A close relationship with our partners for a better overall process
For Partners we offer the latest developments and innovations: Advances in harvesting equipment, current trends in shipping logistics and advice.
Our farmers are like external employees and are part of the family
Our farmers are part of the Steinicke family. Steinicke’s circle of growers includes 50 farms from the surrounding area, and we have been working with many farmers for more than 20 years. In recent years, however, new farms and farm managers have also joined us, specializing in the cultivation of fresh herbs and vegetables in their fields. The proximity of the farms to each other and to Steinicke creates a strong connection and cooperation.
Another outstanding feature of the Steinicke philosophy is the short communication channels and flat hierarchies. Both the agricultural advisor and the management maintain close contact with the farmers. This uncomplicated and direct communication contributes to successful cooperation. The farmers attach great importance to the quality of their products, as they know that this is the only way to ensure successful marketing at Steinicke. The result of this successful partnership is therefore: “Happy Steinicke – happy farmer!”
Advice and support in sowing, care and harvesting
Steinicke offers comprehensive advice and support for farmers in the areas of sewing, care and harvesting. Steinicke’s agricultural advisor is always on hand to offer advice and support to farmers and encourages communication between them. Regular meetings with the management and farmers, such as the growers’ meetings and training courses, where important topics are discussed, are an integral part of communication.
Successful drying of healthy herbs and vegetables can only be achieved through close cooperation. In addition, Steinicke continuously invests in innovative technologies for chopping and cultivating crops. This includes the provision of state-of-the-art technology such as FarmDroid and SpotSprayer, which help farmers to efficiently maintain their fields. The development of new varieties and drying trials for different crops to improve crop rotation are also part of Steinicke’s activities. These investments are an important step into the future for the company and offer farmers sustainable solutions.
Another important element of Steinicke’s work is its close cooperation with local agricultural and government institutions. This cooperation ensures that Steinicke and the farmers are always informed about the latest changes in areas such as seed, fertilization, plant protection and legal requirements. The regular exchange enables this information to be disseminated and implemented quickly and effectively.
Harvest calendar and delivery timing
The harvest calendar result from the sowing date, which is adapted to the soil and vegetation conditions as well as to the drying schedule of the drying plants.
Production begins as early as March/April with the harvest of spinach, chives and asparagus, as these permanent crops are the first to be harvested each year. However, fresh herbs that are sown take around 80 to 100 days to germinate and grow. Because the soil can usually only be worked from mid-March and the necessary temperatures are not reached until then, these herbs cannot become harvested before June. If the seeds are sown later in April, the harvest is delayed until the end of June. Vegetables, especially cabbage, are planted, so that they are fully developed and ready to harvest in autumn. From June to the end of September, fresh herbs can be cut several times before production provides additional capacity for other crops such as leek, cabbage or carrots.
Personal responsibility and marketing
Although the farmers working with Steinicke act in close coordination with the company in their fields, they take responsibility for their own cultivation. The selection of varieties and the extent of cultivation are determined jointly, as is the care of the crops. However, the responsibility for the use of inputs necessary for successful cultivation lies with each farmer individually.
The situation is similar regarding marketing: only a few farmers actively market their business. Although this is largely their own responsibility, many are prepared to present their cultivation results and success to Steinicke as part of presentations. Whether these are groups of visitors or Steinicke customers, the farmers are always happy to provide explanations about cultivation and present their contribution.
Seed and application calendar for farmers
There is no special seed and sowing calendar for farmers. Instead, the conditions for sowing are determined by the trafficability of the soil and the joint experience of the farmer and Steinicke. Sowing is therefore carried out in consultation and is primarily based on the condition of the soil and Steinicke’s harvest calendar. The sowing quantities are agreed between the farmer and Steinicke, whereby the latest findings from trials by agricultural institutions and Steinicke’s own trials are exchanged and considered.
Would you like to become a supplier or producer?
Become part of the Steinicke family and provide the basis for our products
