‘Tractors, tailgates and tough talks’: Focus on mental health at agriculture showcase in Listowel

Huron Perth students got hands-on ag experience amidst a worker shortage. CTV London’s Scott Miller has the details.

Future farmers, and those considering a career in agriculture got an up-close look at what jobs are out there for them in Listowel this week.

“Young people think if you’re in agriculture, you either fix farm equipment or you’re a farmer. And there’s just so many other opportunities, especially in the area we live in, that we’re trying to expose them to,” said Jessica Chateauvert, program lead for the Specialist High Skills Major Program with the Avon Maitland District School Board.

Over 100 kids enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major in Agriculture Program in Huron-Perth spent their Wednesday learning about some of the jobs that are out there for them.

“It’s something that’s really grown and evolved. And it starts at such a young age now. This program, it really gives students the opportunity to get their feet wet in agriculture, even if they don’t come from a farm, just kind of jump in to see what it’s about,” said Lexi Johnston, a Perth County native who was just crowned Ambassador of the Fairs at the CNE.

Some kids already know what they want to do in agriculture and food production.

“Oh, I love working with cows. And big tractors. It’s awesome,” said Jelle Zeilstra, who plans to take over his family’s dairy farm near Listowel.

“I’m hoping to get more into, like, the breeding part of it. Like, semen collection and breeding in the cattle industry,” said Grade 12 student Madison Duncan.

“It’s hands on and you really get involved in your community, too. I love being outdoors and the whole farming experience,” said Sheridan Smith, who wants to be a large animal vet.

The need is certainly there in Canadian agriculture, for more Jelles and Sheridans. One in nine jobs are in agriculture and food production in the country, and 40 per cent of farmers will be retiring over the next decade, leaving a void of more than 24,000 jobs to be filled in Canadian agriculture.

“Country is cool again. There’s so many opportunities locally to work for ag-based companies. And it’s exposing these students to those opportunities, and letting them know what’s out there for them,” said Listowel Agricultural Fair Ambassador Jill Ohm.

“You can look at the enthusiasm of the kids that are here today. I think it said something that they’re all involved in this agriculture course that wasn’t even around when I was in school,” said Tim Prior, owner of Brussels Agri Services.

While part of the focus of the agriculture showcase is about linking students with agricultural jobs, mental health was also discussed. A topic largely undiscussed in farming, for decades.

“Youth in our rural communities have so much further to go for services. It is really hard working in agriculture. It’s hard living in a rural community. These are real pressures that you feel,” said Shannon McGavin, founder of the Well Community Collective, which will open four Youth Wellness Hubs across Midwestern Ontario this year.

An ag showcase is already in the works for next year as well, because the need for ag workers will be almost unending for the foreseeable future.