Ag Entrepreneurship: the Ultimate Journey

What I Learned in Conversation with Marcel Kringe, Part 1 ...

The following are summaries of excerpts of my conversation with Marcel Kringe on his journey across many countries, cultures, and opportunities in agriculture.

On the Intersection of German Culture and Entrepreneurship ...

"In Germany, there's this inherent perfectionism we often joke about, which can be really beneficial as it drives you towards excellence. However, it's crucial to be cautious that it doesn't become self-destructive. The culture in Germany is certainly unique. Growing up, I remember certain sayings that now seem a bit counterproductive for long-term success. For example, where in English you'd say 'pat yourself on the back', there's a German saying that suggests self-praise is not something commendable, almost implying it 'stinks'.

I was raised in an environment that emphasized hard work and dedication, and it's something I deeply value, not in a negative way at all. My family is fantastic, and despite the distance, we remain close. In Germany, with a population of around 85 to 86 million in a land you can fit three to four times into Manitoba, there's a sense that if you're not doing something, many others are ready to take your place – there's always competition.

The approach to entrepreneurship and even engineering differs too. I've spoken with engineers in North America who've worked with European counterparts, and they've observed that in Germany, there's a tendency to keep developing a product until it's near perfect before launching it. In contrast, elsewhere, there's a more proactive approach to release a product and then refine it along the way. It's not about one being better than the other; it's just a different mindset in approaching market readiness and innovation."

On His Formative Agricultural Journey ...

"In my early years in Germany, amidst a tapestry of dialects and the old-world charm of farming, my heart was set on agriculture. Our small 10-acre farm, though rich in heritage, wasn't enough to carve out a living. At 16, driven by my dream, I took a bold step, moving to a region known for its expansive grain farms and diverse agricultural practices.

During my apprenticeship, I lived with different farming families, each bringing a new dimension to my understanding of farming. From the intricacies of pig and grain farming to the nuances of dairy and mixed cash crops, each farm was a world in itself. I wasn't just learning about agriculture; I was immersing myself in various lifestyles, adapting to new environments, and understanding the subtleties of rural life.

The experience was more than a professional journey; it was a personal odyssey. I remember the financial struggles typical of an apprentice, where every penny counted. Yet, the richness of these experiences was beyond monetary value. Living with these families, I wasn't just an apprentice; I became part of their world, sharing their daily lives, their joys, and their challenges.

This phase of my life was about growth, not just in terms of agricultural knowledge but in personal development. It taught me about hard work, respect, and the importance of adapting to new surroundings. Each farm left an indelible mark on my character, shaping the person and the professional I am today."

"The seed of my international journey was planted while working on a pig farm. The farmer's son, who had spent almost a year in Canada, returned with stories and photos that ignited my curiosity. This was before smartphones, so he had physical pictures developed, showing massive semi-trucks and expansive fields in Ontario. He'd traveled across Canada, working in Northern Alberta, and upon his return, he insisted that I should experience Canada too.

Following his advice, I took a trip to Canada during a university summer break. I found myself in Roland, Manitoba, working on a farm for three months. This experience was eye-opening. The scale of agriculture there, with 4,000 acres, massive tractors, and huge combines, was unlike anything I'd seen. Returning to my 10-acre farm in Germany, I craved more adventure.

This led me to apply for a farm project in Russia, aiming to expand from zero to 80,000 acres in three years. My adventures in various countries revealed a common thread in harvesting techniques and inefficiencies, sparking ideas in my mind about how to improve these processes.

This international exposure, initially inspired by my boss's son, has continually influenced my career, including my involvement with Bushel Plus. Now, we've even attended Agritechnica in Germany - a new milestone for Bushel Plus."

On Vivid Tales from Russia ...

"In Russia, I learned to improvise and embrace adventure in ways I never imagined. The first real taste of this came when I worked on a farm project in Western Russia, near the Ukraine border. The warmth and hospitality I encountered there were remarkable. Despite the language barrier, there was a profound sense of connection. I remember being invited to homes where, no matter how modest, the table was always laden with food, and refusing a second helping from Babushka was not an option!

I was part of a mammoth agricultural endeavor, starting from zero and scaling up to thousands of acres. It wasn’t just about farming; it was about bridging cultural gaps. With only rudimentary Russian skills, I found myself managing combines, orchestrating logistics, and navigating harvests on a scale that dwarfed anything I'd experienced. There's a certain comedy in learning a language through hands-on work, picking up swear words first, and trying to communicate over two-way radios with my limited vocabulary.

The living conditions were a sharp contrast to what I was used to – sometimes, there was no running water, and we'd adapt by collecting it from ponds or waiting for a mere drip from the tap. Yet, these challenges only added to the sense of adventure. It was in Russia where I truly understood the essence of 'It doesn't have to be perfect; it has to work.' I witnessed incredible resourcefulness – like repurposing parts from an old potato harvester to fix a combine.

This journey took me all the way to Siberia, a land of contrasts, where lush fields coexisted with desert landscapes. The train rides there were an experience in themselves – a blend of social interactions and card games with locals. In Siberia, I stayed in a log cabin, reminiscent of something you’d find in Canada, yet uniquely Russian. The work was diverse – from plowing fields to witnessing the construction of dairy barns.

My time in Russia taught me more than just agricultural skills; it was a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the universal language of hard work. It was a chapter of my life filled with laughter, challenges, and a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and spirit of the people I worked with."

On the Essence of Happiness ...

"In those small towns, where life may seem simple or even poor to an outsider, I found a profound sense of happiness. It's something I've thought about a lot. The people there, content with their modest lives, would spend evenings socializing with neighbors, surrounded by their own livestock and gardens. They had what they needed and were genuinely content.

I've come to realize that the constant pursuit of more – more consumption, more possessions – isn't necessarily fulfilling. It's a lesson I've learned not just through observation but also in my own life. As an entrepreneur, the chase for success and recognition can be endless, yet it doesn't always equate to happiness.

The people in those towns, they have their daily struggles, but they also have a richness in their simple routines. Whether it's making butter like my great-grandma used to or preserving food for winter, these tasks occupy time and offer a different kind of satisfaction – one that's far removed from the hustle of modern life.

In my entrepreneurial journey, I've experienced highs and lows, sleepless nights, and constant stress. Yet, parts of it bring me joy. Finding happiness in simple things, like operating a forage harvester or giving back to the community, is what fills my cup. It's about balance – appreciating the small, everyday moments and understanding that happiness isn't just about achieving business milestones.

I've learned that true happiness often lies in helping others and being present in the moment, rather than in the accumulation of wealth or accolades. It's a perspective I try to keep at the forefront, both in my personal life and as I lead my company."

You can hear all of my conversation with Marcel at growingthefuturepodcast.ca, or anywhere you listen to podcasts !