The Kansas Department of Agriculture is seeking individuals to participate on agricultural trade missions to Argentina and Uruguay. Tentatively, the Argentina mission will take place July 26 to Aug. 1, 2015, and the Uruguay mission Sept.13-19, 2015. The goal of these missions is to provide an opportunity for Kansas purebred beef cattle producers and allied industry to continue developing relationships with livestock producers in Argentina and Uruguay in an effort to increase market opportunities for U.S. and Kansas beef genetics.

The primary activity during each mission will be to interact with breeders and promote the use of U.S. beef genetics while attending major livestock shows including the Expocisión Rural (Palermo) in Argentina or ExpoPrado in Uruguay. Kansas ranchers and related agribusinesses specializing in Angus and Hereford genetics are invited to participate.

This trade mission is funded in part by the United States Livestock Genetic Export, Inc. Selected participants will be eligible for $1,000 travel stipends for airfare depending upon number of applicants and fund availability. Participants will be responsible for the cost of hotels, meals and other incidental expenses.

KDA strives to encourage and enhance economic growth of the agriculture industry and the Kansas economy by exploring and expanding both domestic and international marketing opportunities.

Those individuals interested in participating in the trade mission should complete the application forms available online on the KDA website. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration is Friday, June 19.

For more information on the trade missions, please contact Billy Brown, billy.brown@kda.ks.gov or 785-564-6752.