Dr. Ute David, AGCO Plant Manager, Feucht (Germany)
Like the agricultural sector, the field of agri-business is predominantly male. We were therefore delighted to meet Dr. Ute David during a factory visit to the AGCO plant in Feught, Germany. Dr. David is the Plant Manager of the factory where mowers, tedders and rakes are built for the Fendt and Massey Ferguson brands.
WIA: Dr. Ute David, you tell us about your background.
Dr. Ute David: I was born and grew up in the countryside in Franconia, the northern part of Bavaria. The villages and surroundings were filled with tractors, small farms, and fields of corn and grain, so we were always exposed to agricultural activities throughout the year.
WIA: Did you always have a connection to agriculture?
Dr. Ute David: I don’t have a deep background in agriculture, but as a child, I remember sitting in the passenger seat of my grandpa’s old Fendt tractor. He still had some agricultural activities going on, like pig fattening and managing his own woods. Behind our house were corn and grain fields, and we could observe the year-round activities of the local farmers, which was particularly fascinating during harvest season.
WIA: How did your career path lead you to the agricultural sector?
Dr. Ute David: After studying Economics and gaining experience in various industries, I started as Head of Sales and Operations Planning at AGCO/Fendt in Feucht in 2020. In this role, I took a deep dive into the Green Harvesting sector during a period of strong growth in agriculture, especially in hay & forage equipment. Since January 2024, I’ve been the site manager for the AGCO/Fendt plant in Feucht, navigating the hay equipment business in the current market situation.
WIA: Have you discovered and learned new things about agriculture through your job?
Dr. Ute David: Absolutely, a lot! From global seasonal changes and technical requirements to the specific needs of farmers using our machines, I’ve learned so much since joining AGCO. It’s all about what matters to everyone in daily life, from feeding the world to securing nature for future generations.
