Whether they were there to learn about leadership, careers in agriculture or just hang out with friends, some happy young people from Saskatchewan 4-H came out in force to Ag in Motion on Wednesday.
Shelby Longworth, the provincial programs manager for 4-H Saskatchewan, said the group of older teens wanted to attend for a diverse look at the present and future of agriculture in Canada.
“It’s a way to engage them so they can see some hands-on activities, hands-on demos and get a good picture of what’s going on when they’re choosing their careers,” said Longworth.
But it was mainly for fun.
“They volunteered to check out the show with their 4-H friends and have fun. That’s the thing with 4-H: we want them to have fun.”
Among the visitors was Austin Olsen, 18, of Tisdale. He was impressed with the diversity of the three-day Ag in Motion show, particularly the big iron.
“I like equipment. I plan to be an ag tech in the future. It’s what I’m going to school for. I wanted to see the equipment I’m going to be working on in the future.”
A member of the Tisdale 4-H Beef Club, Olsen is already making strides in his career.
“I’ve got an apprenticeship with Brandt Agriculture. They’ve seen my work and they like it. The technicians said I can work here and still go to school, so it’s a really good deal.”
Olsen, who grew up on his parents’ mixed cattle and grain operation, said adapting to new technology will be the biggest challenge in agriculture in the future.
“It’s going to be hard for people to adjust to autonomous tractors and everybody being on their farms,” he said.
“For years it’s all been hands-on. You turn the wrench to fix (something) instead of going on the computer to fix your tractor. (There will be) more depending on other people and not just yourself – more agronomists and soil samplers and other specialists helping you along the way.”
Kadence Johnson, 19, has been a 4-H horse club member for eight years. Now entering her second year at the University of Saskatchewan, Johnson has found a new 4-H application: the Next Step Club, a 4-H club for post-secondary students wishing to learn adult skills.
“We do financial planning, leadership work and community service as well as look for career placement opportunities,” said Johnson, whose goal is to become an occupational therapist.
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The club has also offered opportunities for camaraderie in an unfamiliar situation.
“University is a scary transition. It’s so comforting to have this group of people I know, people I’ve grown up with in 4-H.”
— Jeff Melchior reports for Alberta Farmer Express from Edmonton.
