Herman van Hall (1801-1874)

In 1815 Rural Economics was introduced as an independent subject to the Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The classes were aimed at theology students who would later become preacher-farmers and would use the knowledge gained in their farms.

Van Hall, as professor, was in charge of a collection of demonstration models and the economics garden, which contained profitable cash crops.

In 1842 Van Hall created a basis for a Rural Economics School and as he advocated the combination of theory and practice, there was a farm attached to it. He was a member of many societies and was also very active in ensuring that farmers received good information. This paved the way for improving business management in agriculture.