Turning Manure Into Power: A Visit to the Hof Lüttow Farm
Germany – January 15, 2025
By Karl-Friedrich Boy, PhD & José C. Briceño
In November 2024, Dr. Luis Peña-Lévano traveled to Europe to research advancements in dairy farming practices. As part of his trip, Dr. Peña-Lévano, accompanied by upcoming research fellow Dr. Boy, visited the Hof Lüttow Farm–a forward-thinking Dutch dairy farm now thriving in Eastern Germany.
The Hof Lüttow Farm stands out as a remarkable example of sustainable agriculture. Originally based in the Netherlands, the farm made a strategic decision in 2008 to relocate to Eastern Germany, leveraging the abundant land and infrastructure left by the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) collective farming system. Over the past 20 years, the farm has grown its herd from 300 to 800 cows raised through own youngstock and expanded its agricultural operations to encompass 900 hectares of arable land and 400 hectares of grassland.
One of the key highlights of the visit was the farm’s cutting-edge biodigester, an investment that underscores their commitment to sustainability. The biodigester not only efficiently manages waste but also produces green energy, powering the farm and reducing its environmental footprint.
Dr. Peña-Lévano and Dr. Boy toured the biodigester facility
to gain insights into its design, functionality, and role in
achieving a balance between productivity and
environmental stewardship.
Dr. Peña-Lévano remarked, “The Hof Lüttow Farm demonstrates how a strategic approach to modernization and sustainability can transform challenges into opportunities. Their use of green energy and innovative farming practices offers valuable lessons for the global dairy industry”. The visit forms part of Dr. Peña-Lévano’s broader research agenda, focusing on the intersection of sustainability, economics, and technological innovation in agriculture. By studying successful models like the String Farm, he aims to bring insights and strategies back to the U.S. dairy industry, fostering advancements in sustainable agricultural practices.
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