Our Ingenhof

Welcome to Ingenhof! Nestled in the picturesque Holstein Switzerland, we combine high-quality farming with a sustainable approach. Our farm is a place where love of nature, environmental protection, and a passion for agriculture come together.

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The team is the most important thing for such a colorful, diverse farm to run smoothly.
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The animal inhabitants: ponies, donkeys, cats, a colorful flock of chickens, rabbits, ducks, Heidschnucke sheep...
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You can find current job openings here. We also welcome unsolicited applications.

A place full of history, values ​​and passion

Our roots

The Ingenhof has a rich history, deeply rooted in the region. Originally a traditional estate, it has undergone continuous transformation over time. A particularly significant development was the introduction of strawberry cultivation, which took our business in a new direction. With great dedication and a spirit of innovation, the farm has evolved from a traditional farm into a modern specialty crop operation.

We are proud of our past and carry the values ​​that have shaped us into the future: respect for nature, love of agriculture and close ties to our region.

Today

Today, Ingenhof is a modern farm with a focus on strawberries, raspberries, and wine. Quality is our top priority – and you can taste it. We want our customers to not only enjoy the finest products, but also know where they come from: directly from our fields in the region.

Sustainability is a central concern, and we work to operate in harmony with nature. With measures such as flower strips for insects, resource-efficient cultivation, and a circular economy, we demonstrate that agriculture can be sustainable.

Water management and circular economy

Water is one of our most valuable resources, and we consciously use it sparingly. By combining straw with adapted irrigation techniques, we minimize water consumption. At the same time, we combine fruit growing and arable farming in a closed cycle: The straw from wheat cultivation is used for our strawberry rows.

Climate-friendly management

We think sustainably – even in our daily processes. Whether in the use of machinery or in logistics, we do everything we can to reduce CO₂ emissions. Short delivery routes and regional marketing also contribute to climate friendliness.

Our cultivation methods are QS-certified, so we can guarantee the highest standards of quality and safety.

Sustainability in fruit cultivation

Our sustainable farming methods, such as promoting biodiversity and resource-efficient strawberry cultivation, are an integral part of what we do. Learn more about how we grow our fruit in harmony with nature.

LEARN MORE

Different pillars, one clear vision

Contrary to the trend toward specialization, we consciously focus on diversity. Strawberry cultivation has become one of our most important business areas, complemented by the vineyard we planted in 2008. With our vacation apartments, we have also oriented ourselves toward tourism and direct marketing. Arable farming, which supports crop rotation and keeps our strawberry plantations healthy, is a matter close to the heart of senior partner Wolfgang Engel.

A turbulent past – shaped by history

Our farm has a long and eventful history:

  • The early years: Malkwitz, the town where our farm is located, was first mentioned in 1215. The history of our farm began in 1868, when Mr. Blunck built the neoclassical house.
  • Strokes of fate and reconstruction: On the night of June 19-20, 1899, a fire destroyed two large barns. In 1923, the then owner, August Schröder, added another storey to the house and renamed the farm "Ingenhof" in honor of his wife.
  • A new beginning for the Engel family: In 1950, Oskar Engel began working at Ingenhof and led the business with his family through a period of great change. After another fire in 1968, the farm buildings were rebuilt on the original foundations.

Our philosophy

Our history demonstrates how change and progress are part of our farm. We have always remained true to our values: a love of agriculture, responsibility for the region, and respect for nature.

Today, we combine tradition with modern approaches, optimize our cultivation techniques, and continue to develop the farm in harmony with the environment. Our goal is to make Ingenhof a special place for future generations – for us, our guests, and nature.