Rosie Templeton by Bonnie Warnyca
April, 2010
Growing up on a purebred Hereford ranch and farm southeast of Coaldale, Alberta provided a strong backdrop for Rosie Templeton, a vibrant and confident 17-year-old advocate for the agricultural industry.
Templeton spoke at the Tiffin Conference in Lethbridge in March. Her passion for the industry was unmistakable and her ideas of where she sees her generation going are refreshing.
In her speech to more than 250 producers, agribusiness representatives and agriculture students, she says: "The technological advancements will arm this generation with the tools to take our message to consumers like never before. With such creations as YouTube, Facebook, websites and power point presentations we can finally carry on a continuous dialogue with our customers which wasn't there using older mediums of advertising. We need to not only package our story but deliver it through conferences such as this and many other forums."
Templeton pointed out that besides the hands-on experience gained at home and in 4-H programs, there are high school certificate programs such as the Alberta Green Certificate Program giving high school students an opportunity to experience many facets of the agricultural industry.
"More of today's youth are taking advantage of the many post secondary education programs and college degrees," she says with obvious enthusiasm. "We're not only educated, we are passionate about our industry and that is a very powerful combination."
In her presentation titled, "Building Agricultural Leaders," Templeton went on to outline how she thinks that transparency is the key to the future success of the cattle business.
"We need to reinforce our image and to provide proof of the healthfulness of our product," she says. "We also need to knock down some of the misconceptions that have been touted by such organizations as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and put an end to the many misconceptions. We can't expect anyone else to stand up and set the record straight."
Nearing the end of her 4-H days, Templeton will head to the University of Alberta in the fall to begin her studies in Agriculture Business Management. Capping off her eight years in the 4-H program was winning the 2009 4-H Premier's Award last spring. She was chosen over 90 other Alberta 4-H members and feels that her ability to communicate the youth message to the judges moved her ahead.
"Nine 4-H members were selected to go through the Premier's Award selection group and we participated in a lengthy group discussion, individual presentations and individual interviews," says this feisty cattle producer. "I've always been comfortable telling my story and the story of our farm and purebred operation. We have about 170 purebred cows and a large backgrounding operation. I've helped with calving, haying and chores from a very young age. Where else can a young person become so involved in the family business at such a young age?"
Templeton's core message is that we need to tell our story every at every opportunity.
"This generation is made up of technology savvy communicators and educated advocates of our business," she says. "We are prepared to take hold of the leadership of the agriculture industry and we are ready!"
This provincial 4-H Ambassador was one busy gal when we caught up with her. She was helping the family get bulls ready for the Medicine Hat Bull Sale and also packing for her week long trip to Ottawa and Washington, D.C., which she won as part of the Alberta 4-H Selections Program.
"A 4-H delegate from each province is going on this trip," says Templeton. "We'll spend two days in Ottawa touring our nation's parliament and sit in on Question Period," she says excitedly. "Then we fly to Washington to join about 500 other 4-H members for the American National 4-H Congress. It will be a great place to share ideas and to see what other youth are doing."
"I believe that all of the things I'm participating in are stepping stones to my future and taking a week off school is a small price to pay," she says with an obvious sense of humor. |
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