International Agriculture Trip takes students to the heart of Ireland

submitted by the Waukon High School Agriculture Department

Members of the Waukon High School Agriculture Department recently returned from an international agricultural tour through Ireland, where students explored the country’s rich agricultural traditions, history, culture, and innovation.

For many students, the trip marked two significant milestones, their first flight and their first experience traveling outside the United States.

The group departed from Chicago, IL and arrived in Dublin eager to begin an educational journey that combined classroom learning with real-world experiences. Throughout the week, students gained firsthand insight into Ireland’s diverse agricultural industries while experiencing the country’s renowned history, landscapes, and hospitality.

The adventure began with a walking tour of Dublin, where students visited St. Stephen’s Green, explored the lively shops along Grafton Street, and crossed the iconic Ha’penny Bridge. They also toured St. Patrick’s Cathedral, viewed the historic Georgian Squares, and visited Phoenix Park, home to Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland, and the famous Papal Cross. A visit to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum provided students with a deeper understanding of Ireland’s history and its influence around the world. The evening concluded with a traditional Irish folklore dinner featuring authentic music, singing, and dancing.

Traveling throughout the week was made even more enjoyable by the group’s Irish bus driver, Colin, and English tour guide, Gail. Their knowledge of Irish history, local traditions, and agriculture, combined with their humor and storytelling, made every mile of the journey both educational and entertaining.

The group’s next destination was the Kilkenny region, where agriculture took center stage. Students toured the Irish National Stud, learning about Ireland’s internationally recognized horse breeding and racing industries while exploring the beautiful Japanese Gardens located on the property. Later, they visited the historic Kilkenny Castle, where centuries of Irish history came to life through its impressive architecture and beautifully preserved grounds.

As the agricultural portion of the tour began, students were excited to visit working farms and agricultural businesses across the Irish countryside. One of the first stops was Highbank Orchards, a family-owned operation that has built a successful value-added business around apples. While known for producing apple cider vinegar, the orchard also manufactures sparkling cider, syrups, jams, chutneys, and numerous other specialty products, demonstrating the importance of diversification and value-added agriculture.

Students also toured the Brennan Family Farm, where they learned about pedigree Limousin beef cattle and sheep production. Discussions focused on livestock genetics, breeding programs, and the differences between Irish and American production systems. Students actively engaged with cattle producer Noel, asking thoughtful questions and comparing farming practices between the two countries.

Sustainability remained a central theme throughout the trip. At Lynch Dairy Farm, students observed a modern robotic milking system serving a herd of British Friesian dairy cows. They learned how Ireland’s spring-calving system aligns milk production with peak grass growth, maximizing grazing efficiency while reducing production costs. Later that afternoon, students also explored the Grow It Yourself (GIY) headquarters on the historic Curraghmore Estate, where a 13-acre organic garden serves as a center for sustainable food production, education, and community outreach.

One of the day’s unexpected highlights came when bus driver Colin surprised the group with an unscheduled stop along the Irish Sea at Tramore Beach. Although not included on the itinerary, the opportunity to experience Ireland’s rugged coastline quickly became one of the students’ favorite memories.

As the group traveled west toward Galway, they stopped in the historic village of Bunratty before visiting one of Ireland’s most recognizable natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher. Towering more than 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and stretching nearly nine miles along Ireland’s western coastline, the cliffs offered breathtaking views while showcasing the country’s dramatic natural beauty. Along the drive, students admired Ireland’s rolling green countryside, patchwork fields, grazing livestock, and centuries-old castle ruins that dot the landscape.

The final portion of the trip centered around the Galway region, where students continued exploring agriculture unique to Ireland’s western coast. At Glengowla Mines, students experienced the history of Ireland’s mining industry while learning about the challenging conditions faced by miners during the Irish Famine era. Glengowla Mines owner and farmer Keith Geoghegan demonstrated the remarkable partnership between shepherd and sheepdog during a live sheep-herding demonstration, explaining the communication and trust required to successfully manage livestock in Ireland’s rugged terrain.

The group also visited the picturesque Kylemore Abbey, home to Benedictine nuns for more than a century, before touring DK Connemara Oysters. There, students followed the complete production process “from seed to plate,” learning how oysters spend approximately three years growing in the pristine waters of Ballinakill Bay. The visit highlighted the environmental stewardship required for successful shellfish production and demonstrated another important sector of Ireland’s agricultural economy. The tour concluded with a taste of fresh bay oysters, though not many students considered trying them.

Before returning home, students enjoyed a guided tour of Galway, visiting Galway Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Lynch’s Castle, and Eyre Square while learning about the history of the famous Claddagh Ring, which originated in the city. The group concluded the trip with a stop in the historic town of Trim, home to the impressive Trim Castle, where they shared a farewell dinner and reflected on the experiences and friendships built throughout the journey.

The international agricultural study tour provided students with much more than sightseeing opportunities. Throughout the trip, they explored diverse farming systems, sustainable production practices, livestock management, food processing, and agricultural entrepreneurship while gaining a greater appreciation for Ireland’s culture and history. By comparing agricultural practices in Ireland with those at home, students developed a broader understanding of global agriculture and the challenges and opportunities facing producers around the world.

The experience reinforced the importance of agriculture as a global industry and demonstrated that, although farming practices may differ across countries, the commitment to producing food, caring for the land, and supporting rural communities is a value shared by farmers everywhere.

“The Waukon High School Agriculture Department would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the many individuals, businesses, organizations, and community members whose generosity made this international agricultural study tour possible,” expressed Waukon High School Agricultural Educator/FFA Advisor Adam Sacquitne. “Through your donations, sponsorships, and support of our fundraisers, our students were provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience agriculture beyond our own borders. Thank you for believing in our students and investing in their futures. Your encouragement and generosity transformed an educational opportunity into an unforgettable experience, and we are proud to be part of such a caring and supportive community.”

“Throughout the journey, students gained firsthand experience with Ireland’s diverse agricultural industries while developing a broader understanding of global agriculture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship,” Sacquitne further noted. “Beyond agriculture, they experienced Ireland’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty while building new friendships and lasting memories. Experiences like this leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom.

The knowledge, perspectives, and memories our students gained will continue to shape their educational and career journeys for years to come.”