The Canadian exchange trip with Macra na Feirme offered me the opportunity to see Ontario and learn more about the country’s farming practices, environment and economics. In addition, this trip gave me the chance to stay with 12 different farming families enhancing my exposure to the agricultural practices in Canada.

The partnership between Macra and the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO) provides an amazing opportunity to meet many young, innovative and inspiring farmers in Ontario. These young farmers were active in the community and eager to operate their own farming practices.

All of the junior farmers I met while on the exchange were enthusiastic to share their perspectives on agriculture.

Each of my host families welcomed me with open arms. For the three months I stayed there, they made me feel like it was my home away from home.

I was privileged to be involved in some of the daily activities on many Canadian farms, including milking cows, rafting sheep, visiting livestock marts, viewing a feed mill and grain elevator facilities. While on the exchange we were brought on tours of chicken, goat, beef, sheep, veal, mink and milking water buffalo farms.

During my stay in Canada, I got to see many main tourist attractions including Niagara Falls, the CN tower, Canada’s Wonderland adventure park, Blue Mountain Resort, African Lion Safari, Rogers Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Bruce Peninsula, Flowerpot Island in Tobermory, Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Trent-Severn waterway and the Stratford Theatre.

For a week’s break, I was invited to go to the Calgary Stampede event that was being held out west in Alberta. It was an unreal place to visit and I got the chance to see chuck wagon racing, cutting horses, rodeo and bronco riding, as well as many other things. It was understandable how it got the name of “the greatest outdoor show on earth”.

It was an unbelievable experience that I will never forget. I would like to express thanks to both Macra na Feirme and JFAO for giving me the opportunity to go to Canada to gain farming experience, while meeting many lifelong friends along the way.

If you wish to find out more about the Macra international exchange programmes, email amcdonnell@macra.ie with your CV no later than Monday 26 February 2018.