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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-07-25, Page 10• io * Research plots * New cereal, soybean and corn varieties * Intensive cereal management plots * Experimental plots of new crops - Rapeseed - Triticale * Farm machinery display .tar lunch Compllme � from 12 noon - l:30 pm YONE COME! The Winghain Advance -Times, July 25, 1984—Page 9 Junior Agriculturalist spends summer at Willitts' The song "Old MacDonald Had A Farm" will never again have the same meaning for 18 -year-old Stephanie Janssen of Thorn- hill, one of over 200 young people taking part in this year's Junior Agriculturalist program across the pro- vince. - Miss Janssen is spending the summer with Allan and Laurie Willitts on their Turnberry Township farm and it has been an eye- opening experience for the city -bred girl who never had set foot on a farm until June. She learned about the "Junior Aggie" program through her high school guidannre office and applied because she was interested in working with animals and thought it would be a good chance to get out on her own.. Lisa Thompson of RR 5, Wingham, must have thought Miss Janssen was a good candidate for the program too because she selected her as one of the 18 Junior Aggies in Huron and Perth Counties. A second -year student at the University of Guelph, Miss Thompson is program coordinator for the two counties this year. She inter- viewed over 45 young people and said she was looking for outgoing individuals who are willing to take on a challenge and have a genuine interest in agriculture. Since her arrival at the Willitts farm late last month, Miss Janssen has shed some of her misconceptions about farm life. The thing which surprised her the most is how close together farms really are here. She had expected -farm neighbors to be miles apart, not across or just down the road. Miss Janssen is a very quick learner, said Mr. Willitts, and she has caught on_well_to the routine of farm. life. She arrived in th'e middle of haying season and soon became acquainted with unloading bales from a Although she says she misses the hustie.and bustle of the, city, Miss Janssen is enjoying the peace and quiet that country living offers. She also likes the idea of being on her own and has not experienced the pangs of homesickness. A. typical day on the farm for the young Junior .Aggie consists of rising at 6 a.m. to help with the milking of 24 cows. She also helps to feed and bed the calves and pigs, all before breakfast. During the day, Miss' Janssen helps to do chores around the yard or in the house, when she isn't doing things like cleaning out the pens. She has helped Mrs. Willitts in the garden and has lent her hand at preparing the meals. It has not been all work and no play for Miss Jan- ssen. Mr. and Mrs. Willitts have 'included her in their outings, like reunions, dances and 4-H meetings. She said she finds the people here much more open and friendly than their city counterparts. Mr. Willitts may tease their young house guest, but it is all in good fun. Both husband and wife are yy,<-- MRS. CLEM McLELLAN U \ Brussels pleased with Miss Janssen and the Junior Agricultural- ist program, which they were enrolled in last year as well' They said they asked for a girl again this year because they find young women more conscientious 'and eager to please than boys. That is something Miss Thompson can verify, since more farm families ask for girls than for boys. The progra �p a.lso is a good way for a farmer to get reasonably -priced labor for the summer months. The host farmer pays the Junior Aggie, $8.00 per day.. The government matches that amount and contributes "another $10 per day for room and board. Miss Janssen has every other weekend off to go home and visit her family. As program coordinator, Miss Thompson keeps in close contact with all Junior Agriculturalists in Huron and Perth Counties by telephone, mail and by organizing get-togethers for the participants and their host families. Miss Janssen will not be eligible for the program next year as she will have had farm experience, but she- may hemay look into getting onto an Agricrew work gang. A11 m all, she is finding the ex- perience very beneficial as far as career plans are concerned and it has helped her grow up by getting away on her own for the summer. A surprise party was held on the lawn at the home of Mel and Lois McArter July 14 to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Family" and .friends attended from the Walton, Ethel and Brussels area. Visiting with Mrs. Joan Exel are her sisters, Mrs. Rie Van Velduizen, Mrs. Iet Jansen and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Ada Exel, all of" the Netherlands. Also visiting with Mrs. Exel are her son Chris and his wife Janine of Rossburn, Manitoba, Visiting 'with Murray and Mry Huether were Gary and) Joan' Ritchie of Scar- borough. A number of people from Brussels and area attended the buck and doe party held for Chuck Dow and Joyce Gordon at the Seaforth Legion last Saturday evening. STEPHANIE JANSSEN of Thornhill is spending the summer with Laurie and Allan Willitts. of Turnberry Township as part of the Junior Agriculturalist program. The Willitts and the Ontario government each contribute to Miss Jahssen's board and to her summer wage. The "Junior Aggie" program is one- way for city youngsters bet- ween 16 and 18 years of age to get some hands-on .farm experience. JUNIOR AGRICULTURALIST Stephanie Janssen of Thornhill is spending the summer at the home of Allan and Laurie Willitts of Turnberry Township. Miss Janssen, who never had any farm experience until this year, is having the time of her life at the Willitts' farm, helping with the chores, working in the garden and learning about the rural wav of life.