By Tracey Liverpool | October 1, 2024
Region Ten’s Agriculture Department has broadened its agenda for Agriculture Month this October with new events aimed at increasing youth involvement and aiding livestock farmers in the area.
Agriculture Month celebrations will kick off on October 6 with a fitness walk from Five Corners to the Linden Theme Park.
This event, designed to promote physical health and emphasize the critical role of agriculture in food security, will be followed by traditional competitions such as the jeopardy and Agri-Bee spelling contests.
To honor the legacy of Aaron Leitch, a noted advocate for youth participation in agriculture, a debate has been introduced this year.
This competition will focus on key challenges in agriculture, including animal slaughtering practices and the environmental impact of livestock farming, offering young participants an opportunity to explore innovative solutions for the industry’s advancement.
Additionally, a new livestock forum will bring together specialists and local farmers to discuss best practices, industry trends, and methods to improve livestock productivity.
With rising feed costs and other industry hurdles, the forum aims to motivate farmers to persevere and overcome these challenges.
Linden, seen as a gateway to other communities, is a vital hub for livestock production in the region.
Other scheduled activities for Agriculture Month include an Agro-Processors Exposition, Open Day events, and a Farmers Market Day on October 27 at Republic Avenue.
The market day will provide farmers and entrepreneurs a platform to display and sell their produce, fostering local trade and community engagement in agriculture.