University of Missouri Hosts Intensive Beef Camp Program

By Blake Jackson

Thiago Martins, assistant research and extension professor in beef reproduction, recently led Beef Camp, a two-week intensive program designed to connect Brazilian beef industry leaders with the U.S. beef sector.

The initiative was developed in partnership with Gente do Agro, a prominent Brazilian organization dedicated to preparing top professionals for the agricultural industry.

Participants included producers, professors, and agriculture students, all eager to explore the American beef production model and research environment.

Hosted at the University of Missouri and surrounding areas, Beef Camp blended academic learning with field-based experiences. Faculty from the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) presented lectures on beef cattle nutrition, reproductive technology, pasture systems, genetics, animal health, economics, and sustainability.

The curriculum emphasized U.S. practices while encouraging participants to compare them with Brazilian systems.

Beyond classroom instruction, the group took part in technical visits to farms, cow-calf operations, and industry facilities. These hands-on experiences allowed attendees to evaluate management strategies, production techniques, and technology adoption from a practical perspective.

A key highlight was the chance to engage directly with U.S. producers, students, and researchers, building cross-cultural connections and facilitating peer learning.

“The success of Beef Camp extended beyond academic content,” Martins said. “It significantly enhanced the University of Missouri’s international visibility and solidified its reputation as a global leader in agricultural research and education. The event helped to build strong institutional relationships with key figures in the Brazilian agribusiness sector and facilitated knowledge transfer across borders.”

The camp also created lasting networking opportunities, opening doors to possible student and faculty exchanges, research collaborations, internships, and industry partnerships.

“Participants left the program with not only an enriched understanding of the U.S. beef industry but also with a renewed commitment to innovation and leadership in their respective roles within the Brazilian agricultural landscape,” Martins said.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri