Students from the University of Erfurt on an excursion to the Kauern agricultural co-operative

The KLIMA-N project accompanied and financially supported the excursion, which marked the start of a longer-term exchange between students and farmers on the implementation of micro-projects. The aim of the visit was to gain insights into the challenges and strategies of climate-resilient agriculture. Agrargenossenschaft Kauern operates a diversified farm with crop cultivation, a biogas plant and livestock farming. The aim of the farm is to create as closed a utilisation cycle as possible. "We want to have a farm that is as well-rounded as possible," explained CEO Klaus-Jürgen Plötner at the presentation of the farm. Sustainable crop rotation, ploughless tillage and regional marketing are at the centre of the farm.

After a brief introduction, the students were given an insight into the various areas of work during a tour of the farm: from the various agricultural machines, the production and storage of different cereals, to the biogas plant and the calf barn. Afterwards, the "cow café" invited them to enjoy a snack of regional farm produce – with a direct view of the dairy cattle centre, very close to everyday farming life.

Another item on the programme was a presentation by the “Gesellschaft für konservierende Bodenbearbeitung e.V.”, which provided information on the opportunities and risks of the soil ecosystem. In the subsequent discussion round, the students dealt with questions of plant breeding, plant protection and genetic engineering. The ecological and economic consequences of climate change, the effects of globalisation and the relationship between producers, trade and consumers were also discussed.

The students contributed with interest and criticism. The direct exchange between agriculture and the university brought together different points of view – and led to lively discussions about sustainability and climate protection. The visit to Kauern was the prelude to the planned practice-orientated field research as part of the seminar. It will be interesting to see what insights this practical dialogue between the farm and the lecture hall will produce.

(text: Helen Bönnighausen)