The opportunity to start a new Junior Farmers club was met with enthusiasm during a meeting held at Norwell District Secondary School last week.
Barclay Nap, executive director of fundraising for Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario provided a background on the activities of such clubs and the requirements that need to be met to be affiliated with the provincial organization.
Some key points included:
– Junior Farmers is about building leaders and building communities. People do not have to be farmers to be a member. New members between ages 15 and 29 are welcome;
– the club has played a significant role in the lives of many rural residents in Wellington County for nearly 90 years; and
– Junior Farmers continues to offer fun and opportunities to its current members. Participating at the local club level opens a world of opportunity to travel and participate in exchanges.
Local organizers Brent DeVries and Matt Schieck quickly arrived at a consensus that a new club is possible for north Wellington.
Future meetings were established, including the first official meeting, on Jan. 21 at 8pm at Romy Signer’s, 8354 Concession 12 of Mapleton, near Rothsay.
Given the long history of JF in Wellington county, the new club will be actively seeking the contributions of Junior Farmers alumni to document that history.
Former members are encouraged to contact DeVries at 519-265-5212 or Schieck at 519-265-0856, or email northwellingtonjf@jfao.on.ca.
