THERE are many benefits of attracting more young people to the agricultural industry, particularly in productivity and innovation.

Young people also bring young families, which are vital to ensuring a rural community can sustain schools, hospitals and shops.

Working in a rural community has many benefits, but can also be quite isolating for a young person.

Having a networking and social group for young people is vital.

The Victorian Young Farmers was a large and important part of rural communities and, sadly, membership has been on the decline since the early '90s.

The Victorian Young Farmers, however, is in the process of undergoing a major change in direction and hopes to dramatically increase membership numbers and restart old clubs.

I am sure that many readers of The Weekly Times will have fond memories of their Young Farmer days, and I encourage them to speak to their children and grandchildren and encourage them to think about starting or restarting a club in their area.

There is a lot of support available for those interested.

Contact email for VYF is carlie.harrington@landmark.com.au

Carlie Harrington, Ballarat