Ten26 spring 2018 by NFYFC

YFC Chatter  Diary dates  Club spot

ten26

SPRING 2018

FUN, LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT

How YFC helped me!

CAREER BOOST YOUR IT H YFC PROSPECTS W SKILLS

18 THINGS TO DO IN BLACKPOOL! Your ultimate guide to Convention 2018

HOW TO WIN AT PANTO!

Top performance tips from the judges

YOUR YFC SKI 2018 PHOTOS

LESSONS FROM NEW TOP TEAM

ADVERTORIAL

“We learnt so much!” Why YFCs love Honda’s free ATV maintenance training

hen Honda offered YFCs the opportunity to enjoy a free ATV maintenance training session, members gave the offer a massive thumbs up! Sessions were booked up quickly and are still being rolled out to YFCs across England and Wales. From learning how an ATV gearbox works to what regular checks you should be doing to ensure your machine is safe – YFC members have been learning it all. The fun and informative training sessions were aimed at educating

members on ATV maintenance and safety. But while the content was serious – Honda dealerships have made sure it has been delivered in a fun and interactive way. Miles Sheath, a member of Weald of Kent YFC, said: “It was good because I didn’t know anything about quad bikes,” and fellow member Charlie Sutton found the course interesting because he said he “learnt how to be safe on quads.” Safety is important to Honda and a properly maintained ATV will help ensure safe usage.

Weald of Kent and Vigo YFC “This has been our favourite meeting so far! About 20 members from the two clubs took part and they enjoyed being hands on with the technician. It fulfilled our expectations and more – and Haynes Agricultural has suggested we can visit again as it was so well liked. The members were very happy with their Honda goody bags!” Claire Eckley, Club Leader, Weald of Kent YFC

Shropshire FYFC “We had a great turnout, with members attending from all over the county. The staff at Shrewsbury Honda Centre were excellent hosts with a great deal of knowledge and expertise. We learned so much, all about daily mechanical and safety checks, the range of ATVs available at Honda and about safety guidelines when driving the vehicles, all followed by a brilliant quiz, with prizes for the winners. We had a really engaging and enjoyable evening.” Anne Davies, Shropshire FYFC’s Health and Safety Officer

Follow @HondaUKPower on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up-to-date with all the latest news on Honda’s ATV range or visit www.honda.co.uk/atv for further information.

Inside

WELCOME

TEN26 MAGAZINE Produced by Elliott House Communications. This magazine is produced for members of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and their friends and families. ©NFYFC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission. All letters, photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to edit any contributions.

05 Diary Get the latest dates for your diary 06 YFC Chatter Our round-up of the latest news 08 Back to School Meet your new NFYFC Council 12 Club Spot Stories from our YFCs and new ideas 16 Buildng Plans NFYFC’s new building plans

18 Convention 2018 18 things to do in Blackpool 20 Think Big Join NFYFC for its Big Ideas Brunch 21 Support NFYFC Why a Levy increase makes a difference 22 Competitions Get expert advice from our winners 26 Jobs a Good ’Un How YFC can boost your CPD skills

28 Safety Re-boot Farm Safety training hits a record high 30 I want to be...a Soil Scientist For the love of mud! 32 #AgriTrends What’s big in agri at the moment 34 Let it Snow Your reviews from YFC Ski 2018 36 Rural Isolation Tama supports Rural+ training

Get in touch 02476 857200

magazine@nfyfc.org.uk

The opinions expressed in the magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NFYFC. If you are interested in advertising in Ten26, please contact sophie.willingale@ nfyfc.org.uk or call 02476 857200. www.nfyfc.org.uk This magazine is also available in Welsh.

We want your news! Tell us what your YFC is up to and we’ll print it in the magazine. Or why not nominate your club to be profiled in the next issue?

NFYFC is all over social media so keep up with the conversation in between issues of Ten26.

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WELCOME

Welcome...

