The event organizer, DLG (German Agricultural Society), knows the exhibition is not only for established, experienced farmers and farm managers looking to buy machinery. The average age of visitors to Agritechnica is 37.5 years, so it is clear that the event also has huge appeal to the younger generation – in fact more than 20,000 young farmers attended in 2015.
While it is true to say that every day of the exhibition will provide a fantastic opportunity for young farmers to broaden their horizons, the DLG will once again hold a Young Farmers Day at Agritechnica 2017, with a dedicated program of events tailored to the younger generation taking place on Thursday, 16 November.
“Since Young Farmers Day was introduced at Agritechnica 14 years ago, the day has only grown in importance – not only for young professionals already involved in agriculture, but also those aiming to enter the industry in one way or another,” says Stephan Luther, DLG’s Project Manager for Young Farmers Day. “It provides a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet and discuss ideas and prospects within the industry.”
This growing interest has been sparked by the stability and increasing importance of agriculture as an industry with good career prospects – and the realization that farming is becoming more technologically advanced.
“The latest generation of young farmers are equipped with a lot of data awareness, and are better prepared to find their way around the software solutions available in modern farming,” adds Luther. “Today’s agriculture is about choosing farm systems that work together to produce even better quality and yield. There are many solutions available, and the clever bit is to choose the right combination for your farm. Young people entering farming today have a far better understanding of technology and know it is possible to improve margins with the right machinery and software.”
International panel discussion
Young Farmers Day on 16 November will be accompanied by a technical program from 10:00 to 16:00, where expert speakers will address the topics related to the day’s theme of “Recruitment, careers and salaries”. This will be followed from 16:00 to 18:00 by a panel discussion on this important subject featuring international guests. The program will be available in both German and English, and will take place on the stage at the DLG’s main stand (Hall 21, Stand A29).
The international panel discussion not only presents an opportunity for new and recent entrants to the agricultural sector to discuss technical strategy, but will also allow them to create an international network that they can use to grow their farming knowledge. For example a farmer in Germany who is facing particular business challenges may find people from other parts of the world that have faced a similar situation and can suggest possible solutions.
The legendary Young Farmers Party
No one can deny that young farmers are renowned party animals, and for many the highlight of Young Farmers Day will be the legendary Young Farmers Party, which will take place in the TUI Arena, EXPO Plaza 7, from 20.00. More than 4000 young people attended the party at Agritechnica 2015, and it is vital that anyone planning to go organizes a ticket in advance.
Advance ticket bookings for the Young Farmers Party, which is an over-18 only event, will be available online from 11 September and cost €15. Simply visit https://www.messe-ticket.de/DLG/AGRITECHNICA2017
There is also a dedicated Facebook page for the party that can be found at www.facebook.com/YoungFarmersParty
Many continuing and long-lasting friendships have resulted from participation in Young Farmers Day, and the program should not be missed. More information Agritechnica and Young Farmers Day can be found online at https://www.agritechnica.com/nc/en/technical-programme/young-farmers- day- party/ and there’s also a dedicated page to follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AGRITECHNICA
