Rural upturn good for youth

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 300, 18 August 1989, Page 7

Rural upturn good for youth

The recent growtli of confidence in the rural sector is being reflected in young rural people as they see improvements in the prospects for farming. Young Farmers Club President Murray Donald believes the agricultural upturn is giving rural youth a boost of enthusiasm and he says this was evident at their annual conference earlier this month. . "We are coming through the economic downturn and young people can see a good future ahead in farming - where two or three years ago they would have been hard to convince of that."

Mr Donald said the YFC recently adopted a "new directors" report which addresses the need for some restructuring of the organisation. He believes this, with the resurgence of interest in farming, will help to reverse their decline in membership over the "bad years." "YFC will now be focusing in developing the new enthusiasm, commitment and innovation that is evident in our membership - and meeting the challenges ahead." Uncertainty over funding has also been a worry for the Club, but Mr Donald said they are very pleased to have the continuing support of MAF who recognise the role of YFC plays in developing farming leaders and in educating and training young rural people.

Farmers Mutual Group has also pledged support for Young Farmers and this enables each of

the group's seven regions to negotiate the provision of administrative services.