The Wellington Junior Farmers had a very exciting 2016.
The organization’s membership grew significantly and the group offered many new opportunities. The club gained eight new “enthusiastic and motivated members,” organizers state, and was able to have members attend all of JFAO’s provincial events throughout the year, including the March conference, Winter Games, All-Ontario Judging Competition, Autumn Profile, Sing Swing and many more.
The group’s ninth annual spaghetti supper in April was the biggest success yet, with over $1,800 brought in to donate to food banks throughout Wellington County.
In June Wellington Junior Farmers hosted five international delegates from Scotland, Ireland, Austria, Germany and Switzerland. They toured county farms, breweries and sights such as the Elora Gorge and the Grand River Raceway. Each year, the club looks forward to hosting international delegates “as it is a great opportunity to make new friends and showcase … pride [in] our county,” organizers state.
September brought volunteer opportunities including fall fairs and the International Plowing Match hosted by Wellington County. The club was proud to be a part of this historic event and volunteered by driving tractors, greeting visitors and assisting at the Junior Farmers Association of Ontario booth, where members and alumni could purchase new “JFAO Member Lives Here” gate signs (also available at the JFAO website).
Finally, in October, members hosted the first Century Farm Sign Open House, at which members purchased signs that signify a farm that has been in the same family for 100, 125 or 150 years. Three signs were sold and there was increased interest in more signs.
“It will be hard to top the success that our club had in 2016, but we are excited for the adventures to come in 2017,” the club states.
The first social event of the year will be a new Members Night at a date and location to be determined. All are welcome to attend. There will be three speakers on various topics: networking, challenges with being a young farmer, and making financial decisions.
For more information email wellingtonjuniorfarmers@gmail.com.
