Collaboration between Farm Credit Canada and Agricultural Producers Association of Sask. described as a ‘win-win’
Farm Credit Canada has joined Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan in the Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program.
APAS usully hosts the mentorship program alone but this year FCC provided donations and helped the mentees learn about the industry and forge connections.
Darren Howden, vice-president of FCC’s prairie operations, said the crown corporation likes what the Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program represents.
“You have to wear a lot of different hats. You have to be a good producer, you have to, in many cases, be good with managing people, you’ve got to be good with technology, you’ve got to be good at marketing, and you’ve got to be a good finance person,” Howden said.
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“So there’s so many different hats and skill sets that these guys need. The more we can support and provide that information and tools, the better. We want to be able to serve these guys and help them be successful. So for us, it was a pretty easy fit to tie into trying to help this next generation.”
Ian Boxall, vice-president of APAS, said it’s important to provide youth in agriculture with the resources to succeed.
“I think they (FCC) realize that youth in agriculture and leadership roles within our policy organizations is important,” Boxall said. “I think they recognize that and they recognize the success we’ve had with our program in the past and felt that it was an important place where they could show their support for young producers in the province.”
Boxall said he hopes FCC and APAS can continue to work together.
“I think it’s a win-win for both organizations,” he said.
The mentees for the Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program are five Saskatchewan producers between the ages of 18-40, matched with a farm leader older than 40. The program has been running since 2014.
