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By Alice McFarlane

Young Leaders Program

Mentoring the next generation of ag leaders

Jun 8, 2023 | 5:03 PM

A program that encourages youth involvement in agriculture is accepting new applicants.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan is looking for participants in its APAS Young Leaders (AYL) program.

Formerly known as the Youth Leadership and Mentorship Program, AYL offers producers in Saskatchewan between the ages of 18 and 40 the opportunity to experience and learn about farm policy from the grassroots to the federal level in an engaging and supportive environment.

APAS President and past participant Ian Boxall said the program is a great way for young farmers to grow their network and learn the importance of agriculture policy and its impacts on farm operations.

“The program acts as a succession planning tool to equip the next generation of farm leaders with the skills and tools they need to continue driving Saskatchewan farm and ranch success,” Boxall said.

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Eric Martens is a 2022-2023 AYL mentee. He said he wanted to take part because he was looking for an opportunity to learn about governance, government, or policy without having to get a full-time job in those areas.

“It’s shown me a lot of different aspects of the policy needed and the governance needed to help carry the voice of agriculture and impact the changes needed to keep policies in the forefront, but also including the producer’s voice in it,” Martens said.

Since 2014, 40 young leaders have completed the program, which includes participating in APAS District Meetings, the APAS General Meeting in Regina in December, and a trip to Ottawa to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s Annual General Meeting.

Anyone interested in applying for the AYL program is encouraged to submit their application online through the APAS website.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 31.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW