Thuringia's shepherds start the training year with zero apprentices as most are already over 60
The state association confirmed no new trainees had signed contracts by 1 August, while three qualified journeymen left training, far below what farms need.
A training year with no new entrants
Thuringia's shepherds began the 2026 training year on 1 August with no apprentices, according to Uwe Erl of the state sheep-breeders' association (Landesverband Thüringer Schafzüchter). Erl, speaking on the sidelines of the annual Shepherds' Day in Hohenfelden, said it was still possible that contracts could be signed in the coming weeks, but the official start date had already passed without a single trainee enrolled.
Dieses Jahr haben drei Lehrlinge ausgelernt und auch ihr Facharbeiterzeugnis bekommen. Das ist viel zu wenig für das, was jetzt in den Betrieben gebraucht wird.
The three who completed their training and received their skilled-worker certificates represent the entire pipeline of new professionals entering the sector this year.
An ageing workforce
Erl pointed to a structural demographic problem: many shepherds in Thuringia are already over 60 years old. With the current intake at zero and only three journeymen qualifying, the gap between retirements and replacements is widening. The association views the numbers as far below the level needed to sustain the profession across the state's farms.
The economics of sheep farming
Erl described a profession that has been under pressure for years and called for targeted support for sheep farming. He broke down the income structure: selling lambs and cull ewes accounts for 30 to 35 percent of a shepherd's revenue. Wool, by contrast, plays no role in earnings and is effectively a loss-making activity.
Die anderen 70 oder 65 Prozent sind Zahlungen aus öffentlichen Geldern.
To improve incomes and enable flocks to be built up and maintained over the long term, Erl argued that subsidy rates for land management must be raised. He tied the profession's viability directly to revenue and wage levels, stating that everything hinges on earnings and the pay situation.
Shepherds' Day competition results
Alongside the workforce concerns, the Shepherds' Day in Hohenfelden also hosted the state championship. Herbert Kind from Königsee (Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district) took first place. Mario Scheffel from Artern (Kyffhäuserkreis) finished second, and Burkhard Sautscheck from Bad Langensalza (Unstrut-Hainich district) came third.