I am so excited to be your Chairman and to represent 25,000 Young Farmers across England and Wales. It has been a busy start to my year, with a CEJA seminar in the UK, the NFU Conference and getting involved in Area competitions weekends. But I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m looking forward to launching a new training module this year that will help all YFCs spread the food and farming message in schools and you can read more about my plans on page 8. But most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting you all and helping to promote and improve our amazing Federation. See you soon! Lynsey Martin, Chairman 2018-19

A HELPING HAND WITH EMPLOYMENT LAW If you are running a County Federation, then you will know that this has never been more complicated, especially when it comes to employment legislation. One of the ways NFYFC is helping to support the federations and their staff is by providing you with access to the NFU Employment Service membership. Your free membership gives you peace of mind as you can access practical support and legal guidance ensuring you become and remain compliant with employment legislation. The membership is funded for all county federations, offering management committee staff access to: l A dedicated legal helpline l An online employment law manual

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l Over 85 ready-to-use template documents l Regular updates as well as guidance and support with managing staff employed in your county federation. Complying with employment law is a challenge that all employers have to face. It is easy to find yourself in a position where you don’t fully understand your employment practices but now you can quickly and easily get the

help and support you need. If you have an employment law query, please do not hesitate to call us on 0370 840 0234 to speak to one of our Specialist Advisers. To access the member benefits, log in by visiting www. nfuemploymentservice.com. If you haven’t used the service yet, contact us on either 0370 840 0234 or info@ nfuemploymentservice.com to find out how to gain access.

See full calendar online www.nfyfc.org.uk

CALENDAR

s e t a d y Diar 2018

4-6 M ay

June 4 2 3 2 GS

ANNU AL CO NV TIN We’re E E M IL C off to B ENTION e n u COUN J in in la a g a ckpoo f u ts n-pack ee l for th ed day Council m cuss the ree is d d s n w a by the e n ll a to pla s . n t o s h ti e e ra a e A ! d e A G F e s M, com finals future of th petitio and th is e AGR n our voice y t h re e su I r e e k B runch are thr Ma your , ee nig eaking to bands hts of COMPETITIO a heard by sp n d live e D th J re NS WEEKEN s fo e . b w p ww.yfc D Staffordshir Council re conven .uk/ e County tion.or .nfyfc.org Showground g.uk vent. www e plays host to our uncil national fina o c lists in a rang e of speaking competition s an d creative chal lenges. www .n fy fc. org.uk/Com petitorsInfo The deadline for booking tickets in rmation/ Comps advance for Annual Convention in Blackpool has now passed but you can still buy tickets on the door. Check out the prices and info you need at www.yfcagm.org.uk

30 June

Checklist

12 July

SHEEP SHEAIRING the The first national final of n will itio pet com ng ari She Sheep kshire be held at the Great Yor ry Dai Show along with the ls. Stockjudging fina www.nfyfc.org.uk/ sheepshearing

8-12 Octoer

You can purchase tickets for the Performing Arts finals on 5 May in Blackpool by contacting Lauren Hancox at lauren.hancox@nfyfc.org.uk

NATIONA L YOUNG FARMERS WEEK Get the da te in your diaries early and start plan ning for o massive w ur eek-long ce lebration of Young F armers! www.nfyfc .org.uk/ny fw18

Don’t forget Open Farm Sunday on 10 June! Start thinking of ways you or your Club can get involved

More dates

Sunday 1 July Cheer on your club and county at the Sports Finals in Staffordshire 4 August Join us at the Tenbury Show to see the Tug of War competitors battle it out for the national title 12-19 August The Rural Youth European Rally takes place in Perthshire, Scotland

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NEWS

Oxford Farming Conference

County round-up Our whistle-stop tour of news from the counties LANCASHIRE Lancashire celebrated 80 happy years for their County in February at a glitzy dinner and dance with a huge raffle and an hilarious speaker! COUNTY DURHAM There was an 85th year celebration for members of County Durham with a blind auction to add to the entertainment! HEREFORDSHIRE The County boosted its trainers in January with four of their members attending the Train the Trainer course. Look out for more training in Herefordshire! KENT Popular show Saturday Kitchen visited the County with Chris Stark to record Ashford & District YFC talking about what Young Farmers do to support their local communities! WALES The Federation’s annual Rural Affairs Conference took place in January with guest speakers including Gareth Jones, Rhug Estate Farm Manager.

