Ausgerechnet Bauer!

Agriculture between bureaucracy, climate change, and society. One of the oldest and most important professions in the world is facing radical upheavals – and some even claim it is threatened with extinction. Farmers are increasingly in the public eye and are simultaneously confronted with multifaceted challenges and changes like never before. Although their field of work is constantly being written about, discussed, and debated, they themselves hardly get a chance to speak without being commented on and judged.

But how do farmers actually see themselves? What do they think about their lives and working conditions – and what about society and their role within it? What sense of self do they carry, and what vision do they have? Is their profession a curse, a blessing, or their deepest calling? In this book, ten farmers from various age groups and regions, from a straw pig farmer in Bavaria to a cabbage farmer in northern Germany, share their unique thoughts – recounting their experiences, wishes, fears, and doubts, as well as their courage and anger.

They describe what attracts them and gives meaning to their daily toil, and how they cope with the growing number of diverse demands and tasks. At the same time, they discuss the problems and changes they perceive in the outside world, and the value they believe they currently hold. Ultimately, their commitment to society is essential – but how do they envision the future for themselves?

The book provides thought-provoking insights into the realities of farmers from family-run agricultural businesses, authentically and genuinely – beyond the excitement of current discussions in Germany.

Contents: Looking inward: tasks, money, leisure, and experiences in the outside world. Looking upward: climate change, organic and ecological practices, politics.