Three Montana FFA state officers recently embarked on a transformative journey across Spain and Portugal as part of the 2025 International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO). First Vice President Reagan Long, Sentinel Ryan Bal, and 2023-2024 Reporter Haley Rigler joined 72 fellow FFA state officers from across the country to explore global agricultural practices and cultural traditions.
The seminar began with a day of cultural diversity and advocacy training in Newark, New Jersey, before the group traveled to Madrid, Spain, to officially kick off the two-week experience. The trip provided an in-depth look at European agricultural methods, trade policies, and sustainability efforts.
One highlight of the experience was a visit to the Clisol greenhouses in Almeria, Spain. These high-tech greenhouses, spanning over 150,000 acres and visible from space, produce 75% of the 3.8 million pounds of produce grown in the region. Utilizing solar power and recycling plastic materials, these operations emphasize sustainable farming practices.
The students also toured a cork production facility, a sherry winery, an Iberian ham producer, and a Carthusian stud farm. Additionally, they had the opportunity to engage with Agricultural Attaché Karissa Kuypers, who provided insight into commodity trade between the U.S. and Spain, as well as European Union agricultural regulations.
Reflecting on the experience, Reagan Long emphasized the value of witnessing diverse agricultural practices firsthand and forging friendships with fellow state officers.
“Attending ILSSO was an incredible experience filled with constant opportunities to learn about agriculture abroad and the cultures of Spain and Portugal while developing lifelong friendships,” Long said. “The ability to compare Montana’s agriculture with that of the Iberian Peninsula was eye-opening, and I am incredibly grateful to my home community and Ressler Motors for making this trip possible.”
Ryan Bal echoed these sentiments, noting the stark differences in farming approaches between Europe and the United States.
“Agriculture in Spain and Portugal comes with a different perspective than in the United States; I enjoyed learning about what makes them different and what we can learn from each other,” Bal shared. “A major takeaway is the steps that the European Union is taking to support soil health and low-input farming. This trip has significantly impacted my outlook on the possibilities of collaboration and cooperation in agriculture.”
The Montana FFA officers expressed their appreciation to Ressler Motors of Bozeman for generously contributing to their attendance at ILSSO, making this unique educational opportunity possible. The experience reinforced their passion for agriculture and leadership, equipping them with valuable knowledge to share with their peers back home.
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