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Tom Wells from Brigg YFC in Lincolnshire and Emma Kelcher from Soham YFC in Cambridgeshire were awarded NFYFC scholarships, sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Farmers, for the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) in January, where the theme was about embracing change. The pair were among 50 scholars at the OFC who enjoyed extra sessions to the conference programme. Tom, who manages a mixed farm with his family, said: “I found the whole experience very enjoyable and I met lots of new people which has given me much greater professional connections.”

YFC Ch Catch up on the latest YFC action

Stockman of the year This year’s Stockman of the Year winner will win a Moocall Calving Sensor worth £250, thanks to Moocall UK. This awardwinning sensor monitors the contractions of a pregnant cow and alerts the farmer when calving will commence through SMS, email and app updates. The Stockman of the Year national final, which is sponsored by Rutland Electric Fencing, is on 1-2 September 2018.

Resources

mbers! Top tips for keeping me e is vital mm gra pro b A good clu ly or ual and producing it ann ers mb me p kee p termly will hel in the m the e olv Inv d. ste ere int planning of it too. in the Get everyone involved feel to y wa t bes the club – it’s and play es rol ple peo e Giv . ued val to strengths. ng Motivate members by bei and tic ias hus ent as, ide open to rds. encouraging high standa Communicate effectively so everyone knows what Give is happening and when. b out hard copies of the clu dia and me ial soc use e, programm updates. send texts or emails for s visit t For more tip ource www.nfyfc.org.uk/thes

3 4

Jump on...

Need a quick top up of the latest YFC news? Check out our highlights fro m the last few month s 

#yfcdoitbest

Pre-event packages for Annual Convention 201 8 are no longer available but tick ets can be bought on the door at the event. For more info rmation about the wee kend visit: www.yfcconvention.org .uk  Forty YFC members have been awarded a plac e on the YFC Travel progra mme and are taking par t in global adventures after succes sful applications last Dec ember. http://bit.ly/2FeoL5K  County Chairs and Vice Chairs took part in NFYFC’s training wee kend Equipped to get them prepared for their year in office. http://bit. ly/2Fci8AR  There were 38 YFC #NYFW members who were giv Put the 8-12 October in en a place at the NFU 201 8 your diaries and get together Conference, themed a with your YFC to start planning Recipe for Change. National Young Farmers’ Week

“Absolutely brilliant tour this evening with J Godfrey & Sons Hauliers. We learnt to secure loads, had a look inside an award winning truck and even got to have a go at driving! We’ll never look at a lorry in the same way again. #yfcdoitbest” Abingdon YFC

h tter Twittering with...

...Megan Watkins, 18, is the new national Youth Forum

Chair and is from Crasswell YFC in Herefordshire. @nfyfc: Happy to be Chairman? @megan: Delighted. They are such an enthusiastic group of people and it is crucial that we get the voice of junior members heard at a national level. @nfyfc: What are your plans? @megan: I really want to see more counties introduce a Youth Forum so that younger members’ voices are represented. I will be working with my Vice Chair Charlotte Scott, from Somerset. @nfyfc When did you join YFC? @Megan: When I was 10 years old and I joined the Youth Forum after winning Junior Member of

the Year in the West Midlands. @nfyfc: You were in Edinburgh for the election? @Megan: Yes! It was the Youth Forum’s Residential Weekend where we all get to know each other while doing fun activities such as quad biking and going to the Escape Rooms! @nfyfc: Why do you think the Youth Forum is important? @Megan: Over half of the membership is under the age of 18, so the Youth Forum is vital to making sure all members discover just how great it is to be involved in YFC.

2018. NFYFC will be launching a fun video competition this year for all clubs to get involved in during the week to help share positive messages about YFCs.

1,688 is the number of followers on NFYFC’s Instagram account and the Federation is looking for more YFC members to follow its updates. NFYFC wants to boost its numbers so it can speak to more members on social media. NFYFC’s Facebook page has more than 37,800 followers and the Twitter account has more than 12,600 followers. Find NFYFC on Instagram and check out the latest updates!

