Saskatchewan 4-H Council Adjusts to Rural-Urban Reality

source: Farm and Food Report

As Saskatchewan 4-H Council Members prepare to attend their Annual Meeting in Saskatoon on April 9 and 10, veteran members of the 87 year-old organization reflect on its contribution to community leadership.

AnnMarie Nielsen Griffin speaks on behalf of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council.

“I am one of those parents who was a 4-H member as a child and who is involved as an adult,” she says. “When I look at the results of our Measures of Success National Alumni Survey, which shows that 78 per cent of our alumni are of the opinion that the 4-H program had a big impact or some impact on their citizen engagement activities — defined as participation in community organizations — I say to myself, we must be doing something right.”

The IpsosReid survey paints a favourable portrait of 4-H contributions. In fact, 87 per cent of those alumni polled would recommend 4-H to young people. The survey points out that the 4-H brand has a lot of equity; and that among those who had lived the 4-H brand, there was a high degree of value, trust and relevancy in the brand.

The Learn to Do by Doing approach favoured in the 4-H likely impacted on poll results. They suggest that the leadership and communication skills; the teamwork; the self confidence and self esteem young people develop while in the program contribute to their personal or career experience later in life.

“Opinion leaders feel that developing these skills is not only relevant today, it is relevant for the future,” says Nielsen Griffin. “With this in mind, we’ve had to adjust to the reality of Saskatchewan demographic trends. It has been a challenge because, while our focus is on agriculture, urban areas are also expressing interest in 4-H activities. What has happened in our province is that rural populations are not simply disappearing; they move to the cities. As this occurs, the new urbanites take with them the rural values they were raised with, and they want their kids to inherit them.”

The 4-H Council is addressing this need. For instance, one of the 4-H clubs in Saskatoon works proactively to establish linkages between rural and urban worlds, in order to bridge the gaps that may exist.

“Agriculture is not just about farms. It also encompasses science, veterinary medicine and research activities, often conducted in urban settings. The skills our 4-H youths are exposed to touch on a number of themes that are relevant today. Learning how to communicate is one of these classic transferable skills — how to formulate their thoughts will be useful to them, regardless of whether or not our youths undertake a career in agriculture. This is what our 4-H speaking programs help do.”

Throughout this evolution, the Saskatchewan 4-H Council still remains true to its roots in the way it delivers its general livestock programs. Whether it is through a lead shank on a halter or from the saddle, learning to build a relationship with an equine partner can help develop invaluable life skills.

“Ultimately,” explains Nielsen Griffin, “our goal is to produce responsible citizens, regardless of where they live. We want them to come out as strong community leaders. It is just a question of the means we use. You need a hook. In 4-H, it tends to be agriculture because of our roots.”

4-H began as Boys and Girls Clubs that aimed to introduce better agricultural practices. It was about training new generations of crop growers. Cattle activities were later introduced, and then horsemanship was brought into the mix. The popularity of crop-based activities waned over the years, but it seems now that they are re-emerging as a field of interest.

“The roots of the 4-H run deeper than one might think sometimes. Agriculture is a vast, complex, textured world with which many young people have affinities. If you have population with a rich knowledge-base in agriculture, the hook can be the project that allows you to reach further, to bring in the fulfillment that fuels the passion needed today to pursue a career in agriculture. If that happens, it is a bonus that brings smiles all around.”

For more information on the Saskatchewan 4-H Annual Meeting, call (306) 933-7727 or visit:
http://www.4-h.sk.ca

For more information, contact:

AnnMarie Nielsen Griffin
Saskatchewan 4-H Council
(306) 933-7727

Gardenscape Celebrates 100 years of growing

source: Farm and Food Report

It is not hard to imagine the variety of seeds and seedlings tucked away in new settlers’ luggage as they journeyed toward their new home quarter across Saskatchewan a century ago. Many of these plants from the old world have evolved into our garden varieties of today, thanks to the painstaking selection efforts of breeders.

This year, Gardenscape wishes to celebrate homegrown traditions around horticulture. Susan Kuzma of Saskatoon’s Prairieland Park is the Event Coordinator.

“Thanks to our partnership with the University of Saskatchewan’s Extension Division, garden designers will explore themes like 100 Years of Reflection; Prairie Sunset Garden; 100 Years of Growing Celebrate Saskatchewan; Good Neighbours Garden; The Bug Bed; Fantasy Fun Children's Centennial Garden; and The English Garden,” Kuzma says. “As people walk into the show, their senses will come alive. They will be able to smell all the plants; the tulips and spring bulbs that are brought indoors.”

