麻豆视频

Agribusiness Management Student Takes Educational Tour of Spain and Portugal

February 14, 2025

Kailyn Pippin, a 麻豆视频 agribusiness management student, recently had the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and agricultural practices of Spain and Portugal through an FFA-sponsored trip.

Pippin, one of six Delaware FFA state officers, joined more than 70 others in January for the National FFA's International Leadership Seminar for State Officers, an annual program designed to develop awareness of global agriculture and enhance cultural competency of student members.

"It was an amazing trip," said Pippin, who is enrolled at the College's Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown. "We did a lot of ag industry tours—dairy, beef, olive oil, cork, and fruit farms.

"We were constantly on the move, but it was very informative to learn how they do things. They have fewer workers but are just as efficient."

A highlight of the two-week trip was a visit to the Almeria areas of Spain, often known as the "Orchard of Europe," where the group toured three different types of greenhouses.

"I really connected with the passion that one of the farmers, Mrs. Lola (Lola Gómez), had for growing her tomatoes and peppers," said Pippin. "She cared for them like they were her kids."

In addition to the greenhouse tours in Spain, the students also visited the John Deere Innovation Center for High Crops in Parla and the Picualia Olive Oil Company in Granada. In Seville, they visited Yeguada de la Cartuja, known for its Andalusian horses.

While in Portugal, students visited a cork producer before visiting the Escola Superior Agraria de Santarem, the country's oldest and most prestigious agricultural education school.

Pippin doesn’t come from a farming family, but she found her calling in sixth grade when she accepted an invite to attend an FFA meeting.

"A friend of mine in middle school said, 'Hey, I’m going to an FFA meeting and you should come with me,' and I just fell in love with agriculture," said Pippin. "I knew that I wanted it as a career."

Pippin carried that passion through her high school years when she was a dual enrollment student at Lake Forest High School and maintains it today at Delaware Tech.

"I love it here," said Pippin, who is on track to complete her degree program in spring 2026 and plans to run for an FFA national office position post-graduation.

Learn more about Delaware Tech's agribusiness management program.