When the first load of local rapeseed rolled onto the weighbridge at Emmelev A/S, it was once more Erik and Joan Emdal from Otterup who delivered directly from the field.
When the rapeseed harvest got underway for real on Nordfyn, and the first load of rapeseed was driven onto the bridge scale at Emmelev A/S, it was, according to tradition, Erik and Joan Emdal from Otterup, to be first on the bridge scale.
They farm 110 hectares - of which 17 hectares are rapeseed. For several years, Erik Emdal has been the first in the growing season to deliver to Emmelev A/S, and 2024 was no exception.
On the other hand, this will probably be the last time. Erik Emdal is 68 years old and thinks that he has now performed his duties on the property, which he took over in 1978.
Therefore, the lease agreements have been terminated, and the 75 hectares of land will be leased out to a neighbour from the coming growing season.
"We don't have as much strength now as we did when we were young, and besides, it has become a lot of trouble to work the land. We have had far too much water this spring, and water holes in the fields affect yields. This also applies to rape.”
"In addition, gradually the politicians gradually decide what to grow and when to work in the field. All in all, the whole thing has become much more hassle," says Erik Emdal.
Erik and Joan Emdal handle the harvest themselves. While Erik Emdal harvests, Joan Emdal drives the tractor and the cart. As they are the first to deliver rapeseed to Emmelev, the reason is that the rapeseed is cut, he explains.
At Emmelev A/S, foreman Allan Jørgensen was pleased that the harvest had started, and he looked forward to the fact that there is going to be plenty of activity in the coming weeks. He has prepared to receive the many loads of rapeseed.
Emmelev A/S has a close collaboration with farmers on North Funen, who supply rapeseed directly to the company and thus part of the oil-containing seeds, which are used for the production of fossil-free biodiesel.
A side benefit is the production of protein-containing fodder cakes for livestock, which can replace a climate- and environmentally burdensome import of soya cakes from other parts of the world, just as 10 percent of rapeseed is used for the production of refined glycerin in the pharmaceutical industry.
In addition, the employees at Emmelev A/S will offer the farmers grilled sausages and water on some evenings during the harvest when they bring raps seed to the mill. There will then be time for a chat - even though there is also a lot of work to be done.
Rapeseed is grown on the fields in Northwest and North Funen and to Kerteminde, whereas the fodder cakes are delivered to cattle farmers in large parts of Funen.
