International delegates toured Wellington with the Wellington Junior Farmers Club from May 22 to May 30.
Six delegates were in the area, representing Australia, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Switzerland. Delegates were paired with Junior Farmers as part of the annual exchange program.
Wellington was the first stop on a three month tour of Ontario, where each Junior Farmers club in Ontario has the opportunity to host. Matt Dann, president of Wellington group, hosted a delegate from England.
“Hosting the delegates and learning about their countries while showing them around our area is a highlight of the club’s summer activities,” said Dann.
While in Wellington County, one day was spent on farm tours in North Wellington, Minto, and Mapleton. Elora and Fergus were the destination for another day, with trips to the Wellington County Museum and Elora Gorge, ending at the horse races.
A tour of Gencor and the University of Guelph were the highlights for the day spent in the southern end of the county, with the night wrapping up at the Stampede Ranch.
For the rest of the week, delegates were shown around Dufferin County for one day, and were shown various locations by their host families. Every night had an event where all club members could come out, such as barbecues and pot luck dinners. The Ontario exchange allows young members from several countries to visit Ontario Junior Farmer members and stay at their homes. Clubs arrange various tours and events for the week they are hosting to show the visitors around their area and teach them about farming in Ontario.
Ontario Junior Farmer members are also given the opportunity to travel overseas or to other parts of Canada on exchange. This year, a Wellington member, Jen Dane, will be travelling to Northern Ireland.
Junior Farmers is a club focused on community betterment and gaining various leadership and employment skills. While members are participating in events, they have the opportunity to make friends from across the province and around the world.
Junior Farmers is for youth aged 15 to 30. For more information, contact Grotenhuis at 519-338-9962 or wellingtonjf@jfao.on.ca.
