MY AG celebrates first year in operation

After the success of the 2017 field days, the MY AG members got straight into breaking in three steers for the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza.

It took many hours of training, feeding and grooming to get the animals ready for show, but the members demonstrated a mature and responsible approach in the preparation of the animals as well as at the event.

This year saw some original members move away to university and new members join, as is the nature of youth groups.

“It has been great to see the original members taking on leadership roles assisting the new members,” said organiser Cassandra Stanford.

At the Mudgee Show, MY AG organised and ran the inaugural Young Farmers Challenge, as well as assisting in the Animal Nursery and with other general duties.

MY AG also assisted the Mudgee Rodeo committee at the Mudgee Christmas Rodeo and the Mudgee Show Rodeo.

“After a few months off, they’re keen to make the 2018 field days even better than last year,” she said.

The MY AG tent will again be on the Livestock Rd and will have activities, such as getting a photo with a lamb and planting your own seeds to take home.

This year, the Royal Agricultural Society Education Team will also be in the MY AG tent with a Shop to Table activity and Grain Milling equipment, as well as a sheep prop that kids can practice animal husbandry activities on.

“MY AG aims to keep capable young people in the agricultural industry,” she said.

“With the growing average age of farmers, it is more important than ever to retain young people in the industry.”

Members of MY AG are passionate about agriculture and are enthusiastic about promoting agriculture to the wider community.

They also learn organisational, communication and leadership skills, whilst conducting activities and interacting with the public.

MY AG is open to anybody in the Mudgee region aged between 12 and 25 who want to become actively involved in promoting agriculture.