Making Of Shooting Regenerative agriculture

Visit to the Schönbächler Family in Rickenbach

Visits to farms that grow grain using regenerative methods are always a highlight.

There is great appreciation for our support of regenerative agriculture. Despite having plenty of work to do, the farmers generously take the time to introduce us to the methods of regenerative farming on their farms. From these visits, we take home a wealth of wonderful impressions, expanded knowledge about this sustainable farming method, and visual material for a video to share our experience with you.

This year, we visited Toni Schönbächler and his family twice on their farm in Rickenbach near Lucerne.

Most farms that practice regenerative production are organic farms. Not the Schönbächler’s – Toni produces under the IP-Suisse label. We see this as a strength of regenerative agriculture since it means many farms in Switzerland could begin using this cultivation method.

Permanent soil coverage

At their farm, the Schönbächlers grow ancient spelt, among other crops.

We visit Toni and his family in spring, right after the undersowing. Thanks to the undersowing, the field is green – far from lying fallow.

It’s almost unimaginable that this lush area will soon become a spelt field.

Permanent Soil Coverage

At their farm, the Schönbächlers grow ancient spelt, among other crops. We visit Toni and his family in spring, right after the undersowing. Thanks to the undersowing, the field is green – far from lying fallow. It’s almost unimaginable that this lush area will soon become a spelt field.

Around 12 weeks later, we visit Toni again.

How graceful the ripe spelt now stands in the field in the early morning light.

The undersowing is also clearly visible.

Nearby, a farmer grows ancient spelt using conventional methods. It’s particularly interesting to see how the soil looks with and without undersowing.

Toni explains the benefits of permanent soil coverage in the video.

We are delighted whenever more farmers in Switzerland switch to growing grain using regenerative methods.