They’re going to feed us all

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The figure is almost incomprehensible to those of us who farm or ranch or who grew up as rural aggies: about two percent of the Canadian population is engaged in growing food.What happens when those two percent get tired? Are there willing and capable replacements?Yes. They’re young, enthused about agriculture and getting ready to enter the industry, and they’re encouraging others to do it too.Many of these miraculous beings, who will one day help feed the rest of us, can be found in 4-H clubs.4-H on Parade, Canada’s largest 4-H event, was held in Calgary last week. Interviews with participants soothed worries about the aforementioned replacements.Kelsey Cartwright, 17, a nine-year veteran of 4-H, has a small herd of cattle and plans to become a large animal veterinarian. This year she helped organize a project to introduce other young people to 4-H.The dynamic Cartwright, a member of the Jumping Pound Beef Club, was also pleased her club raised the charity steer at this year’s 4-H on Parade. Proceeds from its sale will go to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Fund.Cartwright had two brain surgeries at that hospital last fall to control her epilepsy, hence her pleasure in the selection.She also plans to give proceeds from her own steer to the Epilepsy Association of Calgary.She is just the kind of person we welcome to the industry. In fact, she’s already in it.So is Cameron Olson, 17, of the Balzac Beef Club, who this year had the only known hog project in Alberta. The eight-year-veteran of 4-H had three hogs on display and was eager to talk about them. He also showed two cow-calf pairs, a heifer and a steer. Olson plans to study animal sciences with a major in beef production, and become another entrant to the food production industry.The ag business is two for two with these young people and there were about 400 more with similar enthusiasm at 4-H on Parade.