Hilda Ihben grows up on a farm in East Frisia. The lives of the adults on the farm are characterized by constant hard work, which is not very profitable, and a feeling of hopelessness and despair. Hilda, who is ten years old, already helps out on the farm and is always concerned about the recognition of her parents, who, however, hardly notice her except as a free helper. A fateful accident involving a stud bull drastically changes the lives of everyone on the farm. Hilda's father leaves the farm to learn how to cope with his new circumstances at a rehabilitation clinic. Hilda enters a drawing contest sponsored by a shopping center, hoping to win the grand prize and bring a little joy into her family's life.