After reading Karen Briere’s article “Young farmer eager to give views at SCA”(Western Producer,March 3), I believe that Ryan Sommerfeld made many good points about the beef industry.
However, I think that there are still some issues that need to be discussed more thoroughly.
Ryan Sommerfeld’s quote, “I’m younger and maybe bring a different perspective,” touched on a major topic facing agriculture and rural development today. The majority of the working class farmers and ranchers are getting older. With increasing urbanization, the majority of our youth move to cities for work or schooling, leaving gaps that are becoming essential to fill.
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The youth that do stay in rural communities usually pursue the trades or jobs in the oil field sector. Fewer young people are taking over the family farms, leaving it up to a few major corporations to fill the void. This agricultural intensification can be problematic, with the steady decline in midsize farms resulting in reduced diversity. Furthermore, young farmers may be deterred from entering the industry due to higher start-up costs caused by the need to be big.
Sommerfeld’s quote can have another perspective applied. With younger, fresher eyes, we may be able to address old problems with new ideas. As well, with technology constantly changing, a younger labour force may be better able to keep up, especially now with an increased desire for sustainability and environmental standards.
It is great to see youth like Ryan Sommerfeld continuing in agriculture and being part of the community, and I hope to see more young entrepreneurs follow his lead in the future.
Scott Dunn,
Edmonton, Alta.
