If you think Canadian farmers are looking older these days, you’re right. Canada’s 2011 census on agriculture reports the average age of Canadian farmers at 54 years in 2011, up from 52 in 2006 and 49.9 in 2001.

The face of farming is ever changing. Bigger, better, more efficient equipment brings with it higher tech farms and evolving practices. However, what must not be lost through all this change is the valuable experience gained by our industry leaders.

Earlier this spring, federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced $500,000 in funding over the next five years for the Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program. The program is designed to help young producers gain valuable experience, take advantage of networking opportunities and develop the skills necessary to become a future industry leader. Youth leadership and mentorship also provide associations with a connection to future leaders.

In order to qualify for the program as a young producer, the individual must:

• be between 18 and 39 years of age;
• have clear leadership goals and objectives; and
• be an active agricultural producer who exhibits leadership potential; or
• be enrolled in or a recent graduate from an agriculture-related college or university course; or plan on enrolling in an agriculture-related college or university course.

 
Mentors must be approved and selected by the administrating association and be:

• an active member of an industry association;
• viewed with high regard within the industry; and
• be able to commit time to the young producer.

The Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program provides funding until March 31, 2018, to industry associations in Saskatchewan. It is expected that mentorships will be between four and 12 months but may be longer if approved by the industry association.

This new initiative came from a recommendation brought forward by the Saskatchewan Agriculture Youth Advisory Committee to increase leadership skills and opportunities for our youth. The program is modeled after the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program administered by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.

The future success of Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry rests in the hands of today’s young farmers and ranchers. This program will provide young producers who display leadership potential with the opportunity to learn from highly-regarded industry leaders.

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The audio version of Garry's July 15, 2013 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here