ECOSYNTRA and Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham), has successfully hosted a Pre-Spring Planting and Livestock Tour Hybrid Webinar ahead of the main Spring Planting and Livestock Investment Tour in Nebraska, USA on May 10th to 16th 2026.
The virtual and in-person event, held on Monday, March 2, 2026, brought together over 70 participants across the livestock value chain, including producers, feed manufacturers, veterinary service providers, processors, policymakers and agribusiness stakeholders from both Ghana and Nebraska.
Preparing for the April Delegation
The Pre-Spring Planting and Livestock Tour Hybrid Webinar was organized to help plan for the upcoming Spring Planting and Livestock Tour scheduled for April–May 2026 in Nebraska, USA. The tour will give Ghanaian participants the opportunity to see modern livestock systems, large-scale farm operations and real investment opportunities within the U.S. agricultural sector.
During the webinar, participants openly discussed the major challenges facing Ghana’s livestock industry, including high feed costs, limited access to quality breeding stock, processing difficulties, weak cold chain systems and production risks.
The session also helped to identify key focus areas for the Nebraska visit to ensure the tour delivers clear, practical and business-driven results.
Co-Founder of the Ghana–Nebraska Agribusiness Growth and Trade Relations Chamber (GNEBCham), Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond a study tour.
“This is about building profitable and sustainable livestock partnerships between Ghana and Nebraska. We are creating a platform for real business transactions, technology transfer and strategic investments that will strengthen Ghana’s livestock sector for the long term.”
Nebraska’s Livestock Advantage
Former Nebraska State Senator and Co-Chair of GNEBCham, Senator Ken Schilz, shared insights into the growth and global competitiveness of the American livestock industry, particularly Nebraska’s strong position.
He attributed Nebraska’s success to strategic investment in animal genetics, proper breed selection and consistent performance testing.
“Animal genetics is the foundation of performance. We focus on breed selection that matches climate and market needs. Crossbreeding and artificial insemination help improve quality and productivity,” he noted.
He further explained that Nebraska ranks among the top milk-producing states in the United States due to its commitment to research, innovation, and well-structured farm systems.
Technology and AI Transforming Agriculture
Al strategist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Nebraska AI, Jess Goldoni highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern farming. She explained how AI is being deployed in livestock monitoring, farm data management, predictive analytics, and market forecasting.
According to her, Ghanaian agribusiness operators are well-positioned to leverage emerging technologies.
“Ghanaians are fast in adopting innovation. AI tools can help farmers improve productivity and reduce losses,” she said.
She encouraged stakeholders to participate in the April delegation to witness the practical application of AI and smart technologies on Nebraska farms and agribusiness enterprises.
Strengthening Ghana’s Livestock Systems
Director of the Animal Production Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Mr. Jonas Asare Berchie, underscored the importance of improving livestock performance and expanding market access in Ghana.
“Our focus is to ensure strong performance and better market access for Ghanaian livestock. Preventive vaccination, disease control, and effective biosecurity systems are critical,” he stated.
He noted that collaboration with Nebraska could significantly enhance Ghana’s breeding systems, animal health management and overall livestock productivity.
Livestock Farmers Welcome the Initiative
Chairman of the North East Region Livestock Farmers Association, Mr. Benjamin Awuni Asatanga, described the initiative as timely and transformative for livestock farmers.
“This is a good venture for us to approach livestock production in a more serious and structured way. It offers practical opportunities to improve through partnerships and learning,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the Nebraska visit would provide hands-on knowledge in feed systems, breeding technologies and commercial livestock management.
Looking Ahead
The Ghana–Nebraska Livestock Discovery Tour is set to take place May 11–16, 2026, offering Ghanaian livestock leaders, agribusiness stakeholders and policymakers an immersive experience of one of the world’s most advanced livestock production systems. Participants will explore the full livestock value chain in Nebraska from genetics and ranching to feedlots, processing facilities, and livestock markets, while engaging directly with producers, researchers and industry leaders.
The tour is expected to foster meaningful dialogue, practical knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships between Ghanaian and Nebraska stakeholders, creating opportunities for technology transfer, investment and collaborative initiatives that will strengthen Ghana’s livestock sector and enhance food security for years to come.