As I stepped into a lush rolling pasture at the base of a mountain, I was greeted by a herd of dairy cattle gently approaching me, as if to say hello. The curious beasts slowly surrounded me, along with my fellow agricultural communications students. There, we stood discussing the realities of Ireland’s dairy production with Irish dairy farmers. That moment, when learning and experience came together, is one I will carry with me forever. 

Early in the summer, a group of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students and I ventured abroad to Dublin, Ireland, to deepen our connection and understanding of agricultural communications. We were led by Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communications faculty member Owen Roberts, who emphasized the importance of global perspectives through the Irish agri-food sector. 

Not only were we successful in creating this connection, my peers and I found ourselves enveloped in international agriculture and Irish culture in a variety of unique ways. 

We were immersed in the Irish way of life from the moment we arrived, welcomed like old friends with genuine hospitality. Naturally, I was shocked by the inviting nature of the locals. Known as the "the land of a thousand welcomes,” I never felt anything but warmth and acceptance, even as a tourist. From a quick chat with a store owner, directions from someone on the street, or a friendly conversation in a pub, I never felt like a stranger. 

This translated directly to my experience with the University College Dublin (UCD), whose staff and tour guides added to the welcoming nature of our program. We stayed in the UCD dorm rooms, feeling like true Irish students. Being connected to campus life reminded me why studying the agri-food sector in Ireland is so impactful to both my educational and professional journey.

When I transferred into ALEC my sophomore year of college, I knew I wanted a career that connected my love of writing with my passion for agriculture. As I progressed through my undergraduate studies and began my master’s degree in the same field, my professional goals started to take shape. Today, I’m pursuing my master's degree in ALEC, and exploring science communications through an internship with the College of ACES. 

Where culture meets communication

Our visit to Airfield Estate felt like stepping into a peaceful green haven tucked within Dublin’s city center. Here, my peers and I witnessed agriculture and sustainability being communicated in an accessible, engaging, and community-centered way. 

The estate sits on 38 acres and offers farm visits, garden tours, farmers markets, and opportunities for consumers to taste fresh and locally produced foods. These experiences are designed to connect people with the food system in a meaningful way. Families who may not have any access to agriculture can admire grazing dairy cattle, wander through vegetable gardens, and discover the importance of healthy soil. Witnessing this deepened my belief that effective agricultural communication has the power to shape public understanding and build trust between producers and consumers.  

The culmination of this program, in my mind, was experiencing Ireland's largest gardening festival. As we entered, the air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and sizzling local food. Winding garden paths lead us past vibrant horticultural displays, artisan food stalls, and interactive exhibits. Everywhere we looked, there was something to taste, touch, or learn about. 

This extravagant event, known as the Bloom Festival, is a celebration of Irish agriculture. It is organized by Bord Bia, the Irish government agency responsible for promoting Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture sectors through connections with producers. The agency works with farmers and food-industry professionals to engage the public through storytelling, branding, and immersive experiences. Attending the festival, where families gathered at picnic benches to learn about sustainable food and agricultural practices, felt like a real-world example of agricultural communications done right.

A clearer vision for the future

Visiting Ireland brought to life the concepts I’ve been studying in the classroom, transforming ideas about communication and education into tangible, meaningful experiences. Because of this, my vision for my career feels more solid than ever. Irish food, farming, and culture are deeply connected and proudly communicated.

Witnessing Ireland’s passion for effective agricultural communication solidified my goal to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers through curriculum design, program development, and strategic writing. This experience also highlighted the importance of global perspectives and career-oriented opportunities. It didn’t just expand my understanding of agriculture - it sharpened my focus and strengthened my passion for creating accessible and relevant agricultural content.