MAST International Celebrates 75 Years

Celebrating 75 Years of Global Agricultural Exchange: 
MAST International Reunion Returns to the University of Minnesota

In June, 175 alumni, partners, host families, and current participants from 23 countries and 7 states gathered this summer to celebrate the 75th anniversary of MAST International, honoring a program that has connected young agricultural professionals across the globe through education, training, and cultural exchange since 1949.

Founded by Dr. J. O. Christianson, superintendent of the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture, MAST International was built on a vision of fostering global understanding through agriculture.

"I envision a time when young agriculturists from all over the world can productively interact with each other to share ideas and common values; working together for better agriculture, greater world understanding and cooperation," Christianson said when founding the program.

That vision continues to thrive today. In 2024, MAST welcomed its 10,000th exchange visitor, marking a major milestone for an organization that has partnered with more than 2,000 farms and businesses across the United States. MAST is the oldest U.S. Department of State-designated exchange visitor program that offers hands-on agricultural opportunities. The program is unique in offering participants the option to combine practical training with a semester of academic study.

The exchange of knowledge and culture remains one of MAST's greatest strengths. Host farms and agricultural businesses benefit from skilled emerging professionals who bring new ideas and perspectives from their home countries, while participants gain practical experience and professional development opportunities.

The 75th reunion brought together members of the global MAST community for three days of celebration and reflection. Activities included agricultural tours throughout the southwest metro area, a Mississippi River dinner cruise, a BBQ picnic, and a finale banquet at the McNamara Alumni Center.

One of the highlights of the reunion was a Field Day hosted on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. Attendees toured a variety of research and teaching facilities, including field research plots, the College of Biological Sciences Conservatory, the Bee Lab, the Aquatic and Invasive Species Laboratory, The Raptor Center, and the University dairy barns.

"It was a pleasure to have the MAST Reunion attendees on campus," said Jacob Jungers, Associate Professor from the Dept. of Agronomy and Plant Genetics.  "They were very engaged and asked many thoughtful questions. It was exciting to share our work with people who are passionate about agriculture and eager to learn."

The visit highlighted the strong connection between MAST and CFANS. Many MAST participants who complete a semester of study at the University of Minnesota find student employment opportunities in CFANS laboratories and research programs, gaining valuable experience while contributing to ongoing research projects.

"Here in CFANS, our MAST trainees are spread throughout the college in many different labs and bring international perspectives and cultural immersion to our students who sometimes can't travel abroad," said Julie Grossman, CFANS Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs. "That's really important for us to have that international context brought to us through the MAST program."

For many attendees, the reunion was an opportunity to reconnect with a program that shaped their lives and careers. Eileen Kulhman, an outbound participant in 1989 with work experiences in Ireland and Australia said, “Through MAST, I found joy working with sheep and cows — and today I teach future DVMs clinical skills with all animals while encouraging specializing with ruminants.”

"The days we spent together were a great reminder of how important MAST has been in our lives and of the friendships and memories that continue to connect us," said Daniel Abreau, MAST alumni and country partner.

Current participant Theodora Da Mata Chagas spoke during the University field day and reflected on the impact the program continues to have on participants today.

"Being part of this program allows me to meet incredible people, improve my skills, and extend my knowledge," Chagas said. "Having this training opportunity has given me the privilege of working alongside professors and professionals who are leaders in their field, and I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to meet them."

Seventy-five years after its founding, MAST International continues to fulfill Dr. Christianson's vision by connecting people through agriculture, education, and cultural exchange. As the program looks toward the future, its growing network of alumni, hosts, and partners serves as a testament to the enduring value of global engagement and shared learning.

Through CFANS and the University of Minnesota, that legacy remains firmly rooted in the belief that agriculture can build bridges across cultures and create opportunities that benefit communities around the world.