A Mother and Daughter's Fight to Save Their Family Dairy Farm
A new documentary on ERF Jess channel follows a mother and daughter as they take over their family's dairy farm. Their journey began after the sudden death of their husband and father, leaving them to manage 108 hectares of land, forestry, and 80 cows. The film captures their daily struggles and emotional resilience in modern farming.
The women now handle every aspect of the farm, from milking and cleaning the barn to feeding the cows and managing milk production. Fieldwork adds to their long list of tasks, all while navigating the pressures of today's agriculture.
Since 2000, dairy farms in Baden-Württemberg have declined by roughly 40%. Many smaller operations have closed, while larger ones have expanded. Rising compliance costs, unstable milk prices, and supermarket pricing pressures have pushed farmers to modernise or exit the industry. Those who remain, like this family, have upgraded facilities and streamlined operations to stay competitive. Beyond the practical challenges, the documentary also shows their personal grief. The loss of their patriarch weighs heavily, yet they continue the work out of duty and determination. For them, running the farm is both a calling and a fight for survival.
The film highlights the realities of keeping a family farm alive in a changing industry. With fewer small farms remaining, their story reflects the broader struggles of dairy producers. Their commitment keeps the land and livestock going, despite the odds.