Started in 1990, Gardenscape is the first show of its kind in Western Canada. It is a showcase for the horticulture industry and outdoor lifestyles — the source of countless ideas to spruce up your yard or get the latest information on gardening and food production. In its most basic expression, Gardenscape is the place to find out about the latest specialty flower and vegetable seeds.

“There is really something for anyone interested in outdoor living at Gardenscape, with its 330 booths, over 120,000 square feet of displays, exhibits and competitions,” Kuzma says. “We also have two theatres with hands-on demonstrations and speakers running on the hour. The diversity of plant varieties that is now available for us to grow in Saskatchewan is amazing.”

Gardenscape is based on the premise that Saskatchewan residents really enjoy their yard during our short growing season. In an effort to turn our yards into the best possible and most satisfying environment, people spend time looking at the ways in which they can make these outdoor living spaces as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

To help them achieve that, a few experts have been invited to share slices of wisdom.

If you somehow missed her on the award-winning garden show Bugs and Blooms on HGTV and around the world, you can catch Donna Balzer in person at Gardenscape 2005.

A professional agrologist and certified landscape designer, Balzer's work has been featured in Garden Life and Garden How To magazines. Nine years as resident horticulturalist for the Calgary Zoo's Botanical Garden and two years as a horticulture instructor at Olds College have added to her reputation as a true master in her field.

Another such expert is June Flanagan. Shehas been lecturing to the general public and special interest groups since 1987, when she was a botanist at a large botanical garden in Arizona. Flanagan speaks about plants of the prairies, as well as those of the southwest deserts, mountains, eastern forests, and cultivated plants.

The show organizers expect that about 22,000 people will come to the doors at Prairieland Park between April 1st and 3rd.

“One of the main events is our plant auction on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Gardenscape goes out with a bang when the two semi truck loads of plants that are brought in from British Columbia and others grown locally for the show are offered to the highest bidder for their personal enjoyment.”

For more information on Gardenscape 2005, visit: http://www.saskatoonex.com

For more information, contact:
Susan Kuzma
Prairieland Park
(306) 931-7149

Prince Albert Fair Showcases Diversity of North Central Agriculture

source: Farm and Food Report

Within half an hour’s drive of Prince Albert, one can encounter forest or some of the richest agricultural land in the province; one can meet elk, cattle and bison producers; and it is possible to grow cereals, oilseeds or pulse crops.

Arguably, north central Saskatchewan is our most agriculturally diversified region. And it shows at the Prince Albert Farm Fair, now in its 19th edition, according to Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nicole Bertrand.

“This is a high energy event. Agricultural producers are still in their planning stage. It is still too cool for them to be in the fields. They are looking for spring options, and have a bit of time to implement technical changes. The race is on for them to take advantage of the latest advances.”

Bertrand expects that 4,000 visitors will go through the gates of the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre on March 23 and 24.

“We have a huge agriculture sector,” says Bertrand. “Exhibitors are always pumped to talk to as many producers as possible. Our theme this year is Strengthening Our Farm Economy: Diversity and Sustainability. Farm Fair 2005 offers a unique one-stop educational and entertainment opportunity for anyone interested in agriculture.”

Farmers and ranchers will get to see the newest developments in machinery, seeds, pesticides, buildings, livestock feed and equipment, as well as many other related products. Nearly 100 exhibitors will have displays indoors and on the grounds.

“This year, our educational seminars offer agricultural producers a chance to hear about new practices, market forecasts and new trends. Our luncheon on March 23 is designed to attract the wider business community by providing attendees more of an executive summary on markets. Every year, we want to make sure P.A. businesses know the importance of agriculture in our region. Our 2:00 p.m. session that day is designed more for producers and goes more in depth into forecasts.”

Always a hit among visitors, the Vintage Power Machines will also be on site, providing demonstrations of antique and rebuilt farm equipment such as stationary engines, tractors and other machines. There is something for everyone, according to Bertrand.

“We want to attract producers, but we also want to reach out to the wider community and show how we all work collaboratively toward the economic viability of our region.”

If it has to do with agriculture, you'll find it at Farm Fair 2005. Show hours are 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $2.00, and is free for children under 12.

For more information on Farm Fair 2005, please contact the Chamber at (306) 764-6222 or the Prince Albert Exhibition at (306) 764-1711.

For more information, contact:
Nicole Bertrand
Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce
(306) 764-5983