Customer Success Story: Jan Uhrbach of Uhrbach Gemüsebau
Jan Uhrbach has been involved in farming since his childhood on the family’s farm in Winsen (Luhe), Lower Saxony. Together with his two brothers and parents, Jan manages 400 hectares, split between conventional and organic farming practices. The farm produces an wide range of crops, including iceberg lettuce, turnips, radishes, celeriac, black salsify, and swedes.
The produce from Uhrbach Gemüsebau is distributed to retail chains across Germany. While direct sales to retailers streamline logistics, they also demand impeccable quality.
“We deliver nationwide, which means our quality standards are exceptionally high. Customers order throughout the day, and we deliver just-in-time. This requires us to always be ready to harvest and adapt our crop management accordingly,” shares Jan.
Challenge
Jan’s expertise in horticulture has given him deep insights into the importance of soil health and nutrient management. Regular soil analysis is critical to meeting the exacting standards of his retail clients. However, traditional soil testing, reliant on annual laboratory analyses, lacked the flexibility needed for precise crop management.
“We had a fixed fertilization strategy based on standard lab results. But as soon as parameters change, there’s a risk that our products won’t meet the quality demands,” Jan explains.
This dependency on rigid schedules and delayed lab results hindered the farm's ability to respond swiftly to changes in soil conditions and weather patterns, particularly in their northern German location, which is prone to variable climate influences.
Solution
Since 2019, Uhrbach Gemüsebau has partnered with Stenon to integrate cutting-edge technology into their farming practices. As one of Stenon’s earliest adopters, Jan eagerly embraced the sensor-based FarmLab to revolutionize soil analysis on his farm.
“With the FarmLab, we no longer have to wait for lab results to know what our plants need. We’ve moved from rigid fertilization plans to a completely flexible approach, allowing us to adapt the type and timing of fertilizer applications to the specific needs of our crops,” says Jan.
The FarmLab’s ability to provide real-time soil data has been transformative. Jan and his team can now measure and evaluate field conditions instantly using a smartphone or tablet, integrating the results directly into their operations.
“The biggest advantage is being able to take soil samples just-in-time. Whether it’s nutrient levels or soil temperature, we can address every factor necessary to optimize crop health and yield,” concludes Jan.
Results
The benefits of FarmLab have been significant and measurable. By applying fertilizer only where and when it’s needed, Uhrbach Gemüsebau has reduced fertilizer use by up to 20%, cutting costs without compromising crop quality.
With the FarmLab, we’ve maintained consistent yields and high quality while saving on fertilizer costs. This is a win for both our business and the environment,
Moreover, the FarmLab has equipped the farm to handle weather variability, particularly during summer, when soil temperature is a key factor in managing nutrient and water supply. This adaptability ensures Uhrbach Gemüsebau meets its just-in-time delivery commitments to customers across Germany.
“I highly recommend the FarmLab to anyone who wants to farm sustainably and be prepared for the future,” says Jan.
Niels Grabbert, co-founder and CEO of Stenon, highlights the vital role of customer feedback in the FarmLab’s development.
“Jan has been a valuable partner since 2019. His hands-on experience and feedback have helped us refine the FarmLab into a robust, practical solution for farmers worldwide. Stenon’s commitment to customer-driven innovation ensures that the FarmLab addresses the challenges farmers face daily. By eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional soil sampling methods, the FarmLab bridges a critical gap in agricultural technology. With the FarmLab, we aim to provide farmers with a precise, user-friendly tool that enables them to achieve sustainable, high-quality production,” Niels explains.
The collaboration between Uhrbach Gemüsebau and Stenon demonstrates how technology can empower farmers to optimize productivity, reduce environmental impact, and stay competitive in a demanding market.
From improving soil health to meeting tight delivery schedules, the FarmLab has proven to be an indispensable tool for Uhrbach Gemüsebau—and a shining example of innovation in action.
