The bags aren’t packed yet, but for 12 4-H Alberta members, the future of agriculture is already starting to take shape as they get ready to embark on the 2026 Ag Next Generation Tour.
The tour, which runs July 13 to 22, takes learning beyond the classroom by giving participants exposure to agriculture in action across central and southern Alberta.
Each stop along the tour focuses on learning through experience. Participants will visit operations, take part in interactive activities, and hear directly from people working in the industry. The goal is to provide something practical and meaningful at every stop.
This year’s tour reflects the breadth of agriculture in Alberta. Learning opportunities and tour stops include beef production, mixed grain and livestock operations, dairy, beekeeping and honey production, fresh vegetable farming, and value-added processing such as flour milling.
Participants will also explore connecting production to markets, and gain insight into post-secondary pathways through a visit to the University of Lethbridge.
Together, these experiences highlight the diversity of agriculture and the range of people, businesses, and processes that support the industry.
The 2026 Ag Next Generation Tour delegates
Caleb S. — Lakedell 4-H Beef Club (West Central)
Nicholas K. — Edmonton 4-H Multi Club (Northwest)
Reese S. — Lakedell 4-H Beef Club (West Central)
Callie M. — Hanna Rangeland 4-H Multi Club (East Central)
Isabelle J. — Clandonald 4-H Multi Club (Northeast)
Avarie C. — Meadowbank 4-H Multi Club (Calgary)
Jalynn W. — Vermilion 4-H Beef Club (Northeast)
Hayden M. — Anselmo Willing Workers 4-H Multi Club (Northwest)
Reed F. — Eaglesham 4-H Multi Club (Peace)
Raelynn S. — Eagle Beef and Multi 4-H Club (Calgary)
Emma T. — Nebraska Multi 4-H (West Central)
Lane W. — Irricana 4-H Beef and Multi Club (Calgary)
Charlie M. — Vermilion 4-H Light Horse (Northeast)
Abby H. — Rocky North 4-H Beef (West Central)
AFSC’s role
AFSC supports the Ag Next Generation Tour as a host, connector, and industry partner. Through its network of branches, team members and relationships with clients and partners, AFSC helps provide access behind-the-scenes of farming across the province.
Throughout the tour, participants will connect with AFSC team members and learn about roles that support producers, including lending, agribusiness, and crop insurance. These interactions are designed to help participants better understand how the industry operates and where they may fit within it.
Why it matters
Agriculture continues to evolve, and so do the pathways into it.
Programs like the Ag Next Generation Tour help bridge the gap between learning and experience by connecting youth to real operations, real people, and real opportunities.
The tour helps participants see that agriculture includes a wide range of roles and career options both on and off the farm. It builds awareness, strengthens connections, and supports the development of future industry leaders.
