The effort aimed at increasing market opportunities for United States and Kansas beef genetics is open to producers of purebred beef cattle and related businesses, the department said in a recent release. The department is looking to this new opportunity as a way to encourage and enhance growth of the state’s agriculture industry and economy.
The highlight of the event will be a field day that features calves sired by United States Red Angus and Charolais bulls that have been crossed with Costa Rican Brahman dams. Initial data from the project has found offspring thrive in the tropical environment owing much to the fact that calves possess the best qualities of each parent, a phenomenon commonly referred to as heterosis.
Producers that attend will also visit a local university research project utilizing U.S. beef genetics, visit local Costa Rican ranching operations and will also have multiple opportunities to engage with potential buyers of beef semen and embryos. Kansas ranchers and related businesses that specialize in producing germplasm qualified for export are encouraged to participate.
The trade mission is funded in part by United States Livestock Genetics Export Inc. and selected participants will be eligible for travel stipends for airfare depending on the number of applicants and the availability of funds. Participants will be responsible for hotels, meals and other incidental expenses.
Agricultural producers interested in attending should apply to the Kansas Department of Agriculture by March 6.
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