Join the 2008 Beef Study Tour to South America and experience the beef production systems of Argentina and Brazil, Jan. 19-Feb. 1, 2008. The tour includes a full itinerary of organized cattle-industry stops -- various commercial and seedstock cattle farms, feedlots, agribusinesses, retail beef outlets and a packing plant.

Informative, interesting and fun, this "all-beef" tour is designed for anyone interested in sizing up the South American beef situation. Travelers will gain insight into the comparative advantages and disadvantages of these two beef powerhouses, and earn a first-hand assessment of the competitive factors we all face in our day-to-day business.

The group of 25 men and women will interact with local cattle producers to learn how they deal with the opportunities and challenges of producing and marketing for both domestic and international markets. The tour is coordinated with local tour professionals and translators who understand beef cattle production in their regions.

The group will also have an opportunity to relax and visit internationally renowned tourist sites, including the incredible Cataratas do Iguaçu -- the international waterfalls listed among the seven natural wonders of the world. The tour ends with two days in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the vibrant city set in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

Tour package price of $4,995/person (double occupancy) includes pre-tour orientation, airfare, hotels, most meals and in-country air and motor coach travel. Participants will need to cover airfare to/from Miami, Brazilian visa and incidentals. Deadline for tour application is Nov. 5, 2007 with a $1,000 deposit/person.

For a detailed itinerary and sign up forms contact tour hosts BEEF Editor Joe Roybal at jroybal@beef-mag.com (952/851-4669); or former BEEF Senior Editor and director of Montana Beef Quality Assurance Clint Peck at cpeck@montana.edu and 406/896-9068. Check out the itinerary by clicking on: beefmagazine.com/cattlemans_calendar/Beef-Study-Tour2008.doc. Or visit www.beefmagazine.com and www.mtbqa.org.