Agriculture is close to our hearts because we understand how vital agricultural businesses are to our lives. They are indispensable for food supply, economic stability, environmental protection, and overall quality of life. Without them, our life as we know it would be inconceivable.
Agriculture ensures the production of food that meets people's basic needs for nourishment and nutrients. Without agriculture, there would not be enough food to feed the growing world population.
The ability to produce one's own food fosters independence and self-determination for communities and nations.
Agriculture shapes the culture of many societies. Traditional farming and dietary methods are often deeply rooted in the history and identity of communities.
Sustainable agricultural practices help preserve soils, water resources, and biodiversity. Without agriculture, there would be a lack of land stewardship and management, which could lead to the degradation of ecosystems.
For us, there are no better reasons to preserve as many agricultural enterprises as possible.
Founder
Mag. Manfred Hudjetz, MBA
Mag. Manfred Hudjetz began his career in 1997 as a business consultant, supporting industrial and commercial enterprises in sales, marketing, and product placement.
To expand his business support further, he co-founded Plinius Consulting GmbH in 2012, based in Wels, Upper Austria. Through his extensive network, he came into contact with three farmers in the same year who were facing financial difficulties due to negative price developments and were on the brink of closing their businesses. Without specific knowledge in agriculture, he took on the challenge to help the families and approached the situation with an entrepreneurial mindset. Within a few months, he transformed the businesses, making them independent, successful, crisis-resistant, and, as he likes to say, "grandchild-proof."
What was a lifeline for many farmers became a calling for Manfred Hudjetz. From then on, he increasingly focused on farmers looking for a new path into the future. Today, he has successfully supported hundreds of farms. Over the years, his agricultural experience has been continually optimized and developed into a comprehensive agricultural development program through numerous partnerships and collaborations.
Fueled by success, Manfred Hudjetz decided in early 2020 to no longer lead the support of farmers alone but to create an organization with a team of partners that meets the demand and task at hand. This led to the founding of various PRO companies starting in 2017.
Mag. Peter Neudecker
Mag. Peter Neudecker studied Business Administration and worked as a project manager and consultant on IT projects in international companies before founding his first IT company in 1990.
Over 17 years ago, he built his first aquaponics system. With more than 17 years of practical experience in operating aquaponics systems, he has implemented over 60 large-scale projects in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Thailand, Malaysia, Colombia, and the United Arab Emirates. He regularly conducts courses and lectures on aquaponics.
In 2019, Peter Neudecker and Manfred Hudjetz founded PROAquaponik GmbH to further specialize in agricultural and commercial operations.
Peter Neudecker specializes in the planning and optimization of systems. He has designed a variety of aquaponics systems to meet different needs, from commercial operations to research institutions. His experience includes designing recirculation systems and integrating hydroponic and aquaculture components for optimal efficiency and sustainability.
One of his key insights is the importance of balanced nutrient management and water quality control for the well-being of fish and plants. Peter Neudecker has extensive experience with various water treatment technologies and managing the complex interactions between fish populations and plant cultivation. He regularly shares his extensive knowledge of aquaponics through courses and lectures, covering not only the basic principles but also advanced topics such as system diagnosis, problem-solving, and innovative cultivation techniques.
Managing Director
Mag. Manfred Hudjetz, MBA
Our mission at PROFarm GmbH is to transform agriculture and food supply through tailored consulting and innovative development strategies. We strive not only to support agricultural enterprises in overcoming current challenges but also to help them become successful, crisis-resistant, and future-oriented in the long term. With our extensive knowledge and experience in restructuring businesses, we are committed to sustainable improvements in production processes and food safety. Our goal is to ensure a stable, efficient, and future-oriented food supply that meets both current needs and the requirements of future generations through our dedicated support and strong network.
Research
Michael Ecker
Raised on a farm in the Mühlviertel, I have experienced the economic challenges of agriculture firsthand. This made me realize how crucial it is to restore our food supply to a solid foundation. Together with various PRO companies as research partners, I am committed both nationally and internationally to ensuring our society’s food security.
My motto: "If the farmer has money, the whole world benefits."
The importance of a strong and resilient agriculture goes beyond mere food production. It is the foundation for a stable society and sustainable use of our natural resources. Through innovative approaches and close collaboration with research partners, I aim to ensure that agricultural operations remain future-proof. This involves not only increasing yields but also protecting our soils, water resources, and promoting biodiversity. Only by implementing this holistic view in practice can we ensure long-term food security while contributing to the preservation of our planet.
