Das Höfesterben in Bayern
Photo Series
A massive problem is driving the blue and white paradise of Bavaria.
Since 2010, the number of farms in the Free State has been declining drastically. Up to 50% decline has been recorded since 1999. All that survives are the dilapidated farm buildings that remain like skeletal shells of former life.
Since 2010, the number of farms in the Free State has been declining drastically. Up to 50% decline has been recorded since 1999. All that survives are the dilapidated farm buildings that remain like skeletal shells of former life.
I have been photographing and documenting these contemporary witnesses since 2013. In the beginning, the objects were found by chance and curiosity drove me. I was initially interested in beautiful photos and the fascination with decay.
At some point, a pattern emerged and I noticed when, where and why farms were empty. So I began systematic research on the subject of farm death.
Schorschs Hof, 2016
Hof des Hypochonders, 2015
One of the biggest problems is aging. The profession of farmer is no longer attractive, and young people see their future in the service industry rather than in agriculture. Financial problems are also deterring young people. In addition, the rural-urban exodus is causing a general population decline in rural areas. Demographic change is showing its worst side, especially in rural areas.
Hiasl Jr., 2018
Gut Stein, 2014
Paul Palettis Farm, 2016
To keep a farm profitable, a farmer today must keep at least 4 times as many livestock as he did 10 years ago. The area that a single farm must serve has also tripled. Thus, one large farm replaces several family farms. Only the largest are financially viable. Although European subsidies for Bavarian agriculture have been decided, 80% of these go to just those large farms. Small, traditional farms can no longer keep up.
Siams Gutshof, 2018
Gut Stein, 2014
Farms with less than 10 hectares have little chance of survival in 2018. Since 1999, the number of farms in the Free State has fallen from 150,577 to 84,760.
The decline varies from region to region. While there are hardly any vacancies in rural areas around Munich, every second house in some parts of Lower Bavaria is empty.
The decline varies from region to region. While there are hardly any vacancies in rural areas around Munich, every second house in some parts of Lower Bavaria is empty.
Hof zum freudigen Hirsch, 2018
Hiasl Jr., 2018
Thanks to all the farmers and ex-farmers who let me photograph their farms.
And also many thanks to Peter Lechner for organizing some of the visits and for the good travel company.
And also many thanks to Peter Lechner for organizing some of the visits and for the good travel company.
The locations are not revealed. All objects were given code names to prevent vandalism and tourism.
All images were taken in Bavaria.
All images were taken between 2014 and 2018.
Leon Beu, 2018
All images were taken in Bavaria.
All images were taken between 2014 and 2018.
Leon Beu, 2018
Danke fürs Beiwohnen!
