Four North Miami FFA students are bringing home far more than memories after representing their community on an international stage thanks to support from the Miami County Community Foundation. 

A $1,250 grant helped make the North Miami FFA International Dairy Tour possible after the team earned Reserve National Champion honors at the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event. Their national finish resulted in an invitation to participate in a 14-day educational tour through Scotland, Ireland, and England, where they competed in international dairy judging contests and explored agricultural operations across the United Kingdom. Throughout the trip, students visited dairy farms in each country, learning firsthand how producers manage smaller herds, maximize feed efficiency, and navigate agricultural regulations that differ greatly from those in the United States. The experience also exposed them to centuries of history, culture, and farming traditions while strengthening friendships. 

“The students gained a great appreciation for agriculture in Scotland, Ireland, and England, but they also returned with an even greater appreciation for the American lifestyle and freedoms we enjoy,” said Glen Jones, advisor for the North Miami FFA Dairy Team. “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helped them grow both personally and professionally.” The students, all from northern rural Indiana, are pursuing futures in agriculture with college plans. 

By supporting educational opportunities like the North Miami FFA International Dairy Tour, the Miami County Community Foundation continues to invest in experiences that broaden horizons, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders to make a lasting impact in their communities.