14 04 04 opinion dane ross

Youth and the Mountains Essay Competition On Friday March 28th, 2014, in Orem, Utah, there was small local event that took place, with international potential. High School students from around the state of Utah took part in an essay contest that will be globally recognized. This year “Family Farming” was the topic, and several eager and knowledgeable students were able to express their views on the subject through, writing and presenting their ideas.

The 4th annual call for essays, gave a chance for students to expand their minds and share their thoughts with the international world. Utah is a great starting ground for economic and agricultural ideas. Many of the participants were able to relate with the topic, having lived on a farm during their lives. Therefore, this event has been more than just an academic meaning, but also part of the students’ lives that participated in presenting their ideas.

The purpose behind the whole event, was to convey the interest of the up and coming generation of the arid, mountainous terrain. Utah has become such an important agricultural necessity for the citizens near living here, as well as across the nation. The ideas expressed on family farming are still a very big part in the U.S. but even more so globally. Family farming is still essential to life in mountainous regions in developing countries. The ideas of Utah’s youth can be far reaching.

During the event, the impression was given that, many of these kids had thought thoroughly on family farming at its inevitable need for evolvement. Farming in other countries can take and use the ideas to implement them, in hopes for improvement in crop development, to sustain their lives as well as market their product. The event was also very professional and involving of the audience. Time was given after each presentation for questions to be answered, and there was discussion as to why the specific topic was chosen.

In the future years, it would be advantageous to see a larger group present at the event. It will bring more ideas to the table that could be innovative. It is imperative for this event to be

presented to more High Schools in the future, to be a part of such important topics. A formal invitation by UVU, may go a long way in making the occasion public. The event was presented to the schools but there was a lack of recognition.

The Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), has the capabilities to be very far reaching.

This event proves it to be true. With UN recognition of the UVU organization, there can be many inroads for those that try to participate in these events. The annual contest for essays will pay off.

Next year it will be bigger and greater. The purpose is persistence and will lead to bettering our local community and international world.

Dane Ross, UIMF member