Farmers' union · Germany · national
No direct farmer membership
The national federation of Germany's machinery rings (Maschinenring); the first ring was founded in 1958 by Erich Geiersberger in Buchhofen, Bavaria, so that small family farms could buy and use machinery together. Today there are 230 local rings in 12 state associations (covering 14 federal states), with 178,000 member farms farming about 40% of Germany's agricultural land. The rings offer machinery and labour brokering, farm and household relief services (Betriebshilfe), extra income opportunities, purchasing discounts, energy supply and digital tools. It is for any farmer who needs or offers machinery, labour or relief cover.
Umbrella body: farmers do not join the federation but the local machinery ring for where they live (searchable by postcode on the website). Membership is voluntary.
The fee is set by the local machinery ring. The organisation does not publish its membership fee — please ask directly.
For information only, not legal advice. Mandatory membership is set by local law — each profile lists its source.