The week long program compared the beef and cattle-related food systems in Uruguay to the U.S. and other countries as well as illustrating how the food systems impact animal health and welfare, food safety, and public health. In addition, the course provided the opportunity to appreciate the global integration of food systems and promoted collaborative group leadership through network building opportunities.
Eleven individuals completed the study program led by five instructors, with representation from five countries in North and South America. In five intensive days of experiential learning, the group visited 12 establishments across southern Uruguay, from an extensive beef cattle operation, to a specialty cheese processor, to a highly sophisticated world-class meat processing plant. Each day was summarized with group round-table discussions with perspectives provided by program participants sharing their diverse experiences and opinions. Fluid cultural and social interchange also occurred during the course, with communication between participants in their native languages providing an enriching experience. Participants were required to summarize the knowledge and experience they acquired throughout the week in a final interactive workshop with local colleagues.
This study program was a successful collaborative effort organized by the University of Minnesota, the Ohio State University, the Universidad de la Republica in Uruguay, and the Uruguay Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fishery.
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