Young Farmers keen to grow
RURAL SUPPORT: Club of under-30s working proactively to attract more members, reports
Abustling club of young people who are actively rolling up their sleeves to help out their community and attract members from further afield: That’s O¯ piki Young Farmers.
They have just held their 83rd AGM and the club, all 31 paid-up members are under 30 years of age, is raring to go.
Not all of them are farmers, but many have jobs associated with the rural sector and the O¯ piki club attracts members from as far away as Feilding. They are the only young farmers’ club in Horowhenua and you do not have to be a farmer to belong.
New treasurer Jasmine works in administration for a company involved in primary industries, and other members are truck drivers, contractors, work for insurance or a real estate agent.
“It is about enjoying the rural lifestyle,” said 2022 president Richard.
He said many members are keen to teach others their skills, such as how to drive a truck.
The age of 30 is the cut-off for membership. Any older and you are an alumni, such as farmer and now district councillor Paul Olsen.
Sarah, who is also the district chairperson and has been a member for seven years, said her sister got her involved.
“It is a very friendly, welcoming club. They are inclusive and we’ve gained many friends through it,” were some of the comments members offered about their club.
If you are a farmer, which can be a lonely occupation at times, the club gives you a chance to get off the farm.
“It is good for mental health to get out and here there is enough diversity to interact with and take your mind off the daily grind.”
Sheep and beef farmer Kurt works on his parents’ farm in Feilding and finds the monthly trip to O¯ piki more than worth it.
“I chose this club as friends of mine were members. It is a very active club. We do a lot of fundraisers and members take part in competitions, such as Young Farmer of the Year, clay shooting, fencing, and stock judging.”
The top event for Opiki ¯ Young Farmers is the annual ball, where other clubs and the locals are invited. They also hold a netball tournament and participate in the annual Horowhenua AP&I Show, where they help with the small-animal exhibition.
Throughout the year they do hay pick-ups, silage stacks and firewood cutting/storing to raise funds. They sponsored the local school bus and donated to Farmstrong.
They are also working through the details to donate money to the local fire brigade and the rescue helicopter.
Some new trophies were handed out that AGM night for breakthrough member of the year (Jasmine and Sheldon), member of the year (Pete), and unsung hero (JR).
At their AGM they made plans for involvement with their community such as helping at the Ag Day of the local school.
The club is about to unveil new billboards, going up on a local farm situated on a main road, to advertise the club to the wider community. The boards were designed by Colleen Ware and include photos of the O¯ piki region, some taken by members during a¯photo contest last summer.
The Opiki boards are the first featuring the new New Zealand Young Farmers logo, which became available in July.
The club meets on the first Wednesday night of the month at the Tokomaru RSA, whose members were thanked at the AGM for their enthusiasm — with woolly jumpers.
They also elected a new committee: Chair: Sheldon Mayo, secretary: Tegan Pope, treasurer: Jasmine Phippen, primary vice-chair: Danielle Sinkinson, secondary vice-chair: Daniel Mears, publicity officer: Olivia Nitschke, member liaison: Colleen Ware, health and safety: Matt Phippen, club event co-ordinator: Peter Ware, club advisers: Tim Calow and Charlotte Wilcock.
If you live rurally or want to get stuck in with a group of young folk, get in contact.
You can find Opiki ¯ Young Farmers on Facebook.