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COUNCIL

Back to school NFYFC’s new leadership team reveal their plans for the year ahead and the new Chairman explains why lessons in food and farming should be on classroom agendas

Why I wanted to be Chairman

By Lynsey Martin

About me

“I have loved every minute of being involved in Ashford and District YFC and NFYFC. I didn’t join until I was 18 but since then I have got involved in pretty much everything and my confidence has improved immensely. From competing in all competitions – and getting through to national finals nine times – to being the Chair of the Agricultural and Rural Issues Steering Group, Vice Chairman of Council for two years, and now Chairman of NFYFC – it has been a busy but amazing 11 years. I grew up on a farm and studied Agriculture and Animal Science at Harper Adams even though the grammar school I attended told me agriculture was not an academic enough subject! This outdated opinion is what has inspired me to want to bring agriculture back into mainstream education and to show young people that it’s an industry worth pursuing a successful career in.

Well done Lynsey. Great idea rming) and

ent And Fa My plaarnas Chairman, I am working withanLEexAFcit(Lining kinengw inEnitiviatroivenmto informhyoofuncagrepeerople

n) on e breadt “During my ye side Educatio their eyes to th g and Country as well as open ed uc od pr FACE (Farmin is food d where their d farming, . about how an e about food an farming sector ailable in the training modul informative av w s er ne tie a liv ni of de t rtu to en m ow oppo s and know-h ill lves the develop sk vo LEAF-FACE y in e ar ct ss sid oje ce ng pr alo e ne The tion. Working embers with th uc m od C pr YF gland and ip od En fo qu ss d an acro which will e ound farming out in schools nal lessons ar will be rolled ive at iti in e and inspiratio th nts, on the way ation Consulta ber of schools Regional Educ visiting a num ing career am I cit n ex tio e th en on Conv Wales. more children up to Annual e at ng uc di more about ed lea nd to ta ek n rs de issio In the we start of this m lp the nation un rming e he th s lly It’ fu V. pe od ho AT w Fo and Fa d to with a Honda d once the ne industry – an an e th en in pp le ha ab is avail to make th opportunities ols!” ease help me your local scho is produced. Pl n deliver it to ca how our food o to u yo d, he nc lau is e ul Curve mod

My Vice Chairman story By Katie Hall “This is my second year as Vice Chairman of Council and I’m excited to support Lynsey with her educational plans. Should I be elected as Chairman the following year, I’m especially keen to focus on doing more to spread the food and farming education message in more urban schools. I’m someone who hasn’t come from a farming background but got the agricultural bug after joining Gloucestershire FYFC. I am now a regional sales representative and calf nutritionist for Bonanza Calf Nutrition.

I am passionate about YFC Tr avel and about all the amazing things our clubs and countie s do throughout the year. I’ll be working hard this year to cha mpion the great name of NF YFC and to promote all our YFCs where I can.”

Impressive plans Kat ie!

My first year as Vice Chairman! By Laura Elliott “It might be my first role at a national level but I am currently Wales YFC Chairman and have taken on lots of roles in my Club and County. I am a former winner of Senior Member of the Year and so understand the importance of being an ambassador for the Federation. I am looking forward to supporting Lynsey and Katie this year and I also want to get as many of our YFCs as possible backing National Young Farmers’ Week in October this year. I’m a member of the Events and Marketing Steering Group so have seen firsthand the impact of this campaign on recruiting new members and promoting the NFYFC brand.

at NFYFC – so I’m We have so much to be proud of this amazing Federation!” looking forward to championing

Top marks L aura!

COUNCIL

Our plans for the year NFYFC’s Council is made up of 63 members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent your views. Through five steering groups, the Council shapes the programme of activity for the Federation. The five new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen that were elected to lead the steering groups write down their plans for the year ahead

Agriculture and Rural Issues By Chairman James Hutchinson from Wiltshire FYFC and Vice Chairman David Goodwin from Warwickshire ✱ We’re planning the AGRI Brunch on 5 May in Blackpool during the Annual Convention. Called the Big Ideas Brunch, it will focus on inspiring rural futures. ✱ A study tour to Kuhn’s headquarters in Saverne is being planned for October 2018. ✱ A new succession awareness video will be launched soon as well as a Showing Guide that will be produced with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST).

