The program from the Wheat Growers Association and CPKC is for farmers under 35
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
An ag organization has launched a new mentorship program for young farmers in Western Canada.
The Wheat Growers Association, with support from Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail, is making the program available to grain farmers in the Peace River District of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, who are under 35-years-old and want to get involved with agriculture policy.
Whether it’s trade, transportation or environmental policy, multiple federal ministries have an effect on agriculture, said Kaitlyn Kitzan, a Sask. farmer and member of the Wheat Growers board.
“Ag policy is becoming a larger issue in Canada, and I always say the only thing that’s going to stop me from farming is the (federal) government with the regulations and policies they come up with, without consulting farmers,” she told Farms.com. “It’s important for young farmers to understand the decisions in Ottawa affect us on the family farm.”
Kitzan’s previous inexperience with ag policy and board membership helped launch the mentorship program.
While Kitzan earned her ag business degree at the University of Saskatchewan, Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel contacted her about joining the Wheat Growers as a director.
“At that time, I knew nothing about the organization,” Kitzan said. “But after attending a few meetings and now being involved with the board for about four years, I’ve gotten a lot of value out of it and we wanted to help others have the same opportunity.”
Farmers interested in the mentorship experience must apply by Nov. 1, 2023.
The free application includes farm questions and a question about why an applicant is interested in the program.
Two people will be selected for the mentorships, which will run from Nov. 15, 2023, to Aug. 1, 2024.
During that time, the mentees will attend industry shows, board meetings and gain provincial and federal lobbying experience.
“We know it can be difficult for young farmers to join a board full time, but this mentorship program is a great way for them to gain an understanding of how the Wheat Growers works,” Kitzan said. “And then hopefully the mentorships can inspire the next generation to get involved with their ag organizations.”