Not enough Canadian youth have sufficient knowledge of science and technology and its pivotal role in everyday lives, said Sue Walker of the Canadian 4-H Council.
“We chose the science and technology theme for this year’s (national 4-H members) conference because the government of Canada has identified that. Therefore, we wanted to showcase how it plays a role in agriculture and food production,” she said.
The conference, which ran from Nov. 2–6 in Toronto and hosted 90 delegates from 10 provinces, the United States and the United Kingdom, explored topics from robotics to chemistry and included trips to the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and the University of Guelph.
Read Also
Cereal drought tolerant ratings hard to compile
Cereals and most crops have ratings for disease resistance, yield potential, straw height and other traits, but not drought tolerance. Right now, that sort of information is anecdotal
Jasmin Hofer, chief executive officer of Energrow Inc., told youth the importance of learning by doing.
“Do what you’re afraid to,” she said.
When facing down fears, they will acquire the skills and knowledge they need to become successful, said Hofer.
“I always wanted to start my own company, but had just never gotten the right idea to inspire me. Then it came, actually from a simple project that started with my dad.”
After seeing how self-sufficient a farm with its own oilseed press system could be during a trip to Europe, she helped her father design and set up a system for their dairy farm in Ontario.
She called Energrow systems an example of emerging and innovative technology that will make an impact in the future of farming.
“It’s science and technology that grew in our own backyards,” she said.
Hofer said many participants were eager to tour research stations and hoped to end up working there in future.
Health benefits
Susan Tosh, a research scientist with Agriculture Canada and a former 4-H member, explained her research on how soluble fibre reduces LDL cholesterol and prevents blood glucose spikes after meals.
That helps her determine the best ways to process oat and barley to take full advantage of their health benefits.
“Growing up on a farm, I was a member of the beef calf club and the homemaking club and it influenced my choice of careers,” said Tosh.
“I told the 4-H members that I enjoy my job because I love the sense of discovery that each new research project brings and I feel that I am making a contribution to Canadian society.”
Delegates also attended presentations on the development of drought-resistant genes in plants, participated in a taste-testing of two different varieties of apples and learned about how cultural changes in food are leading to new production opportunities for producers.
The latest Deere tractors were available for test drives and attendees saw a presentation on Climate Project Canada.
Delegates also chose from several workshops, including one called Engineers Without Borders.
EWB is an international group of engineers, students, overseas volunteer staff and Canadian supporters who work with local organizations and communities in Africa.
Its work is focused on helping rural Africans access clean water, infrastructure and services and generate an income from small farms.
Walker said this conference’s format differed from past years because only 4-H members attended. 4-H leaders are attending their own conference separately in Alberta in January.
“We decided it would be more beneficial for the leaders to have their own dedicated conference and to have its location rotate across Canada to ensure that more leaders could attend and share best practices.”
