Part of the setup at the 2019 Aggie Days in Lethbridge (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

An evolving industry

Understanding the importance of agriculture

Apr 16, 2019 | 9:14 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Agriculture was in focus last week during the annual Aggie Days at Lethbridge’s Exhibition Park. The 13^th annual event took place April 10 and 11.

It featured interactive booths and presentations for young students in Lethbridge and surrounding areas, teaching them about the farming industry.

It was presented by the UFA – United Farmers of Alberta and Exhibition Park.

Ag for Life was also involved in the event. Their ‘Rural Safety Unit’ mobile trailer was on display, focusing on in-the-field safety practices.

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Luree Williamson, Ag for Life’s CEO, was on hand and spoke with Lethbridge News Now.

“Agriculture touches everyone’s lives,” she said.

“Whether you’re looking to have a future career in agriculture or whether you just like to eat, agriculture is fundamental, and I think it’s very important.”

Williamson said Ag for Life provides educational programs on agriculture year-round across the province, including in the classroom.

“It’s events like these (Aggies Days) that really put the message in front of students, so that they can understand where their food comes from and the impact that agriculture has on their lives,” she noted.

“A lot of the youth nowadays are two or three generations removed from farms – they haven’t been to a farm before, so days like Aggie Days are opportunities for them to connect and really helps drive the message home to these students that agriculture is connected to their lives.”

STATE OF AGRICULTURE

Williamson said agriculture is a “fascinating industry” to work in.

“The science, technology and improvements that are happening, (along with) the challenges that are facing the industry in terms of feeding a growing population (are) phenomenal,” she stated.

“We do a lot of work with Ag for Life in challenging the youth to think about critical issues such as climate change – what’s agriculture’s role in climate change? We talk a lot about food security (and) food waste. We challenge students to critically think about agriculture and how it relates and where it’s going to be as an industry going forward.”

As part of the 2019 Aggie Days, Ag for Life covered the costs for rural schools that were unable to pay for bussing to get students to the event, so more youth could take part.

Williamson said they’ll be issuing “challenges” to schools in the fall. Details on those educational challenges are yet to be released.

For more on Ag for Life, visit agricultureforlife.ca/.