Board Editorial

SUPPORTING YOUTH AND YOUNG FARMERS

By Vicky Morrison • BOARD MEMBER FOR REGION 9 – ELGIN, ESSEX, KENT, LAMBTON, AND MIDDLESEX, DAIRY FARMERS OF ONTARIO

My parents were great believers in supporting youth organizations. In Northern Ireland, we didn’t have 4-H, but we had Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, where agricultural, homemaking and public speaking skills could be developed. My Dad, who was a founder of our local club, always gave of his time and our farm facilities willingly. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that I, too, have always supported growth and skills development in our young farmers. From teaching a hands-on, student-led dairy husbandry course in Northern Ireland, to hosting students from that college when we moved to Canada, to my small part in the 4-H program as a leader of our local dairy club, it brings me great joy to see young people learn new skills and come forward with new perspectives on our everevolving industry. The need to develop young leaders has been recognized by dairy’s many stakeholders. Leadership development has long been a priority for Gay Lea Foods, which has a variety of youth education programs available to members and their families. Dairy Farmers of Canada provides opportunities for young producers to attend its AGM and policy conference to network and to gain insight into our industry. These are two examples of vital opportunities provided to our youth to ensure that our next generation of leaders has the best chance to thrive and grow as stewards of our land and to be an integral part of Canada’s food supply chain.

In light of this, it is vital that producers in Ontario lobby for the practical, skills-based training Vicky Morrison

our industry needs. I have seen first-hand the value in a student-learning-centred, industry-led program that allowed students to excel in the many facets of the dairy industry and was a driving force in transferring new knowledge and technology to farm level incorporation. Given the opportunity and environment where they have the support to try different approaches, we can encourage students to think outside the box.

Our industry is changing. Let’s give our young farmers and industry advisers the tools they need to forge a path to a sustainable and vibrant dairy industry.

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