The 4-H movement is alive and well in this province and its members are always looking for new challenges.
"Both our members and leaders are always eager to try something new," said Janice Morrison, the provincial co-ordinator.
With assistance from the Prince Edward Island ADAPT Council, which administers funding from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada CARD Program, the Prince Edward Island 4-H Council has hired Chris MacBeath to co-ordinate three initiatives - the entrepreneurial 4-H conference planned for February, a series of sustainable agricultural workshops for senior members, and developing judging kits.
Janice explained that the first of the workshops is planned for March, and they will run every second week until May. They will cover such topics as an overview of sustainable agriculture, new technology, organic farming, environmental farm plans, and food safety. MacBeath is now in the process of lining up speakers for each of the sessions which will be held at the Farm Centre.
To cap off the project, the participants will be taking a tour of a sustainable agricultural operation during the final session. Janice said the location of the tour is now in the process of being finalized.
The workshops are open to any senior 4-H member in the province. Senior members are defined as between 15-21 years of age. Morrison said this is an age where many are starting to think about careers in agriculture and, "we certainly want to encourage them by giving them all the opportunities we can."
Interest in judging has been growing among Island 4-H members for the past number of years, with an annual livestock judging competition held during Old Home Week. However, Janice said not all members are involved in livestock, so the chance to judge may pass them by.
She said MacBeath is developing a judging manual that can be used by clubs to teach their members to judge not only livestock but crafts and foodstuffs as well. Janice added that kits will be developed to accompany the manual that will offer a how-to guide for beginning judges.
During April and May, she said Chris will be conducting sessions at the district level with leaders, who will then be able to go back and instruct their charges at the club level. She said the judging competition is open to any 4-H member regardless of age.
"We are really excited about these programs," Janice said. "We feel they will add an extra dimension to what we already offer and make the 4-H experience better for members."
This is one of a series of articles prepared by the Agricultural Awareness Committee to highlight new and innovative developments in the province's farming community and is funded through the Prince Edward Island ADAPT Council.