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Autumn Benson

@autumnbenson_ilsso

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So excited to be a part of ILSSO 2026! 🇪🇸
2025-2026 Montana FFA State Reporter
@autumnbenson7985
@mtffa_reporter
@mtffa

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As Juan would say: "¡Buenos dias!"
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. I never imagined how welcoming the people of Spain would be, nor how beautiful the countryside and architecture are. It was a privilege to meet so many incredible agriculturalists that were full of passion for their jobs and role in the agricultural industry. I was surrounded by 75 amazing State Officers from across our nation and I formed many friendships that will last a lifetime. "That's what travel is, some people live in your hearts because you can't live in their lives forever"- Deb. Spain, its people, and the memories of such an amazing adventure will live in my heart forever.
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Today we visited a branch of the corporation that made this incredible experience possible: John Deere Parla Innovation Center. We had the opportunity to witness several incredible projects and technological advancements that the Center was actively developing. It is incredible to see the machinery and technology that is the future of agriculture.
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

A day full of friends and beautiful sights! Today's tour took us to the windmills of Don Quixote and to a medieval castle in Consuegra. Spain's rich history never ceases to amaze me!

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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

History is happening…

ILSSO visited the windmills of La Mancha, mentioned in Don Quixote!

“To dream the impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe, to right the unrightable wrong, to love pure and chaste from afar, to try when your arms are too weary to reach the unreachable star.”

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@lin_manuel by @autumnbenson_ilsso

"Whatever you do, do it with passion"

We started our day with a tour of a Citrus and Cereal cooperative where they produce and market many oranges from local farmers. We travelled from Sevilla to Cordoba which was once known as the Capitol of the World. With beautiful and historic streets and architecture, Cordoba was an amazing visit. We visited a Mosque-Cathedral, dating back to 2,000 years ago. This is the only religious building of its kind in the world, reflecting both Islamic and Catholic architecture and art forms. It was inspiring to see two different cultures blended so beautifully!
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Yesterday was our final day in Sevilla and I was sad to say goodbye. We finished our time there with a tour of an Olive Oil production facility. We learned how to taste olive oil (the proper way) and even tried Orange infused oil on chocolate ice cream; it was delicious!
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Day number 3 in Sevilla started with a beautiful drive to the countryside of Spain. There we visited an Iberian Ham production facility and sat down to a delicious ham tasting. After that we toured a Bull Fighting farm where the Toros Bravos are raised for the Bull Ring. Did you know that Fighting Bulls can't see a human standing on the ground before it enters the ring? Amazing!
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Day 2 in Sevilla! This city is absolutely beautiful. We visited a red fruit farm and learned about blueberry and strawberry production. Most farms in Spain are family operated and are passed down through generations. Following that we drove to the coast and looked across the ocean at Portugal! We saw a fish auction and then returned to Sevilla for dinner with friends.
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Today has been the most exciting day so far! We woke up bright and early at 4:45 am to catch a Bullet Train from Barcelona to Sevilla! When we arrived we toured the Alcazar of Sevilla and then the second oldest Bull Fighting Arena in Spain. It was built in the 1700s! The architecture is absolutely beautiful and it was incredible to learn about one of Spain's famous royal palaces and to experience the Bull Fighting industry.
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Last day in Barcelona! We visited an incredible cork factory and learned about the process behind manufacturing, testing, and shipping corks. This is a truly incredible industry and one that I didn't know a lot about!

Next we traveled to a dairy where we toured the facility and learned their management practices. We explored a museum and gift shop and had a delicious lunch provided to us by the dairy! Sadly I can't sneak a bottle calf home in my suitcase so I suppose they'll have to stay here.
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#johndeere by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Day 2 in Barcelona! Today is 3 Kings Day in Spain, to celebrate we ate Rosca de Reyes, a delicious Spanish cake with hidden gifts inside! We visited the famous Sagrada Familia and had free time in the city to explore!
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#nationalffa by @autumnbenson_ilsso

Day one of touring Spain!

We started with a tour of an Organic and regenerative farm just outside of Barcelona. They shared with us their production practices and explained their methods of fertilizing and replenishing their soils. We sampled fresh apples, oranges, radishes, and artichokes; they were delicious!

Next, our bus took us on a small tour of historic Barcelona. We stopped in Pueblo Español for shopping and lunch! Stay tuned!

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#nationalffa by @autumnbenson_ilsso