Carson Baker, a dedicated member of the Neepawa & Area 4-H Beef Club, recently returned from a life-changing 4-H Canada Exchange Trip to Ireland in May of this year. Reflecting on his experience, Baker shared that the trip offered a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. However, the primary focus of the program was agriculture, allowing participants to delve deep into the practices that shape Irish farming. During their visit, they toured dairy, beef, sheepdog, and even water buffalo farms, gaining valuable insights into Ireland’s agricultural industry.

One of the most striking differences Baker observed was the contrast between Canadian and Irish farming practices. “Their farms—they look a lot smaller, but when you compare them to ours, they really aren’t,” Baker noted. “Their dairy herds are the same size as ours, with many milking around 120 cows a day, which is similar to what we do here. The grain farms are smaller in acreage, but they still produce about the same amount as we would. The average farm in Ireland is around 250 acres, and larger farms might be 350 acres. In contrast, a big farm in Canada could be 6,000 acres. They mentioned they could easily sell their farms, move to Canada, buy 6,000 acres, and live happily.”

As a long-time member of the Neepawa 4-H Club, Baker has reaped numerous benefits from his involvement, particularly in public speaking. “The biggest benefit I’ve gained from 4-H is public speaking. It’s given me the confidence to speak in front of large crowds,” he shared. Additionally, he has learned valuable skills in animal care. “I’ve always had a bond with my animals. It’s tough when you have to sell them, especially the steers, even though you’re only with them for a year. You connect with them in a way that some people wouldn’t expect. When show day comes, and you walk into the ring, you know it’s your last time with them, and it’s hard. When I was younger, I would cry quite a bit when I walked into the sale ring—I didn’t want to let him go. I’m getting better at it now, but it’s still tough.”

Baker also reflected on the challenges of farming, particularly regarding the uncertainties of breeding. “It’s kind of the same with your heifer. You’re not selling her, but if she has a couple of dead calves or doesn’t catch, it’s hard because you wonder if she’ll ever catch again, or if you’ll have to sell her. This year, my heifer had a dead set of twins. We had to call the vet out—it wasn’t fun, but it’s part of farming. You get used to it as you get older.”

Looking ahead, Baker is excited about his future in agriculture. After graduating from high school this year, he has been accepted into the Agri-Business program at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta. “This degree opens every door for me. I can go into sales or any area of the agriculture industry, and I’ll have every opportunity available to me,” he said confidently.