The Grains Foundation and the National FFA Organization have selected 12 students from across the United States to participate in the 2011 International Collegiate Agricultural Leadership (I-CAL) annual overseas mission which will focus on how the global marketplace affects U.S. agriculture.

This year’s program will take students to Panama and Colombia where they will visit the Panama Canal, a symbol of world trade and commerce. They will also receive a firsthand look at the region’s aquaculture, small dairy, poultry and swine production sectors in addition to several other aspects of agriculture.

“The I-CAL program has been extremely beneficial for those who have had the opportunity to take part in it,� said Rick Fruth, Grains Foundation chairman. After last year’s mission, survey results showed more than half of the students planned to make international agriculture part of their career. These students will be the next generation of leaders for organizations like the U.S. Grains Council and we are proud to have the opportunity to expose them to the tremendous benefits of free and open trade.�

With majors varying from ag education to agribusiness and feed science and management, among others, this year’s group of students brings to the trip diverse backgrounds in all areas of agriculture.

The 2011 ICAL team is comprised by the following members:
Matt Barnhill of North Carolina State University;
Dakota Hoben of Iowa State University;
Adrienne Bradley of the University of California-Davis;
Sarah Marten of Kansas State University;
Andrew Carpenter of the University of Wyoming;
Thomas Marten of Southern Illinois University;
Chelsy Coen of Kansas State University;
Jarvis Pace of Utah State University;
Kelli Fulkerson of South Dakota State University;
Caleb Wurth of Kansas State University;
Lauren Geiger of Kansas State University; and
Gracie Weinzierl of Illinois State University.