Brazilian Agronomists Explore American Agriculture
International tour of farmers visits former board president’s farm
By: Beth Fannin, Director, Communication Services
In August, a delegation of 40 agronomists from cooperatives in the southern region of Brazil embarked on a journey to the United States to learn more about American agriculture and cooperatives. Their primary destination was the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. Their visit to this event served as a platform for cross-cultural learning and collaboration within the field of agriculture. As a special highlight of the trip, the group had the privilege of visiting former GROWMARK Chairman of the Board and President, Dan Kelley’s farm in Normal, IL. This visit was an educational experience that provided the Brazilian agronomists with a unique glimpse into North American agriculture and the operations of GROWMARK and the FS System.
Dan and his wife Pam warmly welcomed the Brazilian delegation to their farm. Dan shared insightful information about GROWMARK, emphasizing the cooperative's rich history, mission, and pivotal role in supporting American and Canadian farmers. The Brazilian agronomists were particularly intrigued by GROWMARK's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and its deep-rooted connection with local communities.
John Tuttle, CEO of Evergreen FS, was also on hand to deliver a comprehensive presentation regarding the FS System. John provided the Brazilian group with valuable insights into member company operations and the array of products and services available to customers. The agronomists were impressed by the seamless collaboration and coordination among different entities within the FS System, highlighting its ability to enhance the profitability and sustainability of American and Canadian farming operations.
The visit was marked by lively discussions and questions from the Brazilian agronomists. Through a translator, they actively engaged with Dan and John, eager to gain deeper insights into North American agricultural practices and cooperative models. These discussions transcended language barriers, as the common language of agriculture brought together professionals from different corners of the world.
The morning spent at the Kelley farm offered the Brazilian agronomists an exceptional opportunity to delve into the heart of agriculture and cooperative systems. The Brazilian delegation gained invaluable insights into the operations of GROWMARK and the FS System, as well as a deeper understanding of the commitment to sustainability and innovation that drives these organizations.
This visit not only expanded the knowledge of the Brazilian agronomists but also underscored the power of agriculture to connect people across the globe. As they returned to Brazil, they carried with them not only new insights but also a stronger sense of unity with the global community of agricultural professionals, all working together to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for the agriculture industry.