NOTE: The date for this event was incorrectly noted as July - the correct dates are in June as noted below.

If you’ve ever considered a visit to Germany, but wanted to mix a little business with pleasure, here’s your opportunity. The DLG (German Agriculture Society) will welcome nearly 25,000 visitors to its bi-annual DLG Field Day, held near the city of Hassfurt, Germany, June 14 to 16.

Sure, you’ve experienced agricultural field days and trade shows before, but attending one in Germany (in the state of Bavaria) is truly a unique experience – not just for the culture or scenery, but for insight into farming in Europe. And you will find that despite there being differences, farmers in Europe and in North America share plenty in common.

Having been a resident of German for nearly 5 years, I have had the opportunity to attend the DLG-Field Day event, and I mark this event on my calendar as soon as it’s announced.

Yes, it’s that good of an event...and it’s something I would encourage you to experience.

Organizers expect nearly 350 exhibitors for the three-day event. The outdoor program is chock full of what you’d expect at an agricultural field day: equipment, field demonstrations, and more than 100 field plots. And yes, there’s plenty of German food and beverage at just about every exhibit.

This year, organizers are also dedicating specific areas to machinery demonstrations, including fertilizer spreaders, sensor technology, precision farming, data management, and spraying equipment. There’s no need to hike out for some of the demonstrations…exhibitors will be able present their demonstrations immediately adjacent to their stands. A special focus on drone technology will also be on display.

And what is sure to be a highlight, at least for the tech-junkies out there, is the 14th International Field Robot Event, organized by the University of Hohenheim. This annual event has international student teams competing with their robots to achieve the best results in the field. The goal is to test pioneering technologies in robotics and precision farming under real conditions, and to give young scientists the opportunity to interact in an international group of participants to develop their ideas.

For more information, and to book your tickets, visit dlg-feldtage.de/en/news/news/?detail/feldtage2016/16/2/8331