This March, members from across the province made the trek to Niagara Falls for Junior Farmers’ annual March Conference! The weekend started with the AGM on Friday afternoon, where we elected our new executive. This was followed by dinner, and the remaining JF members arrived in the evening. After dinner, we had a casino night where we mingled with other members from around the province and participated in some fun games! On Saturday, everyone woke up bright and early to hear three wonderful speakers: Elite Agri Solutions, discussing farm health and safety standards; the Agricultural Credit Corporation, discussing farm loans and credit; and finally, Kahntact, discussing social media engagement and member recruitment. After hearing the speakers, a quick snack break was followed by splitting into teams for a scavenger hunt around the falls and Clifton Hill. After our scavenger hunt, we had some time to prepare for our banquet dinner and dance, where awards were given out, new executive was announced and the presidents were honoured. Following the banquet our members had lots of fun mingling and line dancing the night away! On Sunday morning the weekend was wrapped up with breakfast and networking with JF alumni. Everyone had a great time, thanks to the March Conference committee for organizing a wonderful weekend!
Awards:
The Communication Awards provide members with the chance to celebrate their clubs’ accomplishments and memories from the past year, whether through a favourite memory or a news article they’re proud of, and compete with other clubs in the province.
Thanks to all who participated, and congratulations to our winners!
Renfrew- Best Social Media Post, Best Club Photo, Best Youth Event
Middlesex- News Article Competition, Best New Member Recruitment, Best New Fundraising Idea
Oxford (Kelly De Bruyn) – Favourite JF Memory (accepted by sister Karen)
Wellington- Scrapbook
Keely Henderson and Kelsey Brekelmans – Benefits of JFAO
The inspiration behind the Rose awards comes from ‘flowers are for the living,’ a presentation highlighting the importance of present appreciation.
To the nominees, you all exemplify JFAO’s commitment to developing future rural leaders through self-improvement and community betterment.
Please join us in congratulating our 2024 winners: Outstanding Novice Member, Paige Fletcher; Outstanding Member, Jordyn Domio; and Outstanding Retiring Members, Elizabeth Bruce and Jolande Oudshoorn. Your achievements are a testament to your hard work and dedication.
To stay official, clubs must participate in annual activities. These include community betterment projects, initiatives promoting youth and agriculture awareness, and opportunities for leadership and growth. This year, Oxford earned the Club of the Year award for its exceptional efforts in completing these activities. Meanwhile, Middlesex went above and beyond in promoting agriculture within their community, therefore receiving the Agricultural Club of the Year award.
Our Exchange program is one of the amazing opportunities offered to members. Each year we have the chance to send delegates to Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
This year we are excited to be able to send 5 representatives.
- Jordyn Domio (Wentworth- Niagara) will be flying to Scotland
- Cailen Bromley (Renfrew) is going to Northern Ireland
- Christena Jenkins-Giffen (Middlesex) will be off to Republic Of Ireland
- Hansford Mahon (Middlesex) will be headed to Austria
- Amy Danen (Oxford) will also be going to Scotland
Wishing you all safe travels and the best on your exchanges!
