SENSATION in the manure stable: Young people swap beach holidays for farming!
Gäufelden: Young people experience agriculture up close on family farms, develop their own skills and make friends.

SENSATION in the manure stable: Young people swap beach holidays for farming!
Imagine swapping the beach vacation for the smoky bliss of a farming adventure in a cowshed! INCREDIBLE, but that's exactly what 16-year-old Alexander Rischke from Gäufelden-Tailfingen did! He decided to work at the Rothfuß farm for two weeks in a unique test of character, and that made him a real everyday hero! buzzfeed.at reports that the teenage adventurer started feeding over 50 cows and calves as early as 7:30 a.m. - a true early bird challenge that could drive even the strongest youngsters crazy!
But what could convince a teenager to swap the comforts of a beach vacation for the squishy life on a farm? Rischke is part of the sensational “Landleben-live” program run by the Evangelisches Bauernwerk in Württemberg, which has been offering young people and young adults practical experiences on farms for over 20 years! No previous knowledge is required here – just pure CURIOSITY! Veronika Grossenbacher, who arranges the participants, explained that she introduces 60 to 70 young people to this breathtaking adventure every year!
A special kind of summer experience!
The challenge is overwhelming: early in the morning for milking, followed by harvest help and cleaning the milking robot - all while Rischke learns about the birth of a calf and becomes part of the Rothfuß family! These committed families keep him in their midst and benefit from his help in the high season, and all of this without a cent of wages, but only with modest pocket money! What’s happening here is sensational!
But it's not just about hard work! The intense personal connection that develops between participants and families is a shocking phenomenon that often creates lifelong friendships. While other young people are chilling on the beach with their friends, Rischke has become the Rothfuß family's right-hand man. “We would like to see more insights into agriculture for decision-makers,” says Kathrin Rothfuß, with heartfelt gratitude for the support Rischke provides.
A volunteer service in a class of its own!
Well, do you also dream of such an adventure? The Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) on beautiful farms offers the opportunity to gain this kind of experience! vausshof.de shows that applications begin in February and young people should apply early! If you want to experience the uniqueness of organic farming, you've come to the right place - internships starting at four weeks are possible!
FÖJ placements are characterized by their diverse focus areas: growing vegetables, keeping animals, working in farm shops and even in cheese dairies are just some of the exciting activities that this opportunity can offer! The company and living creatures live together harmoniously here, and the interns are part of this remarkable community. And since various farms act as certified learning locations, no one can deny that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that seems priceless!
In summary: Why enjoy the sun on a beach when real life on the farm offers exciting adventures? A country life that not only nourishes the soul, but also makes children and young people real heroes. And who knows? Maybe you'll be the next person to find the courage to do what your generation hasn't dared to do for a long time: take the leap into green adventure!
Take the chance and dare to have your own adventure on a farm – the FÖJ is waiting for you! Further information can be found at ich-will-foej.de. Take the first step and be enchanted by the honest, shocking and fascinating world of agriculture!