Greetings Young Farmers,
 

As summer is here and some have finished planting the crop while others have not, we all remain optimistic about what the summer will bring us in weather and how it will effect us. Recently in the mail, I received the Statistics Canada survey about what you grow/ feed etc and inside the package was a statistics update on how our future looks.  Let me tell you it does not look so bright. 92% of farmers in Canada are over the age of 40.  72% of those are over the age of 59.  Recently, Patrick Dunphy (vice president) and I presented to the Federal Standing Committee in Agriculture in May at the Stanley Bridge Resort and the message was the same from all the presenters, dramatic changes in how agriculture policy works in this country needs to work for farmers. 

The PEI Young Farmers Association decided it was best to focus on what our provincial and national problems are.  The committee was impressed with our knowledge, however, we told them young farmers in this country and on PEI want to farm but cannot because everything is against them, with those listed problems, we offered recommendations and suggested solutions, kind-of like a problem answer scenario. 

I thought it worked really well to get their brain going. I demanded an action plan to at least identify solutions and fix some of the issues, what we are waiting for, we are loosing farmers everyday! 
When I was sitting there, I'll I could think was why why why..............still here saying the same things over and over again.  I honestly think Canada has got to get its ducks in a row and become a leader.  I believe I shall wait another year to speak to the Standing Committee on where they have gotten with these issues and if any are resolved, I hope some are.

Some things the PEI YF Executive and BOD (board of directors) are working on, is the event that was initially going to be held in the summer is now going to be the fall, an alumni reunion with past junior farmers from PEI with a roast beef dinner and then have our annual harvest party after. 

^{CHANGES TO THE PEI YOUNG FARMERS ALUMNI REUNION}

^{The reunion is now planned for SATURDAY OCT 23 at the BOXCAR LOUNGE in Emerald.  7pm Social.  7:30pm Roast Beef Dinner. 8:30 Awards and Presenations. Dance to follow at 9:30ish with Kickin Country .}

 

^{2010 PEI YOUNG FARMERS HIGH SCHOOL BURSARY ANNOUNCED!!!}

Congradulations to Derek Profit who is the recipient for the 2010 PEI Young Farmers High School Bursary for $500. Derek attends KISH High School where he is at the top of his class. Derek believe agriculture will continue to be a big part of his life despite the economic conditions the ag sectors is experiencing. Derek is planning on attending NSAC with future plans to pursue a degree in engineering. Congradulations from the PEI Young Farmers!!!!! 

If you have any info you would like posted please let me know!
All the best this summer young farmers!!!
Maria

What we do? 

PEI Young Farmers Association is committed to shaping Future Agricultural Leaders; ensuring industry sustainability through creating awareness and acting as tomorrow’s voice for the Agricultural Community.

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For any ideas, suggestions, or have your page linked here, contact Maria, smithfarmspei@hotmail.com  902 393 2770.