“Our goal is to generate most of our income from agriculture. To achieve this, we need fair prices.”
Gabi and Beat Schürch run their organic dairy farm, fodder production, and crop cultivation in the Bern canton. The couple has four children, aged between 15 and 23, and they place great importance on taking regular days off and one to two weeks of vacation per year. However, making this possible requires extra effort.
Farm Work Never Stops
There is always work on the farm, so Beat works between 60 and 70 hours per week—ten hours a day, and “only” five hours on Sundays. The minimal daily work required in livestock farming is unavoidable. Gabi works about 35 hours per week on the farm, but the transition between household chores, farm work, and gardening is often seamless, making it difficult to separate responsibilities precisely.
Vacation is Essential
Gabi and Beat manage to take one to two weeks of vacation annually, depending on whether they can arrange a replacement. In 2022 and 2024, they were able to take two consecutive weeks off because their son, trained as a farmer, could step in for them.
“We are both recognized as independent entrepreneurs and run the farm as partners. We make investment decisions together and share income equally.”
Time Away from the Farm is Crucial
Although they are accustomed to a high workload, Gabi and Beat consider days off and vacations very important. “Leaving the farm allows us to see things from a different perspective and truly disconnect from daily life.”
While they used to rely on Beat’s father for backup, they are now more tied to the farm. A few years ago, they decided to hire a part-time worker (40% employment). “This gives us more freedom,” they say. However, due to labor shortages in agriculture, finding a qualified worker can be challenging.
Constant Changes and Social Expectations
The biggest challenge for them is the ever-changing regulations in the sector. “There is always the fear that we might have missed something. If an inspection reveals a mistake, it can lead to financial consequences.”
They also feel pressure from societal expectations. “We give our best every day, but sometimes it feels like it is never enough. Due to political debates about animal welfare and water quality, we have been accused in the past of animal exploitation and environmental pollution,” says Gabi. Currently, the situation is calmer in this regard.
At times, they feel discouraged by the weak demand for sustainable products. “For example, after switching to organic production, we had to sell our milk as conventional for six months because there wasn’t enough demand.”
Financial Challenges
In recent years, rising input costs have been a major issue. “Milk prices increased in 2022, but higher energy and raw material costs immediately consumed those profits,” the couple explains.
Security and Insurance
Beat and Gabi have accident insurance, life insurance, and income loss insurance in case of illness or incapacity. “You never know if you will remain healthy or have an accident. It is difficult to talk about death, disability, or divorce when getting married or taking over a farm, but these issues need to be addressed in time.”
Gabi inherited the farm from her family as the sole owner. To clarify Beat’s status, they signed a prenuptial agreement, ensuring security for both of them.
To secure stable income in retirement, they started paying into a second pension pillar five years ago. “Before that, we couldn’t afford it because we had to invest in the farm.”
They also regularly consult experts before making important investments or changes. “We have always sought advice—before marriage, when our children were born, and now we work with advisors and trainers. Although these are additional costs, we believe they pay off in the long run through better business strategies.”
Income Varies from Year to Year
Agricultural income can fluctuate significantly. For example, in 2016, they had additional expenses for building a biogas plant, in 2019, they invested in a new mower, and in 2023, they faced unexpected costs for equipment repairs and re-sowing because crows ate the first planting.
Entrepreneurial Challenges
Gabi and Beat want to generate most of their income from farming. “To achieve this, we need fair prices. Only then can we develop the farm and secure funds for investments and pension savings.”
They also believe they need stability in legislation: “The rules of the game should not change from year to year. If we invest, we want to be sure of long-term profitability.”
As they approach the transition of the farm to the next generation in the next five to ten years, they carefully plan future investments. “If our son takes over the farm, the question will arise about how much longer we will work and how much income we will need outside of agriculture.”
Conclusion
Despite numerous challenges, Gabi and Beat run their farm with passion and dedication. “Without love for this work, we couldn’t endure it.”
However, they believe that farmers deserve greater support and recognition, both from consumers and the government, as well as from the food industry. “Everyone must contribute to ensuring that farming families are adequately rewarded for their work.”
At the same time, they believe that farmers should value their efforts and find ways to allow themselves more free time and a better balance between work and private life.”
Source: Fokus
Foto: Ilustration
