Don’t cry beacuse it is over, smile because it happened. Anyone who has traveled knows that a part of your heart will forever stay in the place where the memories were made. State FFA Officers from around the country traveled to South Africa this month to develop a global perspective of agriculture, people and culture, according to the national website.
“The International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) – from January 4–16 – challenges participants to identify goals for growth and then to develop a plan to achieve those aims. Participants will visit South African farms and agribusinesses, share in the local culture and develop themselves as culturally-aware students. Support for this experience is provided by John Deere and Bunge.”
Here are some of the adventures of the members. Sign us up for next year! To follow all of their adventures, check out #ILSSO19.
Big thumbs up for this country and it’s hospitality. #ILSSO19 @ Cape Town, Western Cape https://t.co/k0UZWPsdY2
— Zachary Andrews (@ZacharySAndrews) January 13, 2019
Officers are headed to a dairy farm in Rayton and then to Erasmus High School yesterday, where students learn from a young age to farm with boer goats, potatoes, tomatoes, and green peppers. They will tour and meet some of the students before returning to Pretoria. #ILSSO19
— Oregon FFA (@OregonFFA) January 10, 2019
The Idaho Officer team said, “[We] have been here for three days now and we have already seen and learned so much! We can’t wait to share it all with you when we return.”
Florida State Officer, Hannah said, “Fun Fact: Although Ostriches are a member of the poultry family they have red meat instead of white! Thank you to the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch for all the knowledge you have left us with and the chance to sit on an ostrich!”
Kentucky’s Vice President, Mattie said, “I thought I understood the pride of farmers… until a father and son showed us their home. They live on the most beautiful fourth generation farm I have ever seen, complete with cattle, sheep, corn, soybeans, and a soybean mill. They were kind enough to share their home with us before we settled in for the night at a wild game conversation lodge.”
But quite possibly the best moment was captured of Florida’s state president.
For a more in depth report of their travels, check out their daily blog post here.
