Research and Taking to the Fields

Today was a great day diving back into agriculture in Brazil! We started off the day by traveling to Embrapa just outside of Goiania. This Embrapa location conducts research in a variety of areas including (but not limited to) rice, beans, cotton, soybeans, corn, and beef cattle. Our visit was focused on the Embrapa structure, tours of different labs, and then we took to the fields to learn about upland rice research.

Next we made our way to the Universidade Federal de Goias to enjoy lunch at the agronomy campus before heading to the main campus to search for monkeys. We were not very successful as we only found one monkey. Next we headed to an organic farm that also rehabilitates wild animals. We got to check out anteaters, edible flowers, fruit production, vegetable production and discuss organic production in Brazil. We concluded our evening with a steak dinner before returning to our hotel and the roof top pool to reflect on our day. See the video recap from today below.

Relaxing Sunday in Brazil

Today was a great Sunday in Brazil! We started with a stroll in a local park, enjoyed much of our day hosted by Juarez and his family, checked out a soccer game, had some roof top time, and wrapped up the evening with dinner in yet another open air restaurant. Check out Sunday's video recap below!

Field Day in Brazil

Today we enjoyed time learning about crop production at the Ceres Field Day near Intumbiara. We discussed topics from seed genetics to fertilizers and chemicals. Following our time at the field day we traveled to Goiania which will serve as our home base through Thursday. We capped off a great day with dinner together and great conversations around the pool on the rooftop. Here is a short video review of our Saturday in Brazil.

Not Going to Sugar Coat It: Today was spectacular!

Today was a great first full day in Brazil! We took to the fields first thing in the morning exploring sugar cane production for sugar and ethanol. We then enjoyed a great lunch at a churrascaria before heading to Corteva in the afternoon. We wrapped up a great day with dinner with our friends from Brazil. Check out this video recap of the day!

Next Stop: Brazil

We are on our way to Brazil! Over the next week and a half students from Hawkeye Community College and Joliet Junior College will embark on agricultural and cultural excursions and experiences in Brazil. We encourage you to follow our adventures on this blog as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Wheels up!

Canada and China Agriculture Relationship

China and United States trade talks have dominated agricultural trade news in the United States over the last year. But what is happening between Canada and China? This week we take a closer look at an article highlighting trade between Canada and Asian countries. You are encouraged to read through the linked article and utilize the discussion questions below to guide your conversations around the globe.

Canada Sees Asian Demand

Discussion Points

• What is the overall trade relationship and picture between Canada and Asian countries? Be specific.
• What factors have driven the picture you described above?
• How have events around the world impacted this trade relationship?
• How is this trade relationship impacting the rest of the world?

Agriculture Biodiversity

Biodiversity in agriculture is a topic that is being discussed more and more. This week we highlight a short video addressing the need for biodiversity in agriculture. We encourage you to watch the linked video and utilize the discussion points below to spark conversation around the globe.

Biodiversity is Essential to Food and Agriculture

Discussion Points

• What is biodiversity?
• Why is biodiversity important to agriculture?
• What can be done to protect biodiversity or even increase biodiversity?
• What was the most surprising piece of information you learned from the video and why?