Studying Agricultural Management in the USA: Experiencing Agriculture from a Different Perspective

Mathis had the opportunity to visit the partner college in Iowa as part of his dual studies program and shares his impressions.

In October 2024, our group of 19 students had the unique opportunity to embark on a ten-day study trip to the USA. The goal was to explore the Midwest of the United States and gain fascinating insights into American agriculture. FRICKE supported me on this study trip, enabling me to collect numerous interesting and exciting experiences.

From the City Skyline to Endless Fields

Our journey began in Chicago, which immediately impressed us with its striking and expansive skyline. The drive from Chicago to Iowa Falls took us into rural, agriculture-intensive regions and provided our first impression of Midwest farming—characterized by seemingly endless fields of corn and soybeans, the region’s dominant crops. In contrast to Germany, where crop rotations are more diversified, many farmers in this region rely almost exclusively on these two crops.

The machinery was also impressive: large combine harvesters with dual tires and wide grain carts are commonplace in the USA, whereas such dimensions would be unthinkable in Germany due to stricter road traffic regulations and narrower infrastructure. American agricultural machinery brands like John Deere and Case IH dominate the market there, while German manufacturers play a smaller role.

Educational Institutions

We also visited other educational institutions, including the ‘Ellsworth Community College,’ our partner institution in the small town of Iowa Falls, as well as major universities like the ‘University of Wisconsin’ in Madison and the ‘Iowa State University’ in Ames. Particularly impressive was the Iowa State campus, which not only includes its own stadium and coliseum but also the ‘AG 450 Farm.’ On this university-owned farm, students work in small teams to manage 182 hectares of land—from livestock farming and crop cultivation to marketing. However, this also comes at a price in the USA, as students pay high tuition fees and often accrue debt in the six-figure range—a situation that is far from uncommon.

Encounters and Cultural Exchange

In addition to professional insights, the trip offered numerous opportunities for cultural exchange. We spent several days with American students, went out with them in the evenings, and gained insight into their daily lives.
A particular highlight was the traditional barbecue on Professor Kevin Butt’s farm.

We were able to share many experiences, discovering both similarities and differences in our daily lives and mentalities. The trip not only enriched us professionally but also demonstrated the importance of international collaboration and a global perspective. It became clear that while the USA and Germany take very different approaches to agriculture, they also face similar challenges.

My Conclusion

Having the opportunity to gain such an in-depth understanding of agriculture in Iowa showed me both fundamental differences and shared challenges in farming. The impressive landscape and the open, optimistic nature of the people there also left a lasting impression.

This year, I also had the opportunity to spend two months at FRICKE Maszyny Rolnicze, our agricultural machinery dealership in Poland. I reported on that experience in this post.