Competitions By Chairman Fay Thomas from Herefordshire FYFC and Vice Chairman Dewi Parry from Clwyd FYFC ✱ Following consultation with members, the Ladies Tug of War weight limit has been reduced from 580kg to 560kg for 2018/19 competitions. It’s to keep in line with Tug of War Association rules so members can easily compete in other competitions outside of YFC. ✱ The age group for Live and Carcase judging competitions has been increased from under 18 to under 21 for 2018/19. ✱ Training videos are progressing to support Public Speaking. ✱ Ideas for the 2019/20 competitions programme are welcomed from members.

Events and Marketing By Chairman Michael Wood from East Riding of Yorkshire FYFC supported by Vice Chairman Lucy Stowell from Norfolk FYFC ✱ Progress is being made with the new NFYFC website and this should be launched this year. ✱ The YFC Ski trip will be to Belle Plagne in France in January 2019. ✱ National Young Farmers’ Week is from 8-12 October 2018 and a new video competition will be launched soon.

Pe rs on al De ve lo pm en t

By Chairman George Goodwin from Staffordshire FYFC and Vice Chairman Fred Allen from Shr opshire FYFC ✱ Look out for a new County Training Award! Your county could get a bronze, silver or gold awa rd in September. ✱ Equipped – County Chairs and Vices training weekend – will be on 23-25 November. ✱ A new club award scheme is being launched this year and the group is also looking at producin g a support guide for YFCs on transgender and more suppor t resources on volunteering.

Youth Forum By Chairman Megan Watkins from Herefordshire FYFC and Charlotte Scott from Somerset FYFC ✱ The Youth Forum is supporting Open Farm Sunday on 10 June and encourages all YFCs to get involved. ✱ NatWest is supporting the production of two additional Watch that Cowpat! games so there are more available for counties to use. ✱ New fact cards have been produced to support Watch that Cowpat! and will be circulated to Areas. ✱ An audit of Youth Forums will take place this year to see what is being achieved in counties and to ensure younger YFC members have a voice.

d to seeing Looking forwar s! your final result

ClubSpot CLUB NEWS

email magazine@nfyfc.org.uk or call 02476 857228

Share your club’s news with the YFC massive!

Fact file EAST MIDLANDS

Louth YFC in Lincolnshire hosted its own version of the ITV show Take Me Out in December and raised £2,000 for Dementia UK. Louth YFC Chairman Holly Howell explains how they did it. Preparation: We made 18 podiums with a light for people to turn off if they didn’t like the date on offer. All of the male contestants prepared a video to reveal more about themselves, and performed song and dance routines on the night. Raising funds: Members were charged ticket entry and there was a huge raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. We also auctioned off model collectible tractors donated by local dealerships. Result: Four dates were successfully arranged and we plan to catch up with them to see how they got on! See The Source – www. nfyfc.org.uk/thesource for more advice.

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NORTHERN

TRAGEDY UNITES YFCS

est pals from Broughton and Furness Young Farmers’ Clubs really pulled together when two of their members went through a very difficult time. More than 60 riders from the clubs embarked on a 50-mile bike ride from Whitehaven to Barrow to raise over £20,000 for charity after Ben and Lorna Cresswell gave birth to William, who was stillborn, in December 2016. Broughton Chairman Sam Butterfield, who helped to organise the ride, said: “We expected to raise £3-4,000 but as we got more into it we thought making £10,000 would be really good. Then we thought we might get to £13,000. At the latest count, we’re just over £20,000, which is absolutely amazing. “Ben and Lorna have been

“We expected to raise £3-4000. We’re just over £20,000”

overwhelmed by how much people have come together and how much people care.” Each rider on the Race for William was sponsored by a local business for £100, raising more than £6,000. An auction raised another £6,000 and the rest has come in from donations from the public and local community who have been inspired by their efforts. The money raised is going to two charities – SANDS, the stillborn and neonatal death charity, and the Tigerlilly Trust.

