Josef Pfeffer

When managing his land, Josef places great importance on treating the soil with care. He focuses on regenerative and conservation-oriented farming practices, completely foregoing tillage – the soil is almost never plowed or turned. Planting and harvesting are carried out as gently as possible. He only drives when the weather permits, adjusts tire pressure, and tries to avoid compaction as much as possible. His basic principles are: no tillage – the soil remains undisturbed, thus promoting soil life; continuous soil cover with living plants, roots, or dead plant matter; and the cultivation of cover crops and undersown crops with up to 15 different plant species, including winter-hardy and frost-resistant varieties. A natural helper on the land is also a great asset – the earthworm, whose importance for the soil he particularly values. For him, ecology and economy go hand in hand – the success is evident in his fields: insect diversity, wild bees, many bird species and healthy soil that enables long-term agricultural use.