Exploring Irish Agriculture with Louisiana 4-H

Louisiana 4-H Goes to Ireland has been a trip filled with budding relationships, blooming flowers, and fresh perspectives. With just the right amount of rain to make the grass and flowers flourish, paired with new experiences, the buds of new knowledge are beginning to blossom within our group. 

Our group has had the opportunity to experience many new perspectives. With so many fresh ideas filling our HEADS, it's hard to pick a crowd favorite. The aspects of agriculture that are already fascinating to me are even more compelling on the Emerald Isle. With a scholastic background in meat science, the opportunity to see a true farm-to-fork operation—where the beef is raised, harvested, and marketed in local hotel restaurants, all within the same county—is the kind of production system many dream of. 

We had a behind-the-scenes visit with the chef, Andrew, who meets with the butcher weekly to hand-pick the rib racks that will be served in the restaurant after dry-aging for 40 days in a salt room—right there on site. This first-hand experience is one I don’t think I’ll ever forget. 

The HEART of the Irish has been evident in their warm, generous, and resilient spirit. With our group, they’ve shared their deep attachment to their land and traditions, along with an inspiring willingness to share their perseverance. 

Students have had the chance to use their HANDS to engage with Irish farming practices through first-hand experiences. From planting vegetables at a local farm to stacking and packing oysters on the shoreline, they were able to witness the hard work that goes into such diverse agricultural operations. 

Hiking the Cliffs of Moher, although beautiful, served as a gentle reminder of the importance of our HEALTH. As we walked along the cliffs, the crashing waves and jagged coastline offered a breathtaking view. The peaceful, physical challenge of the hike reminded us that stepping outside the city and into nature can do wonders for our well-being. 

This tour has given me—and so many of our Louisiana 4-H’ers—a chance to explore parts of the agriculture system we’ve only imagined or questioned from afar. I am so thankful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and plant seeds of curiosity that will no doubt inspire new ideas, lifelong memories, and a deeper appreciation for agriculture across the world.