Pennsylvania takes on Farmer’s Yards programme

Brainchild of Caltra native

THE Farmer’s Yards social initiative, the brainchild of a university lecturer from Caltra, has reached a US state on the East Coast.

Dr Shane Conway of the University of Galway’s Rural Studies Centre devised the concept. Marts were chosen as the setting for Farmer’s Yards events, as they act as a natural weekly meeting place for farmers via the bidding ring and canteen.

With support from the University of Galway’s Illuminate Programme, Farmer’s Yards had its first airing at Mountbellew Mart in March of 2023 as part of a six-week programme.

Pennsylvania Farm Link, a non-profit organisation, have since adopted the initiative from the lessons learned from the Mountbellew Mart programme.

The stateside debut of Farmer’s Yards came at the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, which attracted approximately 500,000 visitors from January 4 to 11 of this year. Pennsylvania is the fifth-most populated state, and has over 7 million acres of agricultural land.

“The first event we had in Mountbellew Mart really was a springboard for launching Farmer’s Yards,” said Dr Conway, from Caltra.

“The recent implementation of Farmer’s Yards in Pennsylvania showcases its universal appeal and adaptability for farming communities across the world.

“Farmers aged 65 and older are now the fastest-growing demographic of the farming population globally and this initiative provides a vital social outlet for older farmers to stay actively involved in their local community in later life.

“This is important because for many, farming is more than a job – it’s their identity and way of life.

“Farmer’s Yards offers a meaningful way for these farmers to stay connected and engaged with fellow farmers at a similar stage of life, fostering inclusion and addressing the uncertainties and fears that often accompany stepping back from active farming.”

Dr Conway worked with Pennsylvania Farm Link when it came to writing a successful funding application for the initiative.

Farmer’s Yards has now received financial backing through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

“The important role that the initiative plays in ensuring active social participation and inclusion for farmers as they age was evident with so many farmers in their 70s and 80s taking part. Such engagement will help prevent them from being isolated and feeling excluded from society in later life,” said Darlene Livingstone, an Executive Director of Pennsylvania Farm Link.

Further Farmer’s Yards gatherings are planned for rural areas of Pennsylvania in the coming months, gatherings that will provide opportunities for social connectedness and networking, fostering the sound mental health and overall well-being of those in attendance.