With deep roots in farming, the Horsch family has been ahead of its time. In the 1960s, the family pioneered farming without a plow, an approach that was groundbreaking in Europe at the time. This forward-thinking mindset created one of the most innovative agricultural equipment manufacturers in the world.
From a young age, Michael Horsch, the eldest son of a German farming family, dreamed of exploring North American agriculture. In the late 1970s, he turned that dream into reality, working on farms across the United States. It was here that he discovered his passion for no-till farming and high-performance machinery—an experience that would shape both his career and the future of HORSCH.
Upon returning to Germany, Michael, who was inspired by American agriculture and supported by his family, created his first air direct seeder with a large central seed tank. This development was followed by the creation of a self-propelled seeder called the Terra-Trac, an innovative three-wheel tractor. These groundbreaking projects led to the founding of HORSCH Maschinen in 1984.
Michael’s siblings shared his passion for innovation and agriculture. His brother, Philipp, after three years practical farming experience in Germany, worked one year in the late 1980s in the USA as well, volunteering at Mennonite Central Committee in Pennsylvania. During this time he also was able to follow his agricultural farming interests and was deeply impressed by the professionalism and advanced technology in American agriculture. Inspired by what he saw, he joined Michael at HORSCH Maschinen in 1990.
The 1980s and 1990s were transformative decades for both HORSCH and the European agricultural industry. Drawing inspiration from North America, the company focused on developing large-scale, high-performance equipment—a bold move that challenged European norms. When the Iron Curtain fell in 1989, vast Eastern European farms needed precisely the kind of high-capacity equipment HORSCH had been developing. As one of the few manufacturers prepared for this shift, HORSCH quickly gained the trust of large-scale farmers, establishing its reputation as a leader in agricultural technology.
With this success, the company expanded its reach, bringing innovative solutions to farmers across five continents in more than 45 countries. Today, HORSCH operates in all major cereal and row crop growing regions, providing specialized equipment for seeding and planting, soil preparation, and plant protection.
Over 25 years ago, HORSCH’s journey in the United States began. Then in 2013 the company took a major step by building a production facility in North Dakota. This marked the beginning of a new era—one that would bring HORSCH closer to North American farmers and enable the company to develop solutions tailored to their unique conditions.
In 2023, Lucas Horsch, the eldest son of Michael and Cornelia Horsch, moved to North Dakota with his family to lead HORSCH LLC. Lucas, a farmer for nearly a decade, had previously managed the HORSCH research and development farm in the Czech Republic, alongside his brother, Constantin Horsch. Before relocating to the USA, he managed planter research and development—an area of strategic importance for the company.
Now at the helm of HORSCH LLC, Lucas is focused on strengthening relationships with North American farmers and dealers. Through open dialogue and collaboration, he is driving the expansion of HORSCH’s product portfolio and dealer network, reinforcing the company's role as a major player in agricultural technology. As part of these efforts, HORSCH invested in a new facility dedicated to training and marketing, called AgTec, located in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. This new investment aims to further enhance connections with partners and farmers by providing increased resources and support.
Wherever HORSCH operates, its equipment is recognized for productivity, reliability, and simplicity—values that stem from the Horsch family’s deep passion for agriculture and its commitment to learning from farmers around the world. By staying close to the people who work the land, HORSCH continues to develop advanced solutions that anticipate the needs of modern agriculture.
With a strong foundation in North America, an unwavering focus on innovation, and a vision for the future, HORSCH is not only growing its presence—it’s creating the next generation of agricultural technology.
As a global leader in agricultural technology, HORSCH continues to expand its impact through innovation and deep connections with farmers. With annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the company operates six production facilities worldwide, manufacturing and developing equipment tailored to the needs of each region. HORSCH’s diverse product portfolio spans multiple categories, ensuring that farmers have access to solutions designed specifically for their local conditions. By working closely with farmers and integrating their feedback into product development, HORSCH remains committed to delivering cutting-edge, high-performance machinery that drives efficiency and productivity in modern agriculture.
