INDIANAPOLIS – As the agricultural community becomes increasingly global, it is crucial that young people considering careers in the industry understand the opportunities and challenges of international trade. A group of 52 national FFA award winners will tour agricultural sites in Ireland this summer and compare the industries of Ireland and the United States. Following an orientation session in New York City on June 8, the grouped departed for a nine-day tour.

Participants were selected from the 188 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Award finalists and the 16 American Star Award national finalists named last October at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. The international experience, as well as cash awards and plaques, are made possible by business and industry contributions to the National FFA Foundation.

Through June 16, participants will visit dairy, sheep, mussel and potato farms and a water buffalo dairy. In addition, they will visit a beef farm, which is one of the original members of the West Cork Beef Producers’ Group, and the Irish National Stud Thoroughbred Horse breeding facility. FFA members will also visit Blarney Castle, experience the famed Ring of Kerry, view famous mountains and lakes and visit the dramatic 650-foot Cliffs of Moher.

During the trip, students have an opportunity to experience global agriculture and the culture of the Emerald Isle. The international travel experience is an educational study trip designed to introduce award participants to agriculture as it is practiced in other countries.

Ohio FFA members participating in the trip include Reed Aller, of St. Marys; Frank Becker, of Smithville; Olivia Congrove, of Laurelville; Luke Durbin, of New Philadelphia; Riley Evans, of Washington Courthouse; Brandon Palmer, of Amherst; and Evan Schaefer, of Bloomingburg.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.