LEAD Group XXIX International Study/Travel Seminar
Panama
Friday, January 21
Our first stop in Panama was at the Chamber of Commerce of Chiriqui, where we were greeted by several local people and university students. We were given an overview of Panama and entertained by local cultural dancers. The heritage lesson got even better when a few of our LEAD fellows were asked to join in on the performance.
Our bus next took us to a local Caterpillar dealership, then to the company named Grupo MELO. This is a company that is a dealer of Pioneer Seed, among many other agricultural products. Agriculture makes up 6% of the total GNP, however it employs 45% of all Panamanians.
We then traveled to a top of the line ranch – PZA, which has 25,000 acres in use: 850 of them planted to rice and the rest in grass for a 1,200 head cow calf operation. They sell Brahma breeding stock and maintain a show herd. They also have two dairies and are experimenting with mixing Holsteins with the local Brahma and Jerseys. They also have a rice processing facility. They pay $1/killed snake to locals, because they had previously lost a large portion of their show herd to snake bites.
We arrived safely in our in Santiago, where we shared our reflections of Costa Rica with each other this evening at the hotel.
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| Curt R. & Craig F. joining in with the cultural dancers | Cultural dancers | |
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| Phil Z & Tim C at the rice processing plant. | Rice field being harvested | |
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| Talking with one of the ranch managers | ||
Saturday, January 22
We began our day at a teak wood tree plantation and next to a dairy farm. After that, we traveled a short distance to the Santoz County Fair, where we watched a calf roping competition which is a big event at Panamanian rodeos. The locals were very excited to see the "gringos" enjoying their festivities.
We then made a stop at the Brahma House, a top of the line reproduction facility of high dollar bovine and equine. Pictures do not really begin to do this place justice. It is a stable, school, laboratory, veterinarian facility, disco bar, auction house, rodeo grounds and horse show arena, all in one package. It was absolutely amazing! We just happened to run across this place between towns and the owner was such a gracious host showing us the entire operation and treating us to a VIP reception, with no notice. Coincidently, the owner has attended horse auctions at the Pitzer Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska.
We will stay overnight in the town of Penonome, Panama.
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| At the teak wood plantation | Group photo at the plantation | |
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| Justin C. taking a test ride | Owner of the reproduction lab answering questions | |
Sunday, January 23
We have arrived in Panama City after an interesting day at an organic farm. The owner of the farm is experimenting with several natural fertilizers, crop rotations, etc. to improve production and the organic matter in soil. He is also trying to introduce several new crops to the area. We were served an outstanding lunch prepared from all organic crops. Our drink was fresh sugar cane and passion fruit juices, that was processed on the farm.
We have an early departure in the morning to visit the United States Embassy in Panama.
Monday, January 24
Today was our last day abroad. The United States Embassy was our first stop of the day followed with a VIP tour of the Panama Canal. We were lucky enough to see a few small boats go through the locks. We then traveled to the top of the city, to get a full view of the historic part of the city and a bird's eye view of the new development taking place. It is amazing to see the growth of Panama City and truly understand the benefits of the canal.
After the tours, we went back to the hotel to reflect on our total international experience. The knowledge and insight gained these past few weeks was incredible. Each of us taking home a piece of the countries we visited in our hearts and photos.
The day ended with a final fiesta at a traditional Panamanian restaurant where we got our last helping of rice and tamales. The festivities ended with cultural dancers entertaining us.
We are all on our way to sleep excited about our travel home, but reluctant for the experience to end. Agriculturists need a strong knowledge base, relevant exposures and experiences, and important leadership and social skills necessary to respond to the major challenges facing our state. This experience provided each of us in LEAD XXIX the skills necessary to take that next step of leadership and take on those challenges.
Buenos Noches!!
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| At the Panama Canal | Sara B, Deanna K. & Becky R and a view of the Panama City skyline | |
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| Cultural Dancers at our farewell fiesta! | ||