More than 30 Lakeland College Crop Technology, Agribusiness, and Bachelor of Agricultural Technology students and employees attended Agritechnica, the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, during a trip to Germany November 11–18. The group spent two days at the event, looking at the over 100 acres showcasing the latest technologies, equipment, and product innovations in agriculture. The event was part of a longer weeklong trip to Germany organized by Lakeland’s Tractor Club.
One of their stops on the first day was the New Holland Agriculture booth where students visited with New Holland representatives and explored the latest products, including the new CR11. They also connected with Scott Webb of Webb’s Machinery Ltd. of Vermilion.
Students were enthusiastic about their experience. Student Irelynd Gadd said, “It’s easy to forget that agriculture is so much bigger than what we are practicing and learning in North America, which is why Agritechnica was a great reminder to how large agriculture really is across the globe. We saw things like garlic harvesters, cabbage planters, vertical farming, and aquaculture that aren’t super common to agriculture locally in Alberta.”
Gadd was surprised that there weren’t nearly as many women represented at Agritechnica as there might be at a North American agricultural conference. She reflected on the significance of the field trip, saying, “Attending Agritechnica made me realize as a future producer just how important it is to take your learning off the farm and out of the country. How important it is to be aware of what is happening globally with agriculture and be able to see and touch new innovation both with technology and equipment.” Student Brandon Cey agreed, saying, “Being able to interact with farmers from another part of the world and have firsthand experience in understanding their methods and practices was something you just can’t get from reading an article in a lecture at school.”
Another student, Breeze Kriston, said, “Seeing how huge the farming and agriculture community is and having so many like-minded people in one place was so eye-opening and incredible to see.” Kriston continued, saying, “I know personally my grandpa is ecstatic to hear about all the New Holland equipment as well as the factory tours!”
Student Kyle Wiebe said, “It was interesting and a good learning experience to see a totally different farming perspective than we have at home, from having strict government rules and regulations to unique farming practices that we would not learn about on campus. Being able to talk with a European farmer is something that I have always wanted to do because when you hear about all the government policies being put in place, it is good to talk to someone who has to adhere to the rules to get their perspective and sometimes the truth of what is happening.”
Lakeland College and its students are grateful to New Holland Agriculture for its ongoing support of Lakeland programs.
Comments