Average yield
The outdoor producers in the Nuremberg area are currently enjoying a satisfying market situation. "Compared to last year, the prices are better, but we have also invested a lot. In the irrigation of our fields, for example. However, we are currently seeing average returns. In contrast, other farms have significantly more failures with their open field vegetables. That's our big advantage at the moment,'' says Mr Sippel.
The first cabbage heads of the vegetable farm were already planted in early March and at the moment they are being harvested. Although cabbages are better known to the consumer as winter vegetables, there is a steady demand in the summer as well. ''Despite the summer temperatures, the demand is already there. From September onwards, the nights are cooler and rather than on lettuce and radishes we focus on vegetables like white and red cabbage. As a result, we expect demand to increase slightly by then.''
Storage
Between the individual types of cabbage, the producer and marketer noticed no large differences in demand. Nevertheless, white cabbage is usually easier to market. ''Red cabbage, on the other hand, is a little less in demand. For these cabbages, I have Russian and Turkish clients who really like these.'' As soon as the main harvest is over and the fields are empty, the cabbages will be stored in cold stores in November. From there they will be marketed, up into spring. ''Cabbages have the advantage that they hold up very well in storage.''
Large market stall
Willi Sippels company has 50 hectares of open land of which 8 ha is suitable for cabbages. In addition, tomatoes and cucumbers are produced on 1.5 hectares, under protective covers. Fresh produce from their own fields is largely marketed through its own stall at the local wholesale market.
