Wellington Junior Farmers were the host to five international delegates in August.
The delegates arrived in Ontario in May and spent the summer touring Ontario.
There were eight delegates total from all over Europe and they came and went throughout the three month exchange period.
Wellington Junior Farmers hosted five international delegates representing England, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
While in Wellington they toured the town of Elora, visiting the Elora Gorge, shops, and research stations and toured the Grand River Raceway, thanks to Dr. Ted Clarke.
A day in Guelph was spent touring DHI, Jersey Canada, EastGen, visiting the JFAO head office, and the Wellington Plowing Match.
They also spent a day at the St. Jacobs market and a Mennonite farm tour, where the visitors enjoyed learning the different cultures located in Wellington County.
Local field trips included local farms, a grain elevator, a John Deere dealership and dairy farms.
The delegates participated in the annual Junior Farmers Association of Ontario golf tournament and ambassadors banquet.
During their summer experience, the delegates had the opportunity to spend a week in either Calgary or Montreal.
In every county the delegates experienced something new about Canadian agriculture, Junior Farmers and from each county they visited.
Junior Farmers is a program “to build future rural leaders through self help and community betterment”.
The Group is for people ages 15-29 (as of Jan. 1) from all occupations and walks of life who are looking for fun, new challenges, and an opportunity to be involved.
The goal is to meet new people, develop personal leadership skills, and contribute to their communities while promoting agriculture and an awareness of rural life.
The group holds dances, sporting and cultural events and works with other Junior Farmer groups to connect people.
Anyone interested in joining Wellington Junior Farmers can contact them at wellingtonjf@jfao.on.ca.
