Excursion of the Young DLG to Hungary
Diversity, Innovation, and Exchange
From June 1 to June 5, 2025, the Young DLG working group embarked on an exciting and educational excursion to Hungary. The trip offered deep insights not only into Hungarian agriculture but also into the country’s history, culture, and the personal journeys of emigrants who have successfully established farms there. The focus of the excursion was on professional exchange, innovative farm structures, and impressive examples of modern agriculture.
Sunday, June 1 – Arrival and Immersion in Budapest’s History
The journey began with a guided city tour of Budapest. Our experienced guide, Ildikó, introduced us to the city’s eventful history – from the Roman settlement of Aquincum, through Ottoman occupation and Habsburg reconstruction, to the unification of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda in 1873.
Highlights of the city tour included the magnificent Parliament building on the Danube, the imposing St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Great Synagogue – the second largest of its kind in the world – and the historic memorial at Liberty Square. We concluded the cultural introduction with a shared dinner.
Monday, June 2 – Animal Health and Modern Agriculture in Western Hungary
Early in the morning, we headed west by bus. A key topic during the ride was foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). A short presentation covered symptoms, transmission, and prevention of this highly contagious animal disease – a particularly relevant issue given recent cases in Hungary and Slovakia.
Our first stop was a diverse farm that impressed with innovative crop production and professional livestock management. Particularly noteworthy was the use of digital technologies for yield forecasting and fertilization, as well as the well-structured dairy management. Strict biosecurity measures – including disinfection basins, distancing from animals and feed, and the use of disposable shoe covers provided by MS Shippers – allowed us to tour the site safely.
Next, we visited a crop farm established by a Dutch couple. In a very personal talk, Arina van Schaik shared the challenges of emigrating and the journey from a small initial plot to a successful, consolidated farm. Her quote, “True emigration is like an accident – in your own culture you can run a marathon, in a new one you have to learn to walk again,” left a lasting impression.
In the evening, we had dinner with other local farmers, including members of the AGRIA network. The professional exchange and personal conversations made this evening a highlight of the day.
Tuesday, June 3 – Diversity at Lake Balaton and Seed Propagation
The day began with a visit to a diverse farm near Lake Balaton. The expansive fields and the direct marketing concept under the brand “Terra Pannonia Fleisch” were particularly impressive. High-quality beef is marketed to restaurants and through a regional burger chain – with a focus on origin, quality, and regionality.
We also gained insights into hybrid wheat and corn seed propagation at another farm run by an experienced farmer. In addition to the seed crops, we also visited the farm’s beef cattle operation.
The evening was spent at Lake Balaton – some took a refreshing swim, while others reflected on the day’s experiences in conversation.
Wednesday, June 4 – Tihany, Arable Farming, and Vineyards
After a group photo stop above Lake Balaton and a short ferry ride, we explored the scenic Tihany Peninsula. The baroque abbey and the view over the lake provided a pleasant cultural interlude.
We continued to Baja, where we visited another impressive arable farm. In addition to traditional crops like wheat and corn, sunflowers and peas were also cultivated. Particularly interesting were the fertilization techniques using liquid-mixed solids and the high level of professionalism in storage and harvest logistics.
In the afternoon, we visited the farm owner’s vineyard. A tour of the vineyards followed by a tasting rounded off the visit. With goulash and wine, there was much laughter and discussion – a perfect end to the penultimate day.
Thursday, June 5 – Insights into the Hunland Group
On the final day, we visited one of Hungary’s most significant agricultural enterprises: the Hunland Group, which combines livestock trading, crop farming, and logistics in an impressive way. A presentation introduced us to the various business areas – from international livestock transport to research projects on sustainable manure use with sheep wool.
We also toured a dairy farm and another site with cattle and lamb fattening, gaining insights into modern livestock systems. A particularly engaging conversation with founder Jos Janssen, who has lived and worked in Hungary since the 1990s, highlighted a new project to develop a farm in Rwanda – sparking intense discussions on ethics and development aid.
Conclusion
The excursion to Hungary was marked by diversity – culturally, professionally, and personally. We visited farms that use cutting-edge technology, have achieved pioneering feats, or are boldly entering new markets. Critical topics such as animal welfare, migration, and sustainability were also addressed.
What remains are not only exciting impressions but also many impulses for our own work – and the realization that agriculture in Europe has many faces.
Text: Young DLG Working Group and Catharina Thordsen, Project Manager for Economics & Sustainability
Photos: Participants of the trip