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Wednesday’s Top 3: A farmer, Tractors, Heritage

Day 3 in Germany has come to its closed, and by far, was the busiest day.

Without further ado, let’s look at Wednesday’s Top 3.

Farmer

I had the chance to interview a farmer that works in a partnership with CLAAS today.  While he spoke through a translator, we were able to discuss weather, his crops and the EU’s climate regulations.  While he’s relatively small about 100 acres, he raised 150 bushel per acre wheat crop last year and that was average.  I was stunned compared to what we see in the US.  Many farms are small and custom farm with each other.  He told me the average German farm is about 600 acres.  He says climate change is real and it’s becoming harder to raise a good crop while managing EU climate regulations.  He said those regulations are supporting mid-sized farms and it’s hard for smaller operations to keep afloat. He said many companies have starter carbon sequestration opportunities.

Tractors

I had the opportunity to bring out the inner child and drive several tractors.  I was unable to take pictures and I cannot speak to any of the rides because they haven’t hit the US market.  So, I can’t talk about the busiest part of my day.  As we say in the broadcast business, stay tuned.

Heritage

I was originally going to share some thoughts about transmissions, but after a discussion with a local, I changed my mind.  One of the CLAAS executives shuttled us over to our brewery where we had a few drinks and supper.  I told him about my interest in history and we began talking about the second World War.  He said he was “ashamed” about what happened during the Holocaust and can’t fathom how people were able to pull off the genocide. He  says many people still talk about Hitler’s reign today and compare it with the Russia/Ukraine war.  He mentioned that he’s not concerned that Russian President Putin will advance further west, but empathized with Ukraine. As we were driving through towns, he mentioned that many families go to bed early or are not home because many are involved in community groups.  Many Germans start work early so they can get to their daily community after work. Then he finished our conversation with: “If we don’t know our history, then we are condemned to repeat it.”

Tomorrow, we are traveling from Germany to Le Mans, France for the rest of the trip.

More tomorrow.

  • As a retired farmer I love family heritage. My grandchildren are the sixth generation on the farm, first acreage purchased in 1886 by my great grandfather from his in-laws. When I got out of the Navy in 1970 , had to opportunity to tour Europe for a month a really admired their agriculture. I enjoyed your article on Germany
    Thank You

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