Product development and planning
DI (FH) Wolfgang Leitner
Dipl. Ing. (FH) Wolfgang Leitner studied Automated Systems and Process Engineering in Upper Austria and worked in various industrial companies in Austria and Spain before starting as an independent entrepreneur in 2017, focusing on creating documentation and videos to explain business contexts and as operating and maintenance manuals.
Since 2020, Wolfgang Leitner has expanded his involvement through close collaboration with Manfred Hudjetz, an experienced farmer and agribusiness expert. Together, they work to successfully implement marketing projects for farmers. Wolfgang Leitner brings extensive experience in designing processing facilities, developing customized solutions that ensure both functional efficiency and the highest hygiene standards.
He also specializes in the development and implementation of HACCP concepts, which are essential for ensuring food safety and quality. His concepts are designed to identify potential risks early and implement preventive measures to maximize food production safety. In addition to creating detailed business calculations that enable precise economic planning and budgeting, he also offers strategic consulting to help farmers achieve their economic goals and strengthen their market position.
His expertise helps address the challenges of modern agriculture while leveraging opportunities for growth and development.
Customer service
Samuel Huber, BA
With a Bachelor's degree in Sales & Marketing and extensive experience in sales, Samuel Huber has been part of the PROFarm family since 2022. Today, he is the Managing Director's right-hand man and makes a significant contribution to successful customer support and project management. In addition, he takes on a variety of tasks to ensure the smooth running of our company.
"Agriculture is the backbone of our society. I am proud to help our customers preserve and sustainably develop this valuable tradition."
Christoph Rewitzer, Bakk.Komm
Lake Attersee, in the centre of rural Upper Austria, is his home. After studying communication sciences, he was often able to prove his friendly, goal-orientated and open-minded nature in public relations. He is looking forward to utilising these skills for our customers and developing a successful brand together with them. True to his motto: ‘The path slips under the feet of the walker.’ (Martin Walser) Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Contact for advice
Thomas Bauer
Thomas grew up on a small farm in South Tyrol. After 8 years of studying in Bologna and Vienna, he has made it his mission to make a difference in agriculture and give farmers the appreciation they deserve.
Mag. Ing. Max Hageneder
Mag. Ing. Max Hageneder is a graduate of the HTL-Wels for Chemistry and Process Engineering, specializing in the food sector throughout his 37-year career. His completed business studies at Johannes Kepler University Linz have also provided him with a solid understanding of corporate organization and development.
With over 30 years in leadership roles in quality assurance and management at a prominent food company specializing in baby food, he has expertise in internal audits and hygiene standards.
His knowledge in corporate organization and quality management, along with practical experience in food production, enables him to help agricultural operations optimize their production processes, implement quality assurance systems, and improve operational efficiency. His goal is to assist agricultural enterprises in overcoming complex challenges and developing sustainable solutions that meet market demands.
Social Media & Academy
MST. Manuel Harold
Manuel Harold, born in Tulln in 1993, grew up on a family farm. Since 2017, he has been running a successful regional marketing business with his brother, which they are developing further through Pro Farm. After training as a skilled agricultural worker in 2010, he became a master butcher in 2022 and an apprentice trainer in 2023. He immersed himself in social media marketing and has been training farmers at Pro Farm since 2023 to secure the future of agriculture. In 2023, he completed his training as a meat and sausage sommelier. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
MST. Julian Harold
Manuel grew up on a farm. From 2008 to 2017, they ran a direct marketing business, after which they developed into a profitable regional marketing business through PRO Farm. As of 2024, he is now a skilled agricultural worker, master butcher and qualified meat and sausage sommelier. He works in the areas of social media and training at PRO Farm, as it gives him great pleasure to enable farmers all over the world to have a future in agriculture. ‘If you do farming right, you can earn gold with it.’ Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Websites & Technology
Fabian Lichtenstein
With the self-image ‘There's no such thing as can't’, Fabian tackles projects that aim to make the world a better place. He has already been able to prove this with numerous projects, which ultimately earned him a place on the international Forbes 30 Under 30 list. After his technical training and his studies to become a qualified health and nursing professional, he developed a health platform that is used by over 150,000 people in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. In view of the challenges facing farmers, he is delighted to have found a new area of work with PROFarm to ensure the continued existence of regional and traditional farmers and family businesses. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)