Insects and algae as a future model
Pig farmers venture into new branches of business
Two farmers from Germany - one from the south, one from the north - have decided to break new ground: they are developing new branches of business alongside pig fattening with insect fattening and algae production. These are their experiences.
How can farms break new ground in order to position themselves for the future? In view of the difficult prospects for investment in animal husbandry, pig farmers in particular are asking themselves this question. Insect fattening and algae production are two possible branches of farming that are being discussed more frequently. But are they worthwhile?
High-quality protein from insects - the Krug family farm
In southern Germany, the Krug farming family cultivates around 300 hectares of land, keeps 2,200 fattening pigs, 750 breeding sows and operates a biogas plant with 1270 kW, supplying heat for 178 households. For around one and a half years, the fattening of insects has also been part of everyday farm life. To be more precise: fattening the larvae of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Around three tonnes of larvae are harvested every day, with a target of 4.5 tonnes - this is not only logistically challenging, but also involves a complex new system that the company has integrated itself.
Structured processes in larvae production
Five climate chambers ensure a daily rotation: every day a new chamber is set up and a chamber is harvested. The larvae grow for seven days in boxes measuring one metre by one metre under precisely coordinated conditions. They are fed with organic residues such as potato peelings or wheat bran - a contribution to the circular economy.
After fattening, the larvae and insect dung are emptied into a funnel and fed onto a sieve via a conveyor belt. There, the larvae are separated from the dry feed substrate, collected in boxes and temporarily stored in a refrigerated container. This process takes up to eight hours a day - a considerable change compared to pig fattening, where tasks can often be distributed more flexibly. Nevertheless, the farm sees great potential: “It is an additional line of business that makes us more independent - also from the fluctuations in the pig market”’ describes David Krug.
Use in pig feeding: animal welfare improved, cost issue unresolved
Insect larvae are already being used in pig feeding on our own farm - so far not for economic reasons, but to gain initial experience. The result: no measurable improvement in weight gain compared to soya, but a better appearance and a more stable immune system. The larvae provide animal protein that comes closer to the pigs' natural requirements than purely plant-based feedstuffs such as soya.
The catch: insect protein is currently around 50 per cent more expensive than soya. As long as the price of soya is low, its use is difficult to justify economically. In addition, the necessary refrigeration makes storage more difficult - an additional expense both logistically and financially.
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Diversifying with microalgae - Ulrich Averberg's farm
Ulrich Averberg from North Rhine-Westphalia has also established another innovative branch of production on his farm alongside pig fattening and arable farming: the cultivation of microalgae. Not as an exotic side project, but as a well thought-out answer to the question of how modern agriculture can open up new markets.
The path to the greenhouse
The heart of his algae production is a purpose-built greenhouse with a glass roof that uses sunlight as its central energy source - up to 80,000 lux on bright days. “There's no substitute for the sun,” says Averberg. The microalgae grow in water basins that are organised like a “plant barn”: structured processes, controlled conditions, daily monitoring.
The changeover began during the coronavirus period - with intensive learning phases and many trials. Today, he harvests from twice a month to daily, depending on the season. Processing takes place directly on site: drying, quality control, documentation.
Cooperation instead of solitary action
To secure sales, Averberg has founded the Deutsche Algen Genossenschaft eG (German Algae Co-operative) with other companies. The aim is to market together, share experiences and ensure product quality - because competition with Asian imports requires a strong quality promise. His vision: a future fund for innovative branches of farming - financed by farmers and supported by the industry.
What the two converters have in common
Despite all their differences, the two companies have a lot in common:
- Starting from a stable basis: Both deliberately reorganised themselves from existing, functioning structures - not out of necessity, but out of conviction.
- Clear time horizon: Investments were made with a multi-year planning horizon (5-10 years) - short-term returns were not the focus.
- Technical understanding: Both insect fattening and algae production require technical expertise, discipline and ongoing adaptation.
- Openness to co-operation: Both rely on partnerships - whether with technology partners or in cooperatives.
- Flexibility in thinking: Traditional concepts are scrutinised, new solutions are developed - and constantly adapted.
Conclusion: Agriculture remains in a state of constant change - and requires courage
Switching to alternative branches of farming such as insect fattening or algae production is not an easy step. It requires high investments, new knowledge, structured work and often a rethink of the farm organisation. But it also opens up new avenues: for greater sustainability, economic resilience and social acceptance.
Farmers such as Ulrich Averbeck and David Krug show that change is feasible - not as a break with tradition, but as further development. Their examples encourage us to examine new perspectives - and perhaps become part of a future-orientated agriculture ourselves.
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