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David VanDyke, a sophomore at Ellsworth Community College (ECC), has made a significant mark in the agricultural world through his internship experience in Germany. VanDyke, who is studying farm business and farm management, is set to graduate from ECC this spring with three degrees, including one in Precision Agriculture, which he earned in 2024. His passion for agriculture led him to pursue an internship with New Holland in Germany, where he gained valuable experience in agricultural machinery and farming practices.

The Journey to Germany

VanDyke’s decision to study precision agriculture at ECC was influenced by the college’s renowned program, which he found to be a perfect fit for his career goals. Initially, he explored four-year and private colleges but chose ECC specifically for its comprehensive Precision Ag program. His internship in Germany, from September 16 to November 28, 2024, was part of his broader ambition to explore international agricultural systems and further his knowledge.

The trip was not VanDyke’s first international experience. In the fall of 2023, he traveled to Europe for a 10-day trip that introduced him to the agricultural practices of Germany and the Czech Republic. This initial exposure piqued his interest, and he set his sights on gaining hands-on experience in Germany.

“I knew I wanted to go to Germany because of their innovative approach to agriculture,” said VanDyke. “It was a specific goal of mine to make this happen.”

Internship Experience at New Holland

During his internship, VanDyke’s typical day began at 8:00 a.m., after enjoying the fresh German baked goods and coffee at a local bakery. His role at New Holland involved setting up new agricultural equipment and conducting demonstrations for farmers, many of whom leased machinery for their farms. VanDyke also participated in travel-based classes, learning from experts about farming methods and machinery design.

The internship took place at the Berufsakademie Sachsen University of Cooperative Education, which runs a unique two-month on, two-month off internship program. Under the guidance of ECC faculty members Kevin Butt and Jörg Rochlitzer, as well as Professor Lutz Dassler from the university, VanDyke was able to apply his classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

“Language was a challenge at times, but I made it work with Google Translate, and I also had colleagues who helped me navigate the language barrier,” VanDyke shared. “The people were friendly, and many younger folks spoke English, but a lot of the farmers didn’t, so it required a lot of patience.”

His internship also provided him with practical experiences, such as working with the equipment at Agritech (the dealership he interned at) and learning the intricacies of soil treatment techniques. The exposure to diverse agricultural practices broadened his understanding of farming on a global scale.

While the experience was not without its challenges, VanDyke views the internship as a transformative learning opportunity. “The best thing about this trip was meeting some great people and gaining new perspectives. I’ve made lifelong friends who share my passion for farming. I even plan to buy an Xbox to play Farm Simulator with them!” he said with a smile.

VanDyke’s internship in Germany wasn’t just about learning the technicalities of farm equipment and machinery. He also witnessed firsthand the diverse techniques for soil management and advanced drone technologies used by German farmers.

“Seeing different approaches to farming, especially the use of drones for field monitoring, was eye-opening,” said VanDyke. “It’s an exciting time for agriculture, and I want to be part of that innovation.”

Words of Advice

VanDyke encourages high school seniors to check out ECC for its agricultural programs and the opportunities it provides. “If you have the chance to be a part of a program that allows you to go abroad or pursue an internship, take it. You won’t regret it. It changes you, and you’ll come back with a new perspective,” he said.

His journey, however, was not without support. VanDyke credits his internship success to several key people who made it possible. “I want to thank Kevin Butt, Jörg Rochlitzer, Don Rhude, my parents, and the community for all their support. They made this experience possible,” he said.

This sentiment was echoed by those who supported his journey. Kevin Butt, an ECC faculty member who helped arrange the internship, shared, “David’s journey reminds me of my own experience. When I was a student, I took a chance on something unfamiliar, and it completely changed my life.”

David VanDyke’s story is a testament to the power of education, international exposure, and the support of a dedicated community. As he prepares to graduate from ECC, his future in the world of agriculture looks brighter than ever.

Ellsworth Community College, located in Iowa Falls, is a member of the Iowa Valley Community College District. The District is comprised of Ellsworth Community College, Marshalltown Community College, Iowa Valley Grinnell, and Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions. The District serves a broad range of students and businesses throughout Central Iowa. For more information, check out the website at ecc.iavalley.edu.