11/17/00

Contacts:
Rogério Borges, Agronomy, (515) 294-3763
David Acker, International Agriculture Programs, (515) 294-8454
Eduarda Becerra, International Agriculture Programs, (515) 294-3972
Joel Severinghaus, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, (515) 225-5421
Melea Reicks Licht, Agriculture Communications, (515) 294-2957

ISU, IOWA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION CO-SPONSOR SOYBEAN TRAVEL TOUR TO

BRAZIL

AMES, Iowa -- The Iowa State University College of Agriculture and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation are offering a study tour open to all Iowans interested in exploring the impacts of Brazilian soybean production on Midwest markets.

Throughout the tour, March 10-17, 2001, participants will learn about soybean production, processing and shipping from Brazilian elevator managers, soybean farmers, government officials, transportation specialists and multi-national agribusiness representatives.

The tour will be led by Rogério Borges, ISU soil agronomist, and Phillip Baumel, ISU extension economist.  Borges said the participants will observe the Brazilian soybean industry at all levels.

"They'll experience first hand the infrastructure and facilities of the industry on large and organized farms in the area of Brazil developing soybean production. We'd also like to see what the future plans are for supporting this developing industry," Borges said.

David Acker, director of international agriculture programs, said the partnership between ISU and the Iowa Farm Bureau is not new, but this is the first time the two have sponsored a trip of this type.

"We put it together because Iowa producers are showing tremendous interest in Brazil's soybean production system. So, it was very logical for Iowa State University and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to respond to what the people in the state are interested in. This trip will offer a direct benefit for their members and the farm communities the College of Agriculture serves," Acker said.

Anyone interested in participating in the program should contact Eduarda Becerra, 111 Curtiss Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, (515) 249-3972. Registrations are due December 1. The cost of the tour is $3,000 per participant.

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