LUKE HENDRY, Belleville INTELLIGENCER, August 25, 2008

Anyone who’s pessimistic about the future of farming hasn’t been here

As the Shannonville World’s Fair entered its second of three days, children and their calves were showing their stuff in the Future Farmers Calf Show.

Organized by the South Hastings 4-H Club, it drew about 20 young people and their animals.

Marmora’s Martin Chamberlain, 15, was clipping hair from the back of one cow prior to the competition. He said he has grown up on a dairy farm.

“We’ve been showing ever since I was born,” he said. “I just like preparing the animals and making them look the best they can.

“I like it when they win, too,” he smiled.

Chamberlain said his family has travelled to several of this summer’s
livestock shows, all within about an hour’s drive of the farm. He said he’s even been named grand champion at a few, and plans to be a fourth-generation farmer.

“I really want to farm,” he said. “I love it.”

Chamberlain said he’s “a little” scared of the problems he’ll face when he tries to making a living at it, but it’s not enough to deter him.

“I’m not too worried. We’re a really well-established herd. It doesn’t take too much to sell 20 or 30 cows and make some money.”

Twins Chelsea and Christine Cole, 7, of Plainfield each tended a calf.

Asked if they’d like to be farmers someday, they answered in perfect stereo “We are!”

They’re the third generation of farmers in their family.

“Mommy was a farmer since we were little,” said Christine. “We drink the cows’ milk and the goats’ milk.

“The best part about it is when you get kittens,” she added in nearly the same breath.

Chelsea, meanwhile, said she prefers goats “’cause you get to ride them.”

Their mother Alison said her father raised both beef and dairy cows; her family now has dairy cows and goats.

“I started getting after-school jobs on dairy farms and just loved it,” said Alison. She said her daughters are keen to be involved.

“They help me night and morning. They’re excellent help. They’re as good as the rest of us on the farm.

“With the twins, what one doesn’t like doing, maybe the other will,” she said, laughing.

Cole said she’s proud they’re so interested.

“I think you’re going to see farmers become a lot more appreciated than they have been,” she said.

Cole said that has not been the case in recent years.

“You’re starting to see the repercussions when they talk about food shortages and no land (for farming),” she said.

She also said the financial reality of the job keeps many young people from entering it.

“It’s not that there aren’t young people who don’t want to get into it,
because there are lots,” she said. She said she is “absolutely” hopeful
about the industry.

“You have to stay optimistic,” said Cole. Corbyville’s Edward Huffman said the local 4-H Club has held the contest for about five or six years to help attract new members. Though older members Kyle Leeming and Courtney Ray did judge the entries, the Future Farmers category rules were a little more forgiving.

“It’s just a fun class,” Huffman said. He too said it’s encouraging to see young people interested in farming. Canadians excel in the field of cattle genetics — raising high-quality stock “that produce and last,” he said. Canadian agriculture can stay “vibrant” if young people stay involved, said Huffman.

“They’re what keeps giving you energy. If you don’t see the future in
something, it’s hard to stay in it.”

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Posted by FFC on July 19th, 2009 :: Filed under Education and public awareness,Farm life
Tags :: 4-H, Farmers, Ontario
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