKK 200 million.
Now the 76-year-old farmer Per Kirketerp has died. This appears from an obituary from the family.
When Nordjyske published an overview of North Jutland’s largest landowners last year, Per Kirketerp’s name was to be found at number nine.
He had 12.9 km2 of agricultural land and 20 properties, all located in the vicinity of Sindal.
Lived in an old manor house
Per Kirketerp is not known to the general public, but he has played a significant role in the development of Danish agriculture. Together with his brother, Aksel Kirketerp, he was particularly noted for the decision to import pigs of the Duroc breed to Denmark.
A breed that became a regular part of the Danish breeding program for pigs, and where the waiting time to be able to buy a Duroc boar from Per Kirketerp’s herd was up to several months.
In 1986, Per Kirketerp and his wife, Kirsten Kirketerp, bought the Høgholt manor, a listed building from the 16th century located just outside Sindal. They completely renovated it and moved in in 2002.
Since then, Per Kirketerp expanded the manor with a piggery, just as he bought a large number of agricultural properties and added both wind turbines and biogas to his business portfolio.
In January 2023, he handed over his life’s work to his daughter, Karen Kirketerp, in a deal worth DKK 194 million. The deal included a total of 16 properties as well as movable property and operating equipment.
Karen Kirketerp, in addition to being a pig producer, has run Sindal Biogas together with her husband, Morten Glenthøj. The couple sold the majority of shares in the company to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners earlier this year, but are still involved in the biogas plant, whose ambition is to become one of Denmark’s largest.
2024-10-31 08:56:00
#North #Jutlands #largest #landowners #died
**Interview with Søren Madsen, Agricultural Expert at the Danish Agriculture & Food Council (DAFC)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Søren. There’s been some significant news out of North Jutland regarding the passing of farmer Per Kirketerp, who was one of the region’s largest landowners. Can you share your thoughts on his impact on Danish agriculture?
**Søren Madsen:** Thank you for having me. Per Kirketerp leaves behind an impressive legacy in Danish agriculture. With 12.9 square kilometers of land, he was a key figure in production, not just locally but also in the broader context of our agricultural output in Denmark.
**Editor:** Indeed, and it’s notable that he passed on such a vast estate to his daughter in a substantial deal. How does land ownership like Kirketerp’s influence agricultural production and innovation in Denmark?
**Søren Madsen:** Large landholdings, like those of Kirketerp, can drive efficiency and innovation, as they often have the resources to invest in advanced agricultural techniques and sustainability practices. At the DAFC, we encourage this kind of investment to maintain Denmark’s leadership in sectors like grass, clover, and horticultural seed production.
**Editor:** Speaking of production, how does Denmark stand in the global agricultural arena, especially in seed production?
**Søren Madsen:** Denmark is a world leader in this area, thanks to our favorable climate, innovative farmers, and a strong emphasis on research and development. The work of farmers like Kirketerp is instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve, making us a significant player on the global stage.
**Editor:** As a final thought, what do you think will be the future direction for Danish agriculture, especially after the loss of a figure like Per Kirketerp?
**Søren Madsen:** His passing is a loss, but it also highlights the importance of succession planning in agriculture. The future will rely on younger generations who are willing to embrace sustainable practices and technology. The ongoing support from organizations like DAFC will be crucial in helping these new farmers grow and innovate.
**Editor:** Thank you, Søren, for sharing these insights with us. It’s clear that figures like Kirketerp play a significant role in the fabric of Danish agriculture.
**Søren Madsen:** Thank you! It’s important to celebrate their contributions while also looking to the future.
