• Home
  • About Us
    • Our Purpose
    • Board of Directors
    • IALF Staff
    • Office Information
  • Leadership Program
    • Apply to the IALP
    • Recommend a Candidate
    • Illinois Ag Leadership Program: FAQ
    • Program Seminar Outline
    • Our Education Partners
    • Class of 2023
      • Class of 2023 Seminar Schedule
      • Class of 2023 Seminar Journal
  • News/Events
    • Alumni Class Challenge
    • Blog
    • IALF Newsletter
    • Torch of Leadership Award
  • Our Alumni
    • Alumni Resources
    • Alumni by Class
    • Leadership Service
    • Leading Best Practices
    • Graduate Testimonials
    • Regions
    • Alumni Board Directors
  • Support
    • Make a Contribution
      • Alumni Class Challenge
      • Debi Thurow Memorial Scholarship Fund
    • Our Investors
      • Corporate Investors
      • Endowment
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
Illinois Ag Leadership Foundation

IALF

March 9, 2018 By Nicole

International Study Seminar – Day 3, Vietnam

Filed Under: Class of 2018, International Study Seminar, Travel Diary

Thursday, March 8

Katie Mansouri, Wade Meteer, & Jonathan Schneider – Presiding Fellows

Our day was packed with activities.  Our group started at the United States Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam. While at the Embassy, we heard from various experts from the Agriculture sector.  Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Vietnam, Caryn McClelland, spoke about her role in advancing American and Vietnamese relations and helping both countries prosper.  DCM McClelland explained US relations with Vietnam have improved and are stronger than ever.  President Trump’s visit to the country within his first year in office and the first US air craft carrier (since the Vietnam War) landing in Da Nang, Vietnam, the day before we arrived, support her statement.

Deputy Chief of Mission for the US Embassy in Vietnam, Caryn McClelland, addresses the IALP Class of 2018 on current relations between the United States and Vietnam.

Following McClelland’s presentation, Tran Van Cong, AGROTRADE Department Deputy Director, Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, provided specifics on Vietnam’s key agriculture exports: coffee, fisheries, timber, timber products, cashew nuts, fruits, vegetables, rice, pepper, and rubber.  Cong’s presentation was complimented by the next speaker, Benjamin Petlock, Agricultural Attaché for the US Embassy.  Petlock provided an overview of Vietnam’s culture, political system, and agriculture sector.  It was interesting to learn Vietnam is now the number one importer of US cotton.

Tran Van Cong, AGROTRADE Department Deputy Director, Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, presents information to the Class of 2018 on Vietnam ag production and initiatives.

Dr. Conrad Estrada, APHIS Area Director, has been charged with opening the new office in Vietnam.  Dr. Estrada provided an overview of APHIS’ crucial role within the region to ensure trade negotiations include the technical requirements for agriculture products are included. His presentation made clear that APHIS’ role is crucial to solve problems and make safe trade happen.

Chien Tran, Agricultural Consulting Company (AGS) closed our session at the US Embassy.  Tran highlighted Vietnam’s growing need for corn and soybeans for animal feed.  In 2017, Vietnam imported 1.7 million tons of soybeans and 5 million tons of soybean meal, these numbers have doubled since 2012.  Vietnam’s need for animal feed is projected to continue growing.

After our visit at the US Embassy, the group ate a traditional Vietname meal and then headed to CP Viet Nam: chicken slaughter house and meat processing plant.  The group was amazed to learn the breast meat is used to make sausages because dark meat is preferred in country.  The day closed with a dinner with the I-Lead (Iowa) Leadership Class 8 and the Water Puppet Show.

The IALP Class of 2018 during their visit at the CP Viet Nam chicken processing plant.

Previous Post: « International Seminar – Day 2, Hong Kong
Next Post: International Study Seminar – Day 4, Vietnam »

Primary Sidebar

"IALF provides continuation of leadership through education. The result is successful leaders at all levels. The class size makes it special and allows outstanding people to be part of the program."

Dan Kelley, Class of 1984

Past Chairman of the Board, GROWMARK, Inc.

"You will experience mind-expanding concepts and meet people that challenge you. You will never again see yourself as a small part agriculture. You will see agriculture as the most important industry in the world and realize that you have unlimited choices how to serve and influence the direction of that industry."

Jim Frank, Class of 1984

Frank Environmental Services

"The Illinois Ag Leadership Program extends to participants strong and credible experiences which go beyond the typical degree program."

Gerry Salzman, Class of 1992

Past Senior Director Global Marketing, Case IH

"IALF alumni have affiliations with leading organizations in agriculture. IALF has visibility and has positioned itself with a hybrid view of agriculture-urban and rural, combined with strong relations with land grant universities and the private sector. Their graduates are strong voices in the agricultural community."

Bill Niebur, Class of 1988

President and COO, Hi Fidelity Genetics

"The IALF program made me more aware of the importance of agriculture in developing underdeveloped countries.  It opened my eyes to the opportunities all around the world as well as the global impact developed countries have on agriculture."

Brian Anderson, Class of 2014

Pioneer

Recent Posts

  • Debi Thurow Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • IALF Big Fundraiser Goes Virtual
  • Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program to extend programming due to COVID-19

Search the IALF

Footer

OUR MISSION

To develop knowledgeable and effective leaders to become policy and decision makers for the agricultural industry.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Copyright © 2023 · Log in

Content is owned by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation.

All Rights Reserved - - Return to Top