One of NSW’s most innovative pasture agronomists Mark Lucas will lead a specialist agriculture tour to the USA focused on agronomy technology and beef production.

The 18-day, fully escorted PAS Stellar USA Tour is from June 18 to July 5, and visits leading integrated agricultural businesses and research institutes in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Seattle and Chicago.

Mr Lucas, principal of Pasture Agronomy Services, Tumut, has been largely responsible for the adoption of pasture direct drilling and tetraploid ryegrass in southern NSW and Victoria.

He is also co-principal of a registered and commercial Angus cow herd of 1400 females.

Together with Quadrant Australia, Mr Lucas has led study tours focusing on pasture improvement and cattle to South America, Russia and New Zealand.

“We have compiled this exciting itinerary to showcase agricultural businesses continually setting new global benchmarks in the industry, from beef genetics to environmental systems, and plant nutrition to crop protection, ‘’ Mr Lucas said.

Tour highlights will include feedlots, cow-calf operations, dairy, forage research and grazing systems, plant breeding, vaccine research, beef cattle reproductive physiology, and bovine genetic research.

Tour delegates will have the opportunity to visit the vertically integrated beef operation, Agri-Beef, the JBS owned Five Rivers Feedlot, and the high profile Angus herds of Vintage, Conneally, Rishel and Pharo plus Fair Oaks dairy.

They will have access to guest speakers of the calibre of globally recognized scientist Dr Tom Field, of the University of Nebraska’s Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship program.

On the pasture side, delegates will enjoy tours of Alforex Seeds, Loveland Products Where Food Comes From Inc, the University of Nebraska and preview the release of Radiate, a product to enhance plant nutrient uptake by Agrium International, Denver.

Included in the cost is economy class international flights to Los Angeles and return from Chicago, domestic flights within the USA, English speaking tour guide, four star accommodation, technical visits and sight seeing, meals and entrance fees (as detailed in the itinerary) and a tour kit.

The tour is fully tax deductible so to reserve your place contact us on 1300 301 128. See more on this tour here.