REGINA – Farm Credit Canada has been announced as the presenting sponsor of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program.
APAS offers the YLMP as an opportunity for Saskatchewan producers between the ages of 18 and 40 to learn about agricultural policies and lobbying and networking skills. Participants are matched up with a farm leader over the age of 40 in a mentee-mentor relationship. The program has been operating since 2014.
“It’s great to see other agricultural businesses and organizations recognize the importance of mentoring young producers,” APAS Vice-President Ian Boxall said. “The YLMP has made a positive impact on Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry but also for APAS. APAS has five board members, including myself, who have gone through the program, so it’s been essential for the succession of our association.”
APAS will continue to operate the YLMP, and FCC’s partnership will allow all mentees an opportunity to meet with industry experts at FCC and engage in conversations about the agricultural industry.
“FCC has a long-term view for agriculture, so we are proud to support a program that provides young farmers with opportunities for learning, mentorship, and networking – new skills they can apply to their farm businesses,” said Darren Howden, FCC Senior Vice-President of Prairie Operations. “This is an investment in the future of Canadian agriculture.”
The 2021-22 APAS nentorship participants are: Glen Munholland RM of McKillop No. 220 (Strasbourg); Cody Tataryn RM of Bon Accord No. 246 (Ituna); Brett Spray RM of Hazel Dell No. 335 (Preeceville); Sarah Leguee RM of Wellington No. 97 (Weyburn) ; and Madison Englot RM of Montmartre No. 126 (Indian Head)
Boxall is a former mentee and current mentor of the YLMP and said the skills he developed in the program have been critical in his agricultural career.
“The biggest takeaway for me was the work that people did on behalf of Canadian and Saskatchewan producers, and I was unaware of that before I went through the program,” Boxall said.
“Going through the program showed me how good policy lobbying could positively change policies for producers.”
“Young farmers and ranchers are the future of the agricultural industry,” Boxall said. “We need “Young farmers and ranchers are the future of the agricultural industry,” Boxall said. “We need to ensure they not only have the knowledge and skills about policy, but the confidence to know how to advocate for the solutions that are needed to drive the industry forward.”
