Prof. Dr. Engelhard Boehncke - Obituary

Engelhard Boehncke, born near Göttingen in 1935, dedicated his life to agriculture and veterinary medicine, feeling a deep connection to animals from the very beginning. He began his professional career as an apprentice on various farms. In 1959, while studying agriculture at the University of Göttingen, he worked as a trainee on the Osswaldhof in Switzerland, one of the oldest biodynamic farms in the world. These experiences strengthened his desire not only to care for animals, but also to place their health at the center of his work.

His love of animals and growing awareness of their needs led him to study veterinary medicine, which he first began at the University of Giessen and later continued in Munich. During his scientific work as a veterinarian, he was repeatedly confronted with the negative consequences of the use of antibiotic growth substances in conventional animal husbandry. These findings, coupled with the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in human medicine, had a decisive impact on his career. Engelhard Boehncke became a recognized authority in organic farming.

In 1975, Boehncke was appointed Professor at the University of Kassel/Witzenhausen, where he passed on his vision of sustainable, organic animal husbandry to the next generation. His views challenged the conventional system and were well received by many students. Around 350 theses and 10 dissertations were written under his supervision. He was a true inspiration to his students and was considered one of the most popular professors at the university.

Engelhard Boehncke became President of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture (IFOAM) in 1984. Under his leadership, the association developed into a global organization. With his patience, his humor and his ability to integrate different ecological currents, he made a significant contribution to keeping the organic movement together in a challenging time. As an internationally sought-after speaker, he also worked tirelessly to ensure that animal welfare played a central role in organic farming.

After his time as President of IFOAM, he shaped the direction of the International Society for Animal Husbandry (IGN) as its President.

He contributed to the creation of the research prize for species-appropriate livestock farming, which is awarded by the German Schweisfurth Foundation. He was chairman of the jury for many years.

In addition to his teaching activities and his international work as a speaker and consultant, Engelhard Boehncke was also Dean of the Department of Agriculture at the University of Kassel (1984/1985; 1991/1992) and a member of numerous appointment committees in Germany and abroad. He was always committed to ensuring that organic animal husbandry received appropriate scientific and political attention.

In 2008, Engelhard Boehncke was honored with the One World Award from Rapunzel for his Lifetime Achievement. This special honor recognized his decades of international work in the field of organic agriculture and his tireless efforts for a sustainable agricultural culture. His commitment left a deep mark not only in the academic world, but also in the practice of organic farming worldwide.

Engelhard Boehncke passed away on March 22, 2025 after a long, serious illness at the age of 89, shortly before his 90th birthday. With his passing, the organic farming movement has lost an outstanding thought leader and a source of inspiration whose life's work shines far beyond his own.

In Engelhard Boehncke, the University of Kassel has lost a highly esteemed teacher and scientist. The faculty will remember the deceased with dignity.

(Engelhard Boehncke can be seen in person in the documentary film "Bio-Pioniere erzählen" (2012): https: //youtu.be/2KQAOLlBZd0?si=zzCuK1QOj10F-JOW