Within the framework of the traditional Academic Residence which our University carries out for students of the Master's Degree in AgribusinessThe 2023/24 cohort was in the city of Saint Louis, sister city of Rosarioand was received by the team of Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
The visit began with a presentation by the professor Guillermo Bortwho offered a comprehensive overview of the main characteristics of agricultural production in the Midwestern United States. His analysis included production trends, yield and price trends, and future benchmark values.
The students also had the opportunity to listen to leading figures in Greater St. Louis, Inc. who shared the Saint Louis Strategic Plan. This plan underscores efforts to create jobs and expand inclusive economic growth, with an emphasis on key sectors such as fintech, agtech, and geospatial technology, which are closely linked to Saint Louis's environment and agriculture.
In the afternoon, they visited the headquarters of Bayerwhere they toured the facilities focused on their R&D work in extensive crops, exploring the innovations that are revolutionizing agriculture globally. They also participated in a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders in the industry. BioSTL, where they interacted with a group from the Pergamino-Rojas regional branch of AapresidThis exchange was excellent for discussing the present and future of agriculture in the Corn Belt and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
On Tuesday, the cohort visited the Great River Museum, where they learned in detail about the impact of the Mississippi River as a key waterway for regional and national life and commerce.
In the afternoon, the T-REX This allowed for a deeper exploration of the contribution of technology in various potential fields of development. The Saint Louis Development Plan was also presented, highlighting the city's commitment to innovation and inclusive growth, as a hub for attracting and retaining people interested in settling in the region.
Continuing with Wednesday's events, they began with a visit to Purdue University, there the teachers Michael Langemeier, Bruce Erickson, and Todd Kuethe They provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution and challenges of agricultural production in the United States, the dynamics of adoption and diffusion of new technologies, and the agricultural land market.
Next, our students visited the Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center where Jason Adams, the facility manager, presented the center's working dynamics, which involve agricultural producers, researchers, and industry leaders.
That night, we were invited to the professor's house Marshall Martinwho shared with our students his outstanding career and experiences in the academic and agricultural sectors. Thank you for the warm welcome!
On Thursday, our students were able to visit Keystone Cooperativewhere David Smith explained how the cooperative system works in the US and Keystone's business model.
In the afternoon, the students went to Beck's Hybrids, where they had the opportunity to participate in the Becknology Days.
On Friday, they shared lunch with Kassie Tom, and later visited Tom Farmswhere she presented the family business, and how they are currently working to become suppliers for large multinational companies.
Undoubtedly, these types of experiences represent an opportunity for growth in the academic development of our students, key to strengthening the links focused on AgTech, promoting a fruitful exchange and future collaborations.
