Once in a Lifetime Experience: FFA is helping shape the future of agriculture with trips abroad

Over 70 FFA state officers started the New Year by exploring farm practices in Spain and Portugal. The FFA’s International Leadership Program (ILLSO) is designed to develop awareness of global agriculture and enhance cultural competency.

ILSSO Program Specialist Joe Martin spoke with RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander about the trip, student feedback, and how the program will help shape the future of agriculture.

Related Stories
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
Initiative brings students from different backgrounds together to build relationships and broaden perspectives
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.
Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover Campaign raises millions of dollars each year for 4-H youth programs and scholarships. Local store community marketing manager Lexie Gamble joined Tuesday’s Market Day Report alongside 4-H student Matthew Rochford to discuss the partnership.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the availability of over $275 million in grant funding in FY2026 for the specialty crop industry in the United States through three USDA programs.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture students traveled to Italy to study Roman and medieval construction, gaining a unique global educational experience.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
How do you define Texas? It starts with wide open spaces. It’s a beautiful, enchanted land full of amazing people and places. Then there are the cities and towns—big and small—each with its own culture and way of life. When you add these things together, you have an incredible mix of personalities that make Texas what it is today.
Follow Aumann Auctions coast to coast on a road trip adventure! Each episode of “Old Iron Adventures” highlights the challenges of hosting an auction. Plus, get behind-the-scenes looks, history lessons & meet a cast of very interesting characters along the way!
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” focuses on chefs and popular dishes from restaurants across the culinary spectrum, along with wines, cocktails, and spirits, too. As a travelogue, the show visits restaurants, diners, and eateries across the Lone Star State in fun and adventurous settings, plus the program occasionally travels to neighboring states like Louisiana and New Mexico. In addition, the show educates viewers on wine pairings and value buys available in current wine trends.
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
Mecum delivers the auction action to tractor fans everywhere, offering an unparalleled array of vintage and collectible tractors ranging from entry-level collector tractors that sell for a few thousand dollars to high-end, ultra-rare machines!