Johannitag 2026: A special anniversary at the Triesdorf Campus
About 20.000 visitors took the opportunity of this year’s Johannitag to discover Triesdorf as a centre of learning, with its numerous facilities, and to take a look behind the scenes at teaching, research and innovation. With a varied programme, Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) also showcased itself as a modern educational and research institution, offering exciting insights for young and old alike.
Johannitag celebrates its 50th anniversary
The tradition of the Triesdorf Johannitag dates back to 1976, so this year marks its 50th anniversary. The themes of Agriculture, the environment, energy and food have remained as relevant as ever for decades. As Alois Rainer, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Food and Home Affairs, emphasised in his opening speech: “I am always delighted to see the passion with which the younger generations in particular pursue their careers, and I can only say to everyone: Germany needs you, your innovative spirit and your enthusiasm.”
Varied programme for young and old
Presentations on current research projects attracted a great deal of interest – these clearly demonstrated how the University of applied sciences’ work and research are closely linked to real-world practice. Various hands-on activities and information stands invited visitors to experience science first-hand or to win a prize in the rowing competition.
Whilst children carried out experiments at the popular Children’s University, prospective students found out about the HSWT’s diverse range of degree programmes at the general subject advisory service and the subject-specific advice centres. Students, lecturers and staff were on hand throughout the day to talk to guests and answer questions about studying, career prospects and campus life.
Josef-Göppel-Forum and 50+5 years HSWT
Another highlight was the Josef Göppel specialist forum entitled ‘Strong Women. Strong Agriculture.’ In honour of the International Year of Women in Agriculture, the significant role of women in the agricultural sector was recognised. The opening address was given by Sophia Göppel-Kraft, daughter of the college’s namesake, Josef Göppel. In her personal address, she recalled her grandmother, who worked confidently as a farmer on her own farm, thereby paying tribute to the work often carried out behind the scenes by women in Agriculture – both then and now. The panel discussion featured Natalie Pracht (Master’s student in Applied Agricultural Sciences, HSWT), Dr Anne Schiborra (Head of the Triesdorf School of Animal Husbandry) and Viktoria Treffler (graduate of the Agriculture degree programme, HSWT). The discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr Franziska Wespel (Plant Breeding, Breeding Novel Grain Crops, University of applied sciences). Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the University of applied sciences as a space for development and personal growth: it offers women the freedom, inspiration and targeted support they need to forge their own path.
The programme was complemented by the ‘50+5 Years of HSWT’ photo exhibition, musical performances by the Brass Band Working Group, and numerous opportunities for guests, alumni, students and university staff to mingle.
In its 50th anniversary year, Johannitag once again impressively demonstrated the diversity of HSWT and the entire Triesdorf educational hub, and highlighted just how closely science, practical application and social engagement are intertwined here.
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On Johannitag 2026, all the institutions in the Triesdorf education hub opened their doors once again, including Weihenstephen-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT). -
Alois Rainer, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Affairs, opened the event in the marquee at the Landwirtschaftliche Lehranstalten (LLA). -
In the packed marquee, Federal Minister Rainer emphasised: “I am always delighted to see the passion with which the younger generations in particular go about their work, and I can only say to you all: Germany needs you, your innovative spirit and your enthusiasm for Agriculture and for food. You are the ones who ensure that we all have enough good food and drink – today, tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.” -
During a tour of the site, Federal Minister Alois Rainer spoke to Prof. Dr Franziska Wespel (HSWT) about the latest developments in research, teaching and innovation. -
Prof. Dr Peter Breunig (HSWT) also spoke with Federal Minister Alois Rainer and discussed the current challenges facing Agriculture. -
Prof. Dr Patrick Noack (HSWT) explained the function and benefits of agricultural drones for Agriculture. -
At numerous information stands, visitors were able to find out about research projects and innovations at the HSWT, including the #FitForCows project. -
Under the title “Strong Women. Strong Agriculture.”, various female stakeholders from the agricultural sector shared insights into their work and experiences in regional and international Agriculture at the Josef Göppel Expert Forum. © Jasmin Pfänder -
At the Children’s University and the hands-on lab, the young visitors were also able to get involved … © Beatrix Getze -
... and try out all sorts of experiments. -
This is how the principle of pH was discovered in ‘Coolen Kohl’, or … -
... aquatic organisms can be observed and identified under a microscope. © Carolin Dommel -
Clubs and associations such as the Bavarian Society for Bird and Nature Conservation (LBV) also set up information stands and contributed to a varied programme. © Carolin Dommel -
During age-appropriate talks, the young visitors were able to get a taste of university life, here with Prof. Dr Michael Rudner (HSWT) on the topic ‘We’re hungry! Bees in search of food’. © Jasmin Pfänder
