Before we embarked on our ten and a half hour flight to Buenos Aires, we had the chance to meet and get to know all of the other current and past state FFA officers from across the nation. We also learned some of the ins and outs of travelling through Argentina, all while enjoying the beautiful Floridian weather.
The night of January 5th, all 76 of us hopped on a plane headed south. After many miles and not so much sleep, we landed in Argentina. After we landed and made it through customs, we boarded a motor coach and headed to Pergamino for our first farm tour.
While on the way to Pergamino, I noticed just how much the Pampas of Argentina looks like the landscape back in North Dakota. Soybeans, corn, and wheat stubble covered the landscape and advertisements for chemical and seed companies dotted the highway ditches. I will grant that Argentina has a lot more trees (and a lot more exotic ones at that!)
One thing that was really different, however, is the different growth stages of the crops grown. There is corn here that is sprouting and corn that is tasseling. There are beans that are at cotyledon stage and beans that are already flowering. Why, you ask? Argentina has a climate similar to North Dakota's (except for opposite seasons; right now in January, it's summer!) However, they have milder winters. Our guide explained to us that they have summer, a mild fall, and a mild spring. No winter. What this allows farmers to do then is plant crops all year long. Because of this, farmers can stagger planting times and have a better chance at optimal chances. Basically, farmers are make sure that all of their eggs aren't in one basket.
About twenty minutes outside of Pergamino, we stopped at our first farm tour. The farmer is an agronomist; grows corn, soybeans and wheat; and raises both red and black angus cattle. He explained to us some of the practices he uses on his farm. We were also served a meal on the farm with four different courses!
We after our first farm tour, we headed to Melincue, a small town in a different province to stay the night at a resort. The sunset reminded me so much of home.
This morning we toured a dairy farm local to Melincue and a ranch that raises sheep for meat. Every farmer we have had the opportunity to talk to has been exceptionally courteous and accommodating I cannot say enough about each and every one of them!
After today's tours we ended up in Argentina's second largest city, Rosario. After navigating downtown and buying a meal here, all I have to say is I am incredibly thankful to have taken Spanish classes in high school.
Thank you all for taking the time to read my post,
Adios!
Jodi
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