When the Barn Doors Swing Open: A Springtime Celebration of Cattle on Pasture
Sündermann Farm's iconic cattle drive kicks off 2026 grazing season in Bremen
There's a moment each spring that never fails to inspire and move onlookers: after months indoors, cows burst from the barn with boundless energy, leaping and kicking in sheer joy. This year, visitors can witness this uplifting spectacle firsthand on Sunday, April 26, during the annual cattle drive to pasture at Sündermann Farm in Bremen-Oberneuland.
The Bremen Chamber of Agriculture and the Bremen Farmers' Association, together with Senator Henrike Müller (Environment, Climate, and Science), invite the public to this open-air event. "Pasture-based cattle farming represents particularly animal-friendly conditions and makes a major contribution to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity," explains Senator Müller. "Through targeted incentives, we support farms committed to this approach." Following her welcoming remarks, a panel discussion—moderated by Christian Kluge, Managing Director of the Bremen Farmers' Association—will explore "Women in Agriculture and the Future of Farming" with representatives from agriculture, politics, and civil society.
At 1:00 PM, the highlight arrives: after nearly six months indoors, farmer Max Sündermann will open the barn doors for his 120 milk-producing Jersey cows. Beyond the cattle drive itself, guests can enjoy a diverse program blending education, hands-on experiences, and dialogue. Information booths will offer insights into animal welfare, sustainability, and regional value chains, while children can discover farming through play and adults learn about modern pasture management.
Program Highlights
- The cattle drive: The emotional centerpiece as cows return to pasture after winter
- Modern farming up close: Expert talks on animal husbandry, pasture systems, and sustainable practices
- Info booths & discussions: Topics include animal welfare, climate protection, and local food production
- Projects supported by Senator Müller's ministry: Learn about funded initiatives in agriculture
- Stage program & panel talks: Farmers, policymakers, and community leaders debate current issues
- Family-friendly activities: Farm quiz with prizes, milking contests, bouncy castle, and hands-on butter-making
- Local flavors: Sample regional specialties from Bremen's producers
- A platform for dialogue: Meet farmers, ask questions, and connect with the agricultural community
About the Cattle Drive Tradition
The spring cattle drive is one of the most iconic moments in the farming calendar, drawing crowds every year. Now in its third edition in Bremen, the event symbolizes dairy farming, the start of the grazing season, and the deep link between agriculture, nature, and local food production. Part of a broader initiative to strengthen public engagement with farming, the goal is to establish the cattle drive as a permanent fixture in Bremen's event calendar while fostering long-term understanding of agriculture among city residents. All are warmly invited to experience farming at its most vibrant.
About Sündermann Farm
Spanning 180 hectares, Sündermann Farm in Bremen-Oberneuland is a certified organic, family-run operation dating back to 1764. Today, Max Sündermann—alongside his parents, Michaela and Stephan Sündermann—leads the farm in its third generation, focusing on dairy farming, sustainable agriculture, and high-quality food production. The farm's 120 Jersey cows, known for their protein- and fat-rich milk, are milked by two Lely robotic milking systems and graze daily from spring to late autumn.
In addition to dairy, the farm raises Scottish Highland cattle in extensive cow-calf systems, living year-round on pasture. The operation also features a modern equestrian center with two active-stable groups, spacious grazing areas for horses, and manual therapy services for animals.
Event Details
Sunday, April 26, 202611:00 AM – 3:00 PMSündermann Farm, Bremen-Oberneuland
Location:
Sündermann Farm, Am Hodenberger Deich 37, 28355 Bremen-Oberneuland
Admission:
Free
Getting There:
Please travel by bicycle if possible or use the shuttle service from Edeka Maas (Oberneuland). No parking is available at the farm or in the surrounding area.
