Show Tails

There is a terrible old joke that passes around farm families: “what is rural child abuse? leaving your farm to your kids”.  Two generations have grown up being told agriculture is old hat, and you were crazy if you didn’t pursue study and a career in finance, technology or something well away from a farm.

Well as the world’s population heads towards nine billion people, and countries including China make food security a national priority, agriculture and food production is starting to look like a sunrise industry.  Youth in Agriculture Day (April 15) is when the Easter Show tells the stories about the huge potential of a career in agriculture.  A stroll through the displays and talking to some of the young people involved in RAS programs like the Rural Achievers makes you realise agriculture is high tech, it is about finance, and trade, as much as it is about soil and animals.  

Talking careers with Tocal College

So now is a good time to get out to the Show, walk around and be inspired.  And don’t be shy.  Have a chat to exhibitors and people involved in running the Show.  You will meet people who live on farms, people who work in agribusiness but live in the city and people like you, who wished they worked in agriculture. 

Keep an eye out for the Rural Achievers,  winners of an award that highlights the important contribution young people make to the agricultural industry, the Show movement and their local rural community.  They are easy to spot in their navy blazers and brand new hats.

And the most popular part of Youth in Agriculture Day this year?  Is it the action-packed Young Farmer Challenge or the Catch up at the Clydey official Youth in Agriculture Day party? The good news is there are plenty of seat in the Main Arena to watch the Challenge, but the Catch up is sold out.