‘Determination, confidence and flexibility’ essential for new entrants to ensure successful takeover

Magdalena and Christoph Zelder were two young agricultural graduates when they took the plunge, buying and taking over a dairy farm in Wittlich in the west of Germany from a retiring farmer. From the very beginning, Magdalena tells us that “determination, confidence and flexibility” have been essential to their success as new entrants into farming. Their journey has not always been straightforward, but almost 13 years later they are still innovating and adapting the business as needed. In 2026, the couple will open a creche on the farm, providing much-needed rural childcare and supporting generational renewal.

Diversification has been key: “Having several income streams can be essential when milk prices are low,” says Magdalena. So, alongside dairy production, Magdalena and Christoph run a range of educational activities. They believe in educating children about the realities of farming, and also in the power of the farm as a place of learning. The new creche builds on this educational offer, and is also a project to empower women, as Magdalena explains: “In rural areas, all too often, young women have to put their careers to one side. We want to provide a local childcare solution for young farmers and rural inhabitants.”

Another diversified form of income is through a local government scheme; the farm receives money to take local garden waste, which they transform into compost for their arable land. For several years, they also produced and sold eggs directly on the farm; however, for health reasons, they decided to end this activity.

In 2013, when Christoph and Magdalena decided to start their farming business, finding a suitable location was their first obstacle. Even though they both come from farming backgrounds, it was not possible to take over their family farms. After several years of searching and even starting a farm partnership which fell through, they were almost ready to give up. But, by chance, Christoph’s father met a local dairy farmer who was about to retire and wanted to sell his farm.

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