Sadly, today's tour was our last experience in Europe. We were fortunate enough to spend it with KWS Seed. In the morning, Rudiger Strohm gave us an overview of the company in the present and their goals for the future. It was interesting to learn that the company has three different divisions including: sugarbeets, corn/oil crops, and cereals. They breed crops for numerous resistances and they hope to increase their crop yields by 1-2% per year in the future. We learned that the company also has a focus on sustainable energy, and they produce biogas. Biogas is used as a means to provide electricity and heating for the company. 

Next, we met with Alessa Napel and learned about the career opportunities within KWS Seed. Since they are located in over 70 countries, there are many opportunities for us at home and all over the world. 

We then met with Helena, and we learned of her educational background at the University of Illinois. Currently, she works for KWS Seed as a cross between the molecular breeders and regular plant breeders. 

After the englightening presentations, we were given a tour of their onsite greenhouses, sugar beet production and packaging line, and learned even more about seed production. Inside their factory we saw how the sugar beet seeds are separated and coated in bright Illini orange coloring, the official color of KWS.

By this point we were all very hungry and enjoyed a delicious lunch graciously provided by KWS Seed. Our visit concluded with a short trip on the KWS field plot farm to see their hybrid wheat plants which included Bussard and Adler. We said our goodbyes and showed our gratitude to KWS Seed and immediately began our journey to Frankfort for our final night in the Holiday Inn next to the Airport.