Just seven youths express interest in shepherding careers - A Scant Number of Youths Aspire to Take Up the Pastoral Profession
In the picturesque landscapes of Thuringia, a shift is underway to revitalize the traditional practice of sheep farming and its role in maintaining the region's natural beauty. According to recent reports, shepherds in Thuringia generate 60% of their income from landscape care with their animals, a fact that underscores the importance of this age-old practice.
However, the maintenance of riverside dikes in Thuringia is predominantly done mechanically instead of using sheep, as stated by Erl. This raises concerns about the impact on nature conservation, as declining sheep populations could potentially harm the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
To address this issue, Thuringia is considering innovative solutions. One such approach is to actively involve young visionaries and foster youth participation in local decision-making related to agriculture and landscape care. This strategy, based on emerging examples of youth engagement in the region, aims to motivate more young people to enter the field.
Promoting awareness about the importance of sheep farming for sustainable landscape management and providing support to young shepherds are key components of this strategy. Practical initiatives, such as mentorship by experienced farmers and demonstration projects with young shepherds, can inspire new generations.
Furthermore, collaboration with educational and agricultural institutions to offer training and career pathways in shepherding and ecological farming can build skills and interest. By linking shepherding with ecological conservation and rural development efforts, a compelling narrative is created that may attract environmentally conscious young people.
The Shepherd's Day event, a long-standing tradition in Thuringia, serves as a platform for showcasing these practices. Visitors can watch shepherds and their flocks on meadows, while shepherds demonstrate their skills during the state championship, using their own dogs and a foreign flock.
While the specific policies and programmes for Thuringia remain to be detailed, these principles of youth engagement and local involvement reflect promising approaches to tackle rural labor shortages and ensure sustainability in sheep farming and landscape care. For more information about the Shepherd's Day event, please visit [https://www.schaeftag-thueringen.de/].
Interestingly, in neighbouring Brandenburg, long-term contracts with sheep farmers for river dike maintenance are already in place. This could serve as a model for Thuringia in the future.
[1] Source: https://www.landwirtschaft-online.de/nachrichten/landwirtschaft/schafer-in-thueringen-gross-teil-der-ertrage-kommt-von-landschaftspflege-100616428 [2] Source: https://www.landwirtschaft-online.de/nachrichten/landwirtschaft/junge-schafer-in-thueringen-und-ostfranken-inspirieren-neue-generationen-101121508
- The community of Thuringia is contemplating the integration of vocational training programs for shepherding and ecological farming, aiming to provide education and self-development opportunities, and attract finance-minded individuals interested in sustainable business and promising careers in these fields.
- As part of the community policy in Thuringia, efforts are underway to establish partnerships with vocational training institutes to offer comprehensive vocational training in shepherding and ecological farming, ensuring a skilled workforce for the preservation of landscapes and the sustainability of businesses in these sectors.
