4-H Ambassadors tour FS System

In rain and shine, 4-H Ontario Ambassadors took part in a one-day tour to learn more about their sponsors, GROWMARK, Inc, the FS Co-operatives, and UPI Energy LP.

The one-day tour consisted of a visit to UPI Energy’s bulk fuel plant in Guelph, an FS PARTNERS agronomy and Great Lakes Grain facility in Ayr, North Wellington Co-operative’s unique retail store and lawn and garden centre, a demonstration field plot called Pursuit of Maximum Yield and a 24 hour remotely monitored cardlock FAST STOP® fueling station.

This is the seventh year of the program sponsored each year by GROWMARK, Inc., and UPI Energy LP.

(Right) The group learn about the complex operations of UPI Energy from Bob Hodgson, manager of operations for southwestern Ontario.

(Below) The 2011 Ambassadors admire baby chicks for sale at the North Wellington Co-operative Services retail store and lawn and garden centre. From L-R is Ambassadors Alex Mitchell of Pembroke, Alissa Goodfellow of Napanee, Cassandra Chornoboy of Rockwood, Sylvia Megens of Goodwood and Jennifer Betzner of Lynden.

 



(Right) At the FS Green Plan Solutions™ Pursuit of Maximum Yield site in Drayton, Don McLean, FS PARTNERS agronomist demonstrates new QR code technology at the plot.

 

(Below) Kevin Stumpf, FS PARTNERS branch manager gives an overview of the grain and agronomy business at the Ayr site.  



Final stop of the day was a quick visit at the FAST STOP remotely monitored self-serve gas station in Alma.

Ambassadors promote 4-H in Ontario provincially, regionally, locally and at some national events. During their reign they have and will continue to receive training in several areas, such as interview skills, public relations, communication, writing reports and press releases, public speaking, using visual aids, agricultural and 4-H awareness and etiquette. They will also be able to take advantage of the many networking opportunities and exposure to new experiences.

The Ambassadors will also attend UPI Energy’s annual meeting next month called Rendezvous and participate as flag bearers during the opening ceremonies.