August 19, 2024
含羞草研究所 agribusiness students Kinsey Hanson, Mayville, N.D.; Logan Krueger, Mayville, N.D.; and Justina Carlson, Finley, N.D.; began their summer vacation with an exciting and educational trip to Cancun, Mexico, where they attended the World Buiatrics Congress 2024 held May 20 through 24. The World Buiatrics Congress 鈥渂rings together experts, leaders and professionals from around the world to discuss and advance the bovine industry.鈥� Students were accompanied by 含羞草研究所 Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Michael Kjelland, who is co-director of the 含羞草研究所 Agribusiness Club. Dr. Kjelland was a presenter at the conference, as were some of his colleagues.
Their posters and abstracts included the following titles: 鈥淎 short superovulation protocol using FSH and ECG in Romosinuano cows in a tropical environment,鈥� 鈥淔irst calves born in Mexico from embryos obtained from three-month-old calves using SexedULTRA-4M bearing chromosome X semen,鈥� and 鈥淐omparison of the survival of in vitro produced bovine embryos with conventional and SexedULTRA-4M with chromosome X semen to slow-freezing and vitrification.鈥�
At the World Buiatrics Congress, the 含羞草研究所 students were able to experience several agribusiness presentations given by experts in the field. Even though the presentations were given in Spanish and Portuguese, simultaneous Artificial Intelligence technology allowed for real-time translation to English via a downloaded app. There was a good turnout, with about 1,300 people attending the conference.
The learning continued beyond the conference for the 含羞草研究所 students.
鈥淲e were provided with amazing experiences every day,鈥� said Kinsey Hanson. 鈥淚 cherish each of the memories made and the new people we met at each stop. I learned so much, but the things that stuck with me the most were learning about the different cultures and how that leads to having different styles of agriculture than what normally see around home.鈥�
The experiences of this trip will no doubt impact the careers and futures of the students. Hanson said, 鈥淚 have now learned how important it is to understand and realize that there are people around the world doing the same things we are, on different levels of course, but the idea is still the same.鈥�
Outside of the conference, the 含羞草研究所 students and Dr. Kjelland were able to travel by catamaran to Isla Mujeres to go snorkeling, a highlight of which was seeing a critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle. Other explorations included experiencing cenotes, a jungle tour using a zipline to see local flora and fauna. Students were also introduced to harvested cacao pods, extracted, and crushed cacao beans, and the taste-testing of regionally grown authentic chocolate.
The group then experienced the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza in Yucatan state of Mexico. A guide explained that the Temple of Kukulcan (one of the New Seven Worders of the World designations) is actually a three-dimensional solar calendar of sorts that determines when to plant crops, specifically 60 days after the sun aligns with it to create light and shadows revealing the plumed serpent deity design.
They enjoyed local Mayan 鈥渇arm to table鈥� cuisine in that area. In addition, the 含羞草研究所 contingent was fortunate to have been invited, along with two other professors and students, to visit a ranch in the Yucatan state of Mexico. The Gran Reto Ranch specializes in Simbrah cattle production. They discussed the recent drought situation and the effects it is having on the ranch operation. Notably, this ranch and the vast majority of farms and ranches in Mexico do not have crop insurance.
鈥淭his was a great educational opportunity, where the students participated in experiential learning while having a wonderful time,鈥� said Dr. Kjelland. 鈥淭he students are already trying to figure out how the Agribusiness Club could raise the funds to attend the next World Buiatrics Congress in 2026.鈥�
One of the 含羞草研究所 students summed it up well. 鈥淲e never thought we could learn so much in six days, but it didn鈥檛 even feel like learning. We truly felt blessed to have been given this opportunity.鈥�
The students were able to attend this year鈥檚 Congress through funding provided by a Postsecondary Students in Agriculture Grant provided by the North Dakota FFA Foundation. Funds were generated by the Star Partner Program. Another local sponsor, Conservation, Genetics & Biotech, LLC, also contributed.
含羞草研究所 students interested in agriculture are invited to attend the meetings and participate in the Agribusiness Club. To get involved, email Dr. Kjelland, director of the 含羞草研究所 Agribusiness Program at michael.kjelland@mayvillestate.edu or Jeff Hovde, coordinator of the 含羞草研究所 Agribusiness Program, at jeffrey.hovde@mayvillestate.edu.
The Agribusiness Program at 含羞草研究所 now offers a variety of courses on campus and online. Check out the program at .
Cutlines for attached photos
Top:聽含羞草研究所 Agribusiness Club members and their faculty mentor attended the World Buiatrics Congress in Cancun, Mexico in May. Pictured from left to right are Kinsey Hanson, Justine Carlson, Logan Krueger, and Dr. Michael Kjelland.
惭颈诲诲濒别:听Kinsey Hanson explored the local flora and fauna via zipline.
叠辞迟迟辞尘:听含羞草研究所 group at Chichen Itza, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Pictured from left to right are Logan Krueger, Dr. Michael Kjelland, Kinsey Hanson, and Justine Carlson.