NS’s next generation banding together

By SARA KEDDY
Kings County Register

Justin Beck “always thought at some point” he’d take over his family’s farm.

“I enjoy it.”

But the challenges facing young farmers put many at a disadvantage when they start out. Nova Scotia agriculture officials - and the young farmers themselves - want to help.

“Energetic young farmers seeking other EYF between the ages of 18 and 40” with “passion” are being sought for a revived Nova Scotia Young Farmers’ Forum.

“It’s a group of young farmers - here and nationally,” says Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture policy analyst Brad McCallum. “We’re trying to promote better sharing between them.

“They may be out of the loop, and this gives them a chance to talk to someone in their own shoes.”

McCallum says common concerns among young farmers include everything from a lack of experience and confidence to succession issues between different generations.

“We try and get young farmers involved at the federation level, but they may be feeling they don’t have the experience or knowledge older farmers have. We have about 50 people on the contact list now for a young farmers’ group.”

That’s almost back up to where the provincial association was in 2003. Beck, a 21-year-old third-year student at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, can see its value.

“It’s about developing leaders and trying to promote them in agricultural fields,” he says. “It’s kind of nice to talk to someone else, see how their operation works and what’s going on.”

Beck grew up on his father, Terry’s, hog farm and thinks the “lifestyle” is crucial to young farmers.

“You almost have to be born into it - my grandfather taught me to weld, I’ve learned time management and how to work heavy equipment working for my dad. I still learn stuff that will help me later on.”

While the Becks haven’t had a formal talk about the farm’s future, Terry knows the younger generation has its place.

“They have new ideas, and you can never be afraid of change - you just be cautious. Change comes more and more quickly.”

The young farmers’ group hasn’t held any formal events recently, but is planning on potential speakers and meetings tied into NSAF regular get-togethers. For information, check them out on Facebook, or call 902-893-2293, or email nsfawanda@eastlink.ca.

(This article was originally published in The Kings County Register.)