YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20230, 25 June 1937, Page 6

YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS.

There have been many conferences and annual meetings in Hamilton this week, practically all connected in some way with the primary industries. One of the meetings was to further a movement, the Young Farmers’ Clubs, that promises to be of great practical value to those who will be the primary producers of to-morrow, and those interested should be able to count on the willing assistance of the progressive farmers throughout the Dominion. There are now between 120 and 130 of these clubs in existence, and they have been established to give the young men on the land a direct interest in the problems that confront the industry, to encourage the adoption of the most progressive and scientific methods and also to provide a mutual interest of a personal nature. During the past few weeks parties of young farmers have made extensive tours, visiting farms, inspecting stock, exchanging opinions with others, and, incidentally, having a really good holiday. The movement has been officially recognised by the Department of Agriculture, and it is intended to hold a conference shortly at which probably 200 young mep. will assemble.

The working of the Young Farmers’ Club calls for practical assistance from the leading farmers of the district where they are formed, and the officers of the Department give all the help they can. The members are encouraged to debate the problems and policies of the day, and some of them have already broadcast views on special subjects. There is a social side that is of value, and a club of this kind can become the central point for the young men of a district. Lectures, field days and judging and other competitions must be of value to those who later will take their places among the producers.

The addresses given at the conference of the Dairy Federation have shown the scope there is for the application of science to production and these are among the things that the Young Farmers’ Clubs have been formed to study. The work appears to be a judicious mixture of theory and practice and close co-operation with men of long experience to guide the members. The possibilities are great, and these clubs should become a permanent feature of all progressive districts. They will enable the members to pool their knowledge and experience, and to confer with friends engaged in the same work.