Glendale Agricultural Society looks to the future with focus on next generation for 2020

Moving into 2020, Glendale Agricultural Society will be focusing on young people and the next generation of farmers.
Rebecca Maitland of the Glendale Agricultural Society.Rebecca Maitland of the Glendale Agricultural Society.
Rebecca Maitland of the Glendale Agricultural Society.

The organisation’s theme for the next 12 months is ‘The Year of our Next Generation’ with a series of initiatives planned to promote the work, entrepreneurship and passion of young people working within or from the Glendale area.

Podcasts are planned, while youngsters have been invited to judge some of the livestock classes at The Glendale Show and a Young Farmers stock judging evening.

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The campaign is being led by Rebecca Maitland, 21, who has also helped organise a Burns Night supper with two speakers from Glendale Young Farmers – James Thompson and Harry Huddart from Beeswax Dyson Farming Estate.

Andrew Walton, chairman of the Glendale Agricultural Society said: “As a society each year we choose a subject to focus on and as we head into a new decade, The Year of our Next Generation was a natural choice.

“We have many young committee members who support the society and in choosing this theme our aim is to interact, engage and highlight the work of the younger generation and the opportunities available to them.

“After all, they are our future and the future custodians of our countryside and planet, so it is important to ensure that we promote best practice whether it be agricultural or commercial.

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He added: “I believe that it is vital that we work with and support our young people. In employing Rebecca as an apprentice, we have offered employment locally to someone who is passionate about her local rural community and who is the future of her local community.

“During the year through podcasts and case studies, Rebecca will work with and showcase those people who are forging their futures in Glendale or who have been born and brought up in the area and who are role models for others, such as James and Harry.”

Another event, held annually in June, is the multi-award-winning Children’s Countryside Day. This is an invaluable and unique educational experience for school children. Since it began in 2004, the event has educated over 21,000 school children.