Despite heavy rains the strawberry grower Hanne Bockmann has the opportunity to reflect to a successful harvest after the conclusion this season. “In terms of yield, we’re content. Also, we were hit with severe hail, rain and frost this year which, fortunately, only caused small losses and damage. This is why we did not have a problem,” says Bockmann, who has seven different varieties of plants in both open as well as tunnel cultivation located in the middle of the Osnabruck region.

Hanne Bockmann and Janne Bockmann have been in charge of the family business from 2021.

Like other seasons, the first tunnel-grown strawberry varieties of those of the Flair as well as the Clery varieties were picked at the beginning of April or at the end of May. “Because the two varieties were both in the process of being harvested at exactly the same time it was possible to provide larger amounts at the beginning of the growing season. The first strawberries that were grown outdoors were harvested on the 15th of May that’s very early.” In this case, too, there ample quantities of strawberries in the beginning, and self-picking fields could be ready to be harvested earlier.

The top varieties within the range of this farm are Falco as well as Flair. There are also Limalexia Clery, Cadenza, Ravellia Malwina, Faith varieties are also grown. “We are in a good position to grow our operation with the waiting beds and the timing crops,” states the company’s management.

Price level that is satisfactory

In mid-June there was a minor in the field of strawberries throughout Germany during two or up to three weeks. Bockmann continues. “However because of our forward-looking crop that we could create enough produce all through.” The effects of inflation are also being evident in the strawberry industry. “Strawberries have been deemed something of a luxury item in certain circumstances; this is most evident when it comes to direct marketing. But, we provide our customers a wide range of sizes of packaging, ranging ranging from 250 grams to huge packs of 4 kg, in order to allow everyone to have the money to buy our strawberries.” But, the popularity of direct marketing has been to fall since the high coronavirus outbreak in 2020. There’s been a notable rise in the interest for self-picking in particular during the beginning stage.

Most of the yields (approx. 80 percent) are delivered to German retail stores through the traditional market partner Frutania. Bockmann: “Prices have also been fluctuating quite a bit in the past year. Prices were just a bit higher than the previous average. With the recent price hike price, it is essential to increase prices so that production will continue to make money.” Regional strawberries are now in stock for another week. “We are likely to finish this season around the week of 35. That’s approximately a week later than in the past.”

Overview of the brand new arrangement for harvest workers

Plans for investments

Bockmann Erdbeeren GmbH & Co KG has been cultivating and selling raspberries, strawberries and other fruits through its own farms since the last fifty years. Since the year 2021 the business of the family has been running smoothly and growing into the next generation. In the year of 2021, a new accommodation was constructed for workers. An administration building was also constructed. being planned for the following big construction. “Growing outside berries is becoming ever more challenging because of various conditions, including the weather that is unpredictable. Over the long term, protected cultivation is also expected to increase there. We are trying to invest in this field,” concludes Hanne Bockmann.

Pictures: Bockmann Erdbeeren GmbH & Co.KG

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Hanne Bockmann

Bockmann Erdbeeren GmbH & Co KG

Schwagstorfer Eue 15

D- 49179 Ostercappeln-Schwagstorf

Phone: +49 (0) 5473 .95 97 830

Fax: +49 (0) 5473. 95 97 836

Email: [email protected]

www.boeckmannerdbeeren.de