Project info
Operator: Schulbauernhof Domäne Hochburg e.V.
founded 2007
8 volunteer employees, 10 volunteer member families as animal caretakers, as well as approx. 50 volunteer helpers
Contact: Stefanie Waldmüller, Managing Director
Location: Domäne Hochburg, Emmendingen / Germany
Project: Self-activity on the school farm – various day programs for primary and secondary school classes
Our funding:
Contribution to the costs of this project in the amount of € 5,000 for 20 events per year
Funding period: 2024 to 2026
Since 2006, kindergartens and school classes have been invited to the school farm to experience agriculture at first hand. Originally conceived as a simple farm tour, the educational program has steadily expanded. The association was founded in 2007 and now holds over 200 events a year, in which more than 3,000 children take part.
The focus is on meeting farm animals and actively engaging with food production.
In this way, children are introduced to a conscious approach to consumption and the environment in order to develop them into responsible consumers of the future.
The project operator
Domäne Hochburg, situated at the foot of a historic castle ruin, combines centuries-old agricultural tradition with a modern commitment to organic food production. In addition to providing agricultural services for the region and training young people, the Domäne also offers the public an insight into farming.
Since 2015, the Domäne Hochburg estate has been farmed biodynamically as a Demeter farm and provides high-quality food for the region. Around 75 dairy cows, which are milked daily, characterize the farm alongside grazing geese and chickens in mobile barns. The farm’s own fields provide grain and clover grass, while the fruit from the orchards is processed into juices.
The farm as a place of learning, the Domäne offers school classes direct experience with animals and insights into organic farming and food production.
Self-activity on the school farm
The school farm offers a variety of educational programs for primary and secondary schools to actively and sustainably experience agriculture. As part of the year-round farm exploration, the children get to know the farm’s buildings, animals and plants and take on tasks such as caring for the animals.
There are special themed activities depending on the season: In the “Herb Workshop”, fresh herbs are collected and processed, and in “From Egg to Chicken”, the children learn how chicks hatch and thrive. The “From Sheep to Wool” program teaches the processing of new wool, and “Up close with the cow” shows the journey of milk from cow to fresh cheese.
Depending on the season, there are also programs on apple harvesting and making bread and rolls from our own grain. All of the programs promote learning together, taking responsibility and an appreciation of food.
When learning on the farm, the children become active themselves and in the end are proud and happy about the new experiences they take away with them.
Stefanie Waldmüller, Managing Director of the association
Why we are committed to the project
The various programs offered to the school classes have a workshop character and allow the children to actively participate in the learning processes. We are also attracted by the appreciative approach to nature, animals and food.
The children experience first-hand and with all their senses how high-quality plant and animal products are produced for our benefit. They will probably carry this experience with them for a long time to come.
Outlook
We support the organization of 20 events per year in the years 2024 to 2026.
