The rebirth of the Wanganui Young Farmers Club is imminent after a surge in rural interest from the city's youth.
A few decades ago the Young Farmer movement was strong throughout the country and even in Wanganui there were enough members to form district clubs like Fordell and Westmere.
But times changed and young people were drawn more to larger centres or lost interest in rural organisations, forcing many clubs to eventually fold.
Some, like the Marton Young Farmers Club, survived and continue to thrive today.
Marton member Anna Mackintosh said a surge in membership recently had been so strong that some of her counterparts were now helping restart old clubs elsewhere.
"The re-emergence of a Wanganui club was made possible when Aaron Tasker from Ag Challenge approached some Marton Club members with a number of students interested in becoming Young Farmers," she said.
"Because there was such a large number it seemed only natural that this would be the ideal way to kick off a new club in Wanganui.'
The first meeting to start the ball rolling is scheduled for Wednesday at the Grand Hotel at 7.30pm.
"This first meeting will be a chance to talk about what Young Farmers is all about and what members can get out of it and contribute to it," Ms Mackintosh said.
"The meeting structure will be explained and we'll do some brainstorming about what activities the members would like to do together. A following meeting in March will be the official annual general meeting when committee members will be voted in and the Wanganui club's re-instatement becomes official."
Young Farmers is not just for farmers. It's membership is open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 30 with an interest in rural life.
"Among our current members we have teachers, engineers, veterinarians, students, retail workers, bankers, government workers and of course lots of farmers. And Young Farmers is not just for blokes ? many of our clubs are nearly 50 percent women.
"So what do people get out of being a member? Well, you'll get a network of friends who are a wonderful resource of fun, support, advice and information. You'll also have opportunities for personal development and up-skilling.
"You'll even have access to opportunities for overseas exchanges and scholarships to university. And of course there's the chance to indulge your competitive side with the annual Young Farmer of the Year competition which all members are encouraged to have a go at."
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