Preserving old-fashioned values

The old-fashioned values of supporting neighbours, sharing family and social events and having fun are at the heart of Eastern Bay Young Farmers Club.



“We are a small club, with a focus on supporting each other and that’s been really important through the droughts of the last two summers,” says club president Josh Cozens.

“A lot of support goes on behind the scenes between club members, but it comes down to watching out for each other and helping where needed.

“That’s what farming in New Zealand used to be about and I think that’s the way it should stay – and we are doing our bit to make sure that happens.”

Josh says the club’s emphasis is on networking.

“Our members are like family. We get together for meals or family birthdays, barbecues, a beer or fun events.

“It’s important to take time out if you can, especially during calving when farmers spend more time with cows than with people.

“For single people living alone, there’s no one to talk to at the end of the day which can be tough.”

The club also meets formally, on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Rangitaiki Cosmopolitan Club Inc in Bridge St, Edgecumbe, and new members are always welcome.

Its members provide the barbecue meal for AgITO training and fundraised throughout the year so members could go white water rafting at the end of the milking season.

Josh has been president for nearly two years and during that time membership has gone from just him to about 20 – and numbers are still growing. Membership is open to anyone between the age of 16-31.

“We have some younger members who have just left school to take up farming this year and it’s great that we can support them during what can be a tough transition from school to work.”

Young Farmers has access to a wide range of resources, including information about training and employment issues, as well as offering opportunities to compete in the Young Farmer of the Year competition.

For more information, or to find a club near you, go to: www.youngfarmers.co.nz


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