From the Farm to the Table
Interview with Jörgen Hemme, Managing Director of Hemme Milch GmbH & Co. Vertriebs KG
Almost unique in the dairy industry, Hemme Milch GmbH & Co. Vertriebs KG covers the entire value chain, from calf rearing to ready-for-sale dairy products. Wirtschaftsforum spoke with Managing Director Jörgen Hemme about why they do not supply to the industry and how an entire herd is digitalized.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Hemme, your operation unites over 400 years of dairy tradition. What have been the most important milestones during this long period?
Jörgen Hemme: The foundation for our company today was laid in 1589. I myself took over the business 30 years ago in the 18th generation from my father. Until then, we were an agricultural mixed operation with livestock, crop production, and forestry. Today, we focus entirely on dairy farming and the production of dairy products in our own factory. In 1992, we began delivering milk bottles to the doors of up to 4,000 private households. Then came the shift to retail grocery trading, which is now our core business.
Wirtschaftsforum: Does that mean you only sell directly to the trade and not to the processing industry?
Jörgen Hemme: Exactly, that is almost unique in Germany. There are 57,000 farms with dairy animals in Germany, but 98% of them supply the dairy industry. That was a very conscious decision for us, our heart is in direct processing at our own farm factory, which significantly distinguishes us from other farmers.
Wirtschaftsforum: Does this mean you cover the entire value chain within your own operation?
Jörgen Hemme: Yes, we process the raw milk directly on the farm and can thus independently control each step, from raising the calves through our own feed cultivation and the farm-owned dairy to the fresh, ready-for-sale dairy product. Animal welfare and health are our top priorities. We use exclusively our own organically produced feed, which is 100% free of genetic engineering. The depth of our production is unique. There has been a trend towards regionalization for some years now; we were among the first to embrace it.
Wirtschaftsforum: So, does your connection to the Wedemark region pay off?
Jörgen Hemme: Yes, definitely. In our catchment area, you won’t find another operation that combines such a large production depth with high animal welfare and state-of-the-art processing. Due to the short distances, we are one week ahead of bigger competitors. This helps us to stand our ground against industrial providers. People associate us with a positive attitude towards regional agriculture, and towards animal and environmental welfare.
Wirtschaftsforum: What would you identify as the main factors for your success?
Jörgen Hemme: Our industry has a long tradition; we think in generations. At the same time, we utilize modern management techniques, including digital tools. For instance, we have developed an online booking tool for farm tours and events at the farm. Moreover, we have virtually digitalized the entire herd; the health data of each individual cow is monitored in real time: heartbeat, temperature, digestion, movement patterns. When there are deviations, the animal pops up on the monitor.
Wirtschaftsforum: What are your goals for Hemme Milch?
Jörgen Hemme: Initially, my hope was to become a strong North German brand, which I have achieved and my vision has been realized. The future is challenging in every way, but we are shaping it with an active approach to regional agriculture and a positive attitude towards people, animals, and nature.