Forty-eight 4-H members, ages 14 and 15, from across B.C. came together at Trinity Western University in Langley to take part in this year’s Food For Thought program. They were in for a week-long session that involved discovering B.C. agriculture. The program was held from July 9 to 13.
The week began with delegates arriving on Monday and an overview of the program.
Delegates were told about the plan for farm and producer tours.
The day began early on Tuesday morning. There were presentations on an introduction of B.C. agriculture, salmon at TWU, a salmon lunch at Seasonal 56 restaurant in Aldergrove, and a greenhouse tour at Windset Farms in Abbotsford.
The delegates were also treated to a beef and berry farm tour at Hopcott Farms located in Pitt Meadows, where they had a barbecue dinner graciously hosted by the Hopcotts.
After a long day of touring, they headed back to TWU for a night of agriculture Olympics. Everyone had a great time participating and testing their farming skills.
On Wednesday, there was a presentation on the Agricultural Land Reserve, followed by a delegate debate on a real ALR exclusion.
After the debate, the 4-Hers boarded the bus to head over to the Abbotsford Agriculture Centre for a chicken barbecue lunch and presentation on the chicken industry in B.C. by the B.C. Chicken Marketing Board. The youth also took a closer look at the B.C. Chicken Marketing Board’s Poultry in Motion trailer.
After a morning full of learning and lunch, the 4-Hers enjoyed some sun and water sliding at the Cultus Lake Waterslides.
The last day of tours started off with a visit to Cedar Rim Nursery in Langley. The delegates then headed off to Aldor Acres, to check out all that is involved in dairy farming. The last stop of the day was All Season Mushrooms, where the 4-H members and chaperones took in all kinds of information and facts about the mushroom industry.
The week finished off with presentations by the delegate groups, followed by awards and a dance.
Organizers thank all who helped make the event a success.
Everyone had a great time and new friendships were made.
4-H would like to thank the following partners and sponsors for making this program not only possible, but successful as well: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, B.C. 4-H Provincial Council, B.C. 4-H Foundation, Canadian 4-H Council, B.C. Youth in Agriculture Foundation, Growing Forward Business Development Program, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, B.C. Chicken Marketing Board, Westgen Endowment Fund, Mutual Fire Insurance Company of British Columbia, Aldor Acres Dairy Center, J&D Farmers Dairy Service LTD., B.C. Salmon Farmers Association, Hopcott Farms, Windset Farms, All Seasons Mushrooms, and Cedar Rim Nursery.