EAST MIDLANDS

Photo call

Talented members of Leicestershire and Rutland FYFC used their photography skills to make a YFC calendar that has impressed the Archbishop of Canterbury. The A3, rural-themed calendar, that includes photos taken by YFC members aged from 10 to 26, was given to the Archbishop of Canterbury when he visited the County Federation while on a tour of Leicestershire. The creative County set about making the 2018 calendar after hosting a photography competition at their County Rally last year. The best entries were then included in the final calendar that is now being sold for £10. County Chairman Aimee Mahony said: “Each of our 11 clubs are represented and lots of people have commented on how beautiful the images are.”

SOUTH WEST

MUCKING IN FOR CHARITY

Muckathon in Somerset helped one farm spread 160 tankers’ worth of digestate on its farm in 12 hours and raised £2,210 for a charity set up by a local young farmer. Wincanton YFC took part in the Muckathon to raise money for local charity ‘Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony’. Originally set up by Farrington Gurney YFC member Hannah Francis, the charity funds research into bone cancer, particularly Osteosarcoma, and provides ‘Willberry’s Wishes’ to

seriously ill people of all ages, or a family member of someone suffering from a terminal condition. Sadly Hannah lost her battle to cancer in 2016. Eight local farmers spread as much digestate as possible onto the fields and George Reed from Wincanton YFC said: “We were pleased to be able to help Wyke with their weekly spreading of digestate, whilst raising money for a worthwhile charity.”

Club night id ea! FESTIVE KINDNESS Who: Malmesbury YFC What: Teaming up with The Genesis Trust to serve free homemade hot beef casserole and bags of chocolate to the homeless at Chris tmas. Verdict: Luke Cox, from Malmesbury YFC, said: “At Christmas it’s important that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy themselves, no matter what situation they are in.”

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CLUB NEWS SOUTH EAST

KENT YFCS REAR CHAMPION LIVESTOCK

embers in Kent FYFC have been proving that a farm-based YFC can help your livestock showing skills. Most of the clubs in Kent are based on farms, some attached to schools, and many of the clubs own their own livestock. At the Ashford Cattle Show, 14 of the County’s 17 clubs were represented, with many taking home class wins! Two clubs took four of the Champion & Reserve Champion spots, competing on level terms with commercial herds and flocks from across the county. Beth Colwell, from Valley Park YFC, said: “The show is one of our annual highlights. Everyone had forgotten the white coats, so we had to go without. Yeah, we were cold!”

Beth Colwell and Katherine Swan of Valley Park School YFC, with the judge and sponsor

WEST MIDLANDS

SHROPSHIRE IN TUNE FOR CHARITY

hropshire FYFC members helped to raise thousands of pounds over the festive period thanks to most clubs entertaining their local communities with their carol singing. Many Shropshire YFCs donned their Christmas jumpers and sang over a series of evenings to raise funds for various charities. Over three nights Rushbury and Cardington YFC collected £1,640 for the Air Ambulance and Hope House Children’s Hospice, while Alberbury YFC’s week of carol singing raised £1,240 for

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Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Breast Cancer Care. Shropshire FYFC Chairman Claire Hocknell said: “Thanks to all of the clubs for taking part and the families and local

businesses who welcomed YFC members with open arms. Without them and the public’s generous donations the amount raised would not have been possible.”

Spotted!

s on Keeping our eyes peeled for YFC new

social media

NORTHERN

Yorkshire asked to promote farming Hot topics from Brexit to rural housing were discussed at Yorkshire FYFC’s annual forum in February. Panellists were asked to debate the topic ‘What next for the Countryside?” Younger members of the audience were urged to promote the industry more. Peninne sheep farmer and NFU member David Airey said: “You kids have to start selling what you do. The public need to understand that Great Britain wouldn’t look like it does without us, the farmer.”

SILSOE YFC Having a ‘flipping’ great time at Silsoe YFC’s Girls night where they made pancakes!

