Hannes Klockmann

After initial research, it quickly became clear that only the ecological orientation of an agricultural degree was an option for me. Since the choice within Germany is limited in this respect, I decided to take the course offered at the Witzenhausen site.

At the beginning I had doubts: Have I chosen the right course of studies? Am I at the right university? Will I be able to gain enough practical experience in addition to the theoretical knowledge? These doubts soon disappeared in the main study period. The exchange with other students became more intensive, you were no longer alone with your thoughts and the requirements became more tangible. The contact and willingness to talk of the teachers and professors also gave me a lot of insight into the subject and always gave me new ways of thinking. In addition, there was a lot of group work and excursions, which had a positive influence on everyday student life. The wide range of courses and disciplines also allowed me to gain deep insights into my chosen areas of focus. For my compulsory internship, I took advantage of the university's contacts and completed it at a company in New Zealand.

After completing my master's degree, I was then faced with the question of a new professional challenge. I wanted to find a job where I could expand my practical experience in agriculture. So it came in handy that the BioBoden cooperative offered me a 1 1/2-year traineeship. Here I got the opportunity to implement and consolidate my acquired knowledge at the Höfegemeinschaft Pommern, an association of partner farms of the BioBoden Genossenschaft. In addition to a lot of practical work in the animal sector (cattle/pigs/poultry) and plant cultivation (various types of grain/potatoes), I was also able to gain a lot of insight into accounting and business management. A follow-up position as assistant to the management expanded my responsibilities to include other farms and new branches of the business. Interim farm management gave me the opportunity to work even more independently and gain further experience. Back at Höfegemeinschaft Pommern, I took over the management of the Special Crops and Gardening Division.

Looking back, I can say that the network I was able to build is one of the most valuable things about my time in Witzenhausen. Today, I have contacts with various experts and can compensate for gaps in knowledge and experience through the advice of others, can question things or exchange information on certain topics with other experts in an uncomplicated way.