On November 23, 2023, GRAS was proud to be a part of the AgScape thinkAg event hosted in the Grand River Raceway paddock. Partnering with AgScape and Upper Grand District School Board over 600 students attended from Wellington County.

This was an all-day event with students rotating between 12 stations where they met industry representatives to learn about Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sector while gaining firsthand insights into the wide range of career opportunities available in this sector. Organized into groups, students spent 10-12 minutes at each station and participated in activities that allowed them to demonstrate teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills…and of course showcase their overall agriculture and food knowledge.

Representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), 4-H Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Conestoga Meats, County Line Equipment, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Halwell Mutual, Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians, Ontario Broiler Chicken Hatching Egg Producers Association, Ontario Pork, and TLC Alpaca will run the interactive, hands-on stations and help students make real-world connections.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the Grand River Agricultural Society and Upper Grand District School Board to provide an exciting way for students to learn about Ontario’s innovative agriculture and agri-food sector,” said Mira Lyonblum, Executive Director of AgScape. “We love working with partners who share our values, in order to inspire each other to engage in these important conversations now and look toward diverse and rewarding career opportunities.”

“GRAS is very excited to be co-hosting the AgScape thinkAG Career Competition in our very own Grand River Raceway paddock,” says Garth Green, President of the Board of Directors for GRAS. “Our organizational values align well with AgScape. We are so proud to continue supporting youth as they explore the wide variety of agricultural career opportunities available in our community.”

The GrandWay Events Centre got involved as well, serving a delicious buffet lunch to the volunteers and booth presenters in their River Room. We appreciate our Grand Family always being there to support every aspect of our events.

We look forward to continuing to support thinkAg Career Competition, next year we hope to include more dates! Thanks to all who came out and participated, volunteered, and set up.

Written by AgScape and GRAS