The Rural Voice, 2006-01, Page 33she said. "(Participating in 4-H)
helped in developing my leadership
skills, self-confidence and
communication skills."
She also encourages other youth
and parents to get involved in 4-H. "I
think it's important to be involved in
the rural community." she said.
Her experience in 4-H also helped
her on her way to winning first the
Bruce County Queen of the Furrow
and then the chance to compete for
the Ontario title.
"I got to compete (at the plowing
match) for the title to represent
Ontario," she said, adding that the
match was a great opportunity to
meet people in the agricultural
industry.
Her interest in agriculture
afforded Christie the
opportunity to study abroad
for three months last winter in San
Louis Obispo, California at
California Poly State University as
part of her degree at Guelph.
"I don't think young people realize
there are lots of scholarships
available to people who study
agriculture," she said.
"(Studying agriculture) can give
you the chance to travel or specialize
in something. The agricultural food
industry is a huge industry right
now."
Christie thinks interest in
agricultural issues is on the rise. "It
was just announced that there are two
agricultural courses available to high
school students in Chesley and I
think that is the result of initiatives
taken by members of the agricultural
community," she said. "The people
in Southwestern Ontario are really
supportive of agricultural
involvement."
Christie said having grown up in a
rural community, she thinks it is
important for other youth in the area
to become involved in their
community.
"It would be hard to attract urban
youth (to become involved in the
agricultural industry) but I think it's
"It's important for people
in rural areas to realize
the opportunities available
to them."
important for people in rural areas to
realize the opportunities available to
them."
Huron County Pork Producers'
Association District 3
• • 57th Annual Meeting `
` Wed., January 18, `
6 2006 t
t
•
• Order tickets from directors.
j or Jack Kroes at 482-7362
w►+wwww0-ww+ww+ww►w
Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $13.00
She is supportive of the
government getting involved in
promoting agricultural issues in rural
area high schools and believes it was
a long time coming. "T think more
attention is being paid (to agriculture)
for young people and I hope that will
continue in the future," she said.
Looking back, Christie thinks
being involved in agriculture was a
no-brainer for her. "Bruce County is
a very rural area. It just seemed
natural (for me to get involved)," she
said. With a bright future ahead of
her and years of experience behind
her this 22 -year-old is only looking
straight ahead.0
The Rural Voice
office will be closed
for staff holidays
from
December 21 to
January 2.
We apologize for any
inconvenience
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JANUARY 2006 29