OALP International Experience Leaves Members with New Outlook on Agriculture and Different Ways of Life

Click here to listen to Megan Stangl talk about the OALP Class XX Israel trip.

As Class XX of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program finishes up their international travels in Israel, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster, Ron Hays, is visiting with OALP member, Meg Stangl of Okarche, Oklahoma, about the experience.

“The thing that stuck out in my mind more than anything probably is the community sense in the Kibbutz- the farming communities that we have been able to visit,” Stangl said. “All the different enterprises that they have found that succeed for their Kibbutz, and then the technology they have in all of those communities have just blown me away.”

The group has visited several Kibbutz, where members of those communities are working together for the benefit of everyone in the Kibbutz as a whole. Each Kibbutz is different, Stangl added, with a different niche and way to thrive- many of those using innovative technologies.

“Some of them did start before Israel was actually a country in ’48, but some of them, I just am amazed of what they have accomplished in that short time,” Stangl said.

Stangl said it was interesting seeing farming on smaller acreages.

“It is a very small country, so they don’t have very much, but they can do so much with the little amount they are given and the variety of the vegetables, the fruits, and the crops to grow for their animals,” Stangl said.

Aside from the agricultural education offered throughout the trip, Stangl said the trip also allowed growth spiritually as the country is rich in religious history.

“We have grown as a group, spiritually,” Stangl said. “I have seen that, and it is just sort of awesome to witness that.”

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