On 31 October, Rheingau Volksbank awarded the Rheingau Volksbank prize to two graduates from Hochschule Geisenheim University for their excellent final theses. Due to outstanding performances, the jury chose two theses instead of one for 2017 and suggested to split the prize. As a consequence Volksbank Rheingau increased the prize money to 1500 euros with 750 euros for each laureate.
Nora Kathrin Brockmann’s thesis has the title: “Historic development of the “gemischter Satz” (field blend) and its production process with a special focus on the wine-growing region Rheingau”. The thesis was written in cooperation with the winery Baron Knyphausen. It deals with the economic aspects and workload of different grape varieties planted in the same vineyard and discusses possible market positions. Prof. Dr. Ernst Rühl and Hubert Konrad from the Department of Grapevine Breeding of Hochschule Geisenheim University supervised the thesis.
Christopher Weil, the second laureate compares the old steering system of the Fendt Vario 211V vineyard tractor with the new one. Weil did extensive research on ultrasound-based, self-propelled vineyard tractor systems and tried to find out how to improve these systems. He was supervised by Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Schwarz, head of the department of technology at Hochschule Geisenheim University. His thesis can be regarded as a step on the way to precision farming and smart farming. “We need innovation in viticulture to remain economically and ecologically competitive. Both theses are excellent examples of the diverse approaches to the topic. In times of climate change and increasing global competitive pressure it is a university’s task to try to find solutions to global challenges together with our students. This award is an excellent opportunity to highlight how important it is for our industry to support young and future-oriented minds”, says president of the university Prof. Dr. Hans Reiner Schulz.
“Hochschule Geisenheim University is a symbol for progress and development. Young motivated people work to find practice-oriented solutions for current problems. This is also why the Rheingau and its vintners have an international reputation. We support all institutions working together to further our region. By awarding the Rheingauer-Volksbank prize we want to express our deep appreciation for the university and its students”, says Andreas Zeiselmaier, chief executive of Rheingauer Volksbank.
Since 2007 the bank awards the Rheingauer-Volksbank prize every year to excellent graduates of viticulture and enology of Hochschule Geisenheim University. Paul Meuer former chief executive and Prof. Dr. Klaus Schaller director of then Forschungsanstalt Geisenheim initiated the award.
