AGRICULTURE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE FORMED

Today Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud introduced a new Agriculture Youth Advisory Committee. The committee will provide advice and direction to the provincial government on how to attract and retain young people in the agriculture industry.

"Young people are the key to securing a strong future for the agriculture industry," Bjornerud said. "I am looking forward to working with the committee to increase opportunities in farming and ranching for Saskatchewan's youth."

The committee's mandate is to provide recommendations to the Minister about youth attraction and retention in the agriculture industry, which includes farming, ranching and agri-business. The committee will work with Ministry staff to develop, implement and monitor a provincial agriculture youth strategy.

The formation of the committee comes at a time when the average age of farmers is steadily increasing. There is an immediate need to ensure trained, talented youth are able to meet farming responsibilities as the older generation retires.

The committee is comprised of seven members between the ages of 18 and 35. All of the members are actively involved in farming or ranching in Saskatchewan.

Members are:

• April Nichol, Qu'appelle (Chairperson)
• Landon Swityk, Spiritwood
• Jeff Prosko, Rose Valley
• Colin Wilgenbusch, Halbrite
• Max Halyk, Melville
• Derek Tallon, Lafleche
• Daryl Frank, Southey

"All of the members come from different areas of the province, and can provide input based on their own experiences, and those of other young people in their area," Bjornerud said. "I think we're going to see some really positive changes to agriculture recruitment and retention as this process unfolds."

The Youth Advisory Committee will be operational for up to two years, meeting eight times annually.

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For more information, contact:

Jenna Webb
Agriculture
Regina, Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: jenna.webb@gov.sk.ca