Brazil

Course Name

ANSC 399: Beef Cattle Production in Brazil

1 credit of ANSC 399 for optional travel component over spring break. Must be enrolled in the 3 credit ANSC 309 course to participate. 

• Spring 2026 Course at University Park: Fridays, 11:15 am - 12:05 pm, 16 ASI Building
• Dates of Travel: March 7 - 14, 2026

About the Course

This 1-credit spring break experience is embedded into the 3-credit ANSC 309 course meeting in the spring semester as optional travel. Students will learn to assess a variety of production systems relevant to global beef production, including impacts of supply and demand, and global trade on import and export markets. This appreciation of global production will challenge students to think beyond traditional beef production practices to encourage ideas about future opportunities to enhance global protein supply for human consumption.

Itinerary Highlights

Beef production for human consumption is a global agricultural industry. While the United States produces more beef than any other country in the world, Brazil, the largest country in South America, exports more beef than any other country. Our itinerary will tentatively include:

• Brasilia
  • Catedral Metropolitana
  • Praca dos Tres Poderes
• United States Embassy USDA FAS
• Goiania
• Alianca da Terra
• Serra Dourada State Park
• Buriti Queimado cattle farm
• Sao Luis de Montes Belos
• Combuco cattle farm
• Campo Nutricao Animal company
• Jandaia
• Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)
• Federal University of Goiás
• Local Farms and More!

Cost and Payment Deadlines

Estimated Cost (currently tentative):

• Tuition: 4 SP 2026 credits (3 cr. for ANSC 309 + 1 cr. for ANSC 399).
• Estimated program fee: $2200 per student based on at least 15 students enrolled. $2700 if less than 15 students enrolled.
• Includes lodging, some meals, and on-ground transportation.
• Estimated airfare: $1600
• Additional costs: passport, visa, some meals, tips, etc.
• Study abroad scholarships are available

Payment Deadlines (currently tentative):

• $800 Deposit and course commitment: November 1, 2025
• Final payment: January 12, 2026

Eligibility

All Penn State students who have completed ANSC 309 or are planning to enroll in ANSC 309 for the Spring 2026 semester are eligible to apply. Students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA at the time of application and not have a conduct record. 

More Information and Application

Application due October 9, 2025. For more details and the application, please contact:

• Dr. Tara Felix, tfelix@psu.edu
• Ingrid Lara Bordin Fernandes, ingridfernandes@psu.edu
• Ketja Lingenfelter, ketja@psu.edu 

Sustainable Development Goals:

This course is most closely aligned with SDGs 2: Zero Hunger and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production