Study abroad programs at Iowa State University provide students with unique international experiences that help them expand their understanding of other countries, see classroom learning applied to the real world, gain hands-on experience with other cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Steve Goodhue’s recent trip to Brazil with a group of CALS (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) students is a clear example of this.
Steve Goodhue grew up on a family farm near Carlisle, Iowa, just outside Des Moines. He spent 15 years in the banking industry, taking on various leadership roles before purchasing Knapp Tedesco Insurance Company in 2011. He ran the company for many years before selling it to Gallagher, a little over a year ago. This transition led to his role in Change-Maker Academy and ultimately heading up the 2026 study abroad to Brazil.
Goodhue’s connection to the Brazil study abroad program began a year earlier. “Kevin invited me to join him as a guest to Brazil last year,” Goodhue explained, referring to the 2025 crop-focused trip led by Kevin Kimle, the Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University, Director of the Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences program, and associate teaching professor in the Department of Economics. The intent behind this invitation was that Goodhue himself would lead a group of students to Brazil the following year.
Before traveling to Brazil in 2026, Goodhue and the students had five to six classroom sessions where they worked on a preliminary project focused on the global agricultural economy and Brazil’s role within it. One student shared, “I chose to study abroad in Brazil to learn more about agriculture in one of the largest agricultural-producing countries in the world. This program also gave me the opportunity to explore protein and soybean production systems while experiencing Brazilian culture firsthand.”
While in Brazil, the trip focused heavily on livestock and protein production, aligning closely with student interests. Reflecting on the experience, a student noted, “What stood out most to me was how agriculture in Brazil is both similar to and different from agriculture in the United States.” The group worked with AgroBravo, an agritourism agency that helped coordinate visits and experiences throughout the trip, allowing students to engage directly with producers and agribusiness professionals.
Students visited a 27,000-acre row crop farm on the first day, gaining insight into the scale and efficiency of Brazilian agriculture. They also toured 3tentos, a company that assists farmers with grain marketing and is involved in livestock production.
The group was also able to visit a John Deere facility and an agricultural museum, where students saw the technological advancements shaping modern farming. Other experiences included touring Coopavel, a major agricultural cooperative, and spending a day at a beef processing facility, where they observed Brazil’s grass-fed beef production systems. Finally, students visited “Foz do Iguaçu”, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and crossed into Argentina for a day. These experiences immersed students in the culture of the area.
Goodhue believes the trip had a lasting impact on the students who participated. “It gave them a completely different perspective,” he said. “They were able to see agriculture on a global scale and understand how interconnected everything really is.” Students echoed this sentiment, with one adding, “This program challenged me to think in new ways—not only about the agricultural industry, but also in my own personal life.”
Study abroad programs like this offer far more than just travel opportunities. They provide meaningful experiences and memories that will have a long-term impact on students. Through visits to farms, agribusinesses, and cultural landmarks, students gained a well-rounded understanding of Brazil’s agricultural systems and global significance. As Goodhue’s experience shows, these programs not only educate but also inspire students to think more broadly about their role in the global world.