Location: Grafschaft, West Germany
Farmer: Matthias Leenen
Farm Size: 85 hectares
Technology Used: FJDynamics AT2 Auto Steer System
From Family Legacy to Modern Farming
Germany, known for its engineering and precision, is also a powerhouse in agriculture. Among its vast rural landscapes is a quiet revolution underway—led by farmers like Matthias Leenen, a new-generation grower who inherited his family’s 85-hectare farm in Grafschaft.
Matthias belongs to a long lineage of farmers. But unlike his forefathers, he faced the realities of managing complex field shapes, shrinking labor availability, and increasing input costs. Realizing traditional methods could no longer sustain growth, he turned toward precision agriculture to secure his farm’s future.
The Challenges of Traditional Farming
Farming 85 hectares may sound straightforward, but for the Leenen family, it meant navigating irregular plots bordered by sensitive fruit orchards. Using manual steering:
Fertilizers and herbicides were often applied unevenly.
Time was wasted re-aligning machinery in narrow, odd-shaped fields.
Labor costs increased, and precision was compromised.
As Matthias explained, “Every small overlap or gap added up—not just in wasted resources, but in lost yield potential.”
The Turning Point: Embracing the AT2 Auto Steer System
The turning point came in 2023 when Matthias attended Ökofeldtagen, an agriculture trade show in Germany. There, he saw the FJDynamics AT2 Auto Steer System in action.
Impressed by its performance and affordability, Matthias installed the system on his tractor. What followed was a dramatic shift:
Straight-line accuracy even in narrow and curved fields.
Time savings across sowing, fertilizing, and spraying.
Better input use and improved crop health.
Reduced fatigue, allowing more focus on farm management.
From potassium application to rapeseed sowing, the AT2 became an essential companion in every season.
Beyond Expectations: Planning for Expansion
By autumn 2023, Matthias had already planned the next step: purchasing a second AT2 system for his New Holland T5.110 Dynamic Command tractor. The confidence in the system was not just about convenience—it was an investment in sustainability and profitability.
“With the AT2, I can farm smarter, faster, and more precisely. It gives me a competitive edge,” said Matthias.
A Model for the Future of Farming
Matthias’s story isn’t just about adopting a new tool—it’s about embracing a mindset shift. Precision agriculture doesn’t mean abandoning tradition; it means enhancing it with data, technology, and innovation.
His journey shows what’s possible when old-world farming meets new-age thinking. It’s a story of balance between heritage and high-tech—a model not just for Germany, but for farmers across the globe.
Conclusion
In a rapidly changing agricultural world, those who adapt not only survive—they thrive. The Leenen family’s embrace of the FJDynamics AT2 system proves that even a farm with deep roots can grow into the future.
Whether you’re a farmer managing 5 hectares or 500, the message is clear: Technology is no longer optional. It’s the foundation of farming’s next chapter.
Leave a Reply