A family of change makers
Purchase natural capital units generated by Westerheide Kft.
Support the Jankovitch family engage in rural development based on long-term sustainable relationships and community engagement.
Jankovich Birto has showcased best practices in regenerative estate management
József Jankovich de Jeszenice founded the Jankovich Birtok family estate in 1996, with the purpose to inspire, connect and share, by building a family estate for generations to come. Rooted in a legacy of land stewardship that dates back to the 17th century, the estate is now carefully run by one of József’s four children, Bela Jankovich de Jeszenice, and is managed by Westerheide Kft., an organisation with expertise in integrated and regenerative farming practices.
Jankovich Birtok lies in the South-Western landscapes of Hungary, and features a rich tapestry of biomes including lakes, streams, marshlands and swamps, mixed forests, shrublands and grasslands. Westerheide Kft. engages in regenerative agriculture and community engagement across the estate’s land, forest, orchards, and a herd of pedigree Hereford cattle.
On the estate a variety of crops such as wheat, durum, rapeseed, corn, sunflower, alfalfa and hemp are cultivated as well as niche products like crimson clover, black radish and spelt. In addition, in the forests, where linden, oak, birch, poplar and acacia flourish, Westerheide is actively engaged in reforestation efforts. They are planting trees in marginal lands and lands with inclination to prevent soil erosion, capture water and carbon, and improve the biomes.
Mimicking natural systems for regenerative agriculture
The Hereford cattle at Jankovich Birtok are integral to the farm's ecosystem, providing natural manure that enriches the soil. The family estate is also transforming its orchards into fruit forests. This process moves away from monocultures and create a self-balanced biome that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.
Planting non-cash crops during off-seasons to protect and improve soil. These plants reduce erosion, suppress weeds, enhance soil structure, and add organic matter. When terminated, they provide nutrients for subsequent crops, creating a continuous cycle of soil improvement.
Sequentially planting different crops in the same field to interrupt pest cycles, balance nutrient demands, and enhance soil health. It increases biodiversity and reduces reliance on chemical inputs.
Mimicking wild herbivore patterns, livestock graze freely across diverse landscapes. This practice promotes plant biodiversity, improves soil health through nutrient cycling, and restores natural ecosystems while producing high-quality animal products.
Jankovich Birtok supports its local community by employing and sourcing locally, offering loans and technical assistance to local entrepreneurs, and collaborate with municipalities to enhance village infrastructure by maintaining roads, renovating buildings, and co-investing in communal projects. Additionally, they support the elderly and youth through dedicated community centres.
Mimicking natural systems for regenerative agriculture
The Hereford cattle at Jankovich Birtok are integral to the farm's ecosystem, providing natural manure that enriches the soil. The family estate is also transforming its orchards into fruit forests. This process moves away from monocultures and create a self-balanced biome that supports a diverse range of plant and animal life.
Westerheide’s impact is measurable and tangible
In 2024, Bela Jankovich de Jeszenice uploaded and analysed 1 652 hectares on Landler. We measured the estate’s use of cover crops.
Westerheide cropland
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