WYCOMBE YFC Jumping to it at Wycombe YFC with a total wipeout contest and lots of leaping about at Rush Trampoline Park

COMBERTON YFC A fun game of what’s in the box played by the members at Comberton YFC. NEATH YFC Dancing on ice with Neath YFC at Swansea’s Winter Wonderland before Christmas.

WALES

Recognition for Wick YFC member Wick YFC is proud of one of its members who has just won the Farmers Union of Wales (FUW) Walter Rowlands Memorial Award. Isobel Thomas was chosen for the award because of her wide range of interests in the YFC and because she has a future promising career in agriculture as she is studying to become a Chartered Surveyor. Isobel won a £200 grant, which she is using to buy a camera for her studies.

BEAULIEU YFC Enjoying a Ready Steady Cook challenge at Beaulieu YFC. Creative chefs! DISS YFC Chilling facts about road safety and collisions were delivered to Diss YFC thanks to Diss Fire Station.

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BIG BUILD

NFYFC’s Big Build

llenge to help re-build NFYFC is setting its young farmers a major cha atness! its central (and very tired) hub into a thing of gre

tings, planning, building, it’s where loads of mee hen Princess Anne declared es take place. issu nce plia com fundraising and NFYFC’s national building open ion decisions These offices are where Convent are booked, in 1968 it was a day for celebration. DJs and ds ban re are actioned, whe The offices had relocated from s are put together and plan ing train r you re whe se offices are London to a much more rural and YFC Travel trips are managed. The shire wick War the of t hear the tions are in peti tion central loca where the plans for national com r mighty l finals ona nati for ts men countryside, nestled among othe nge arra crafted, where . Park h eleig Ston created at are es tes nam ifica agricultural are made and where your cert is no longer our g rdin gua safe But 50 years on, and the building From . care and posted with with little to no up with ways to market the fit for purpose. Awkward rooms ing com to bers mem gn not reflective tion is where meeting spaces, an ancient desi federation – NFYFC’s national loca that one or hip, bers mem ant vibr ng, of a you it all happens. n a revamp is s of visitors is environmentally friendly; mea Stoneleigh Park attracts thousand ding will ed. buil need new ely desperat every year and it is hoped the and the nisation orga the t abou New plans have been drawn up ion ress imp give the right cture, stru inal orig the YFC use s ive osal pect prop pros redesign to potential sponsors and to promise which saves on expense, but still members. ers can be FC wants a new building that Young Farm The opportunity is huge and NFY the of l goa The e. hom build to ing help of part proud to call their YFC a be to its members it a place that e can feel proud to shout yon new building design is to make ever that ng ethi som and partners So, check out welcomes YFC members, sponsors about and call their YFC home! tion and nisa orga the t abou e mor and dule. to underst sche ding buil YFC r you roved displays to help benefit its future with imp ive. arch ve ensi preh and a com NFYFC wants members to be able the to use the space when they are in are local area – hot desking facilities e, on the wish list – and, once insid to feel inspired by the Federation’s exciting potential. While many YFC members may not even realise there is a small national team that work in this

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BUILDING SCHEDULE FOR YFCS

l Get your thinking caps on and come up with a fun way to raise some building funds. l Use the materials on the YFC website to show what the new building looks like and tell the world how it will help more rural young people to achieve their potential â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.nfyfc.org.uk/masterplan. l Tell us about your fundraising plans so we can promote them on social media, the website and in Ten26. l Any funds you raise to help with the construction of the new building, means your YFC or County Federation will be recognised (details about how you will be honoured will be released soon) so that you will be remembered for donating towards the new build.

THE PLA

Better designated NS: m Hot desking faci eeting spaces lities for visitors More facilities for people with disabi lities A new exterior facade/signage Improved insulati on and he Better storage ating for NFYFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s archiv es

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18 things to do in Blackpool... ...at Annual Convention 2018! DON’T WASTE A MINUTE AT NFYFC’S ANNUAL CONVENTION 2018 – GET PLOTTING A FUN-PACKED WEEKEND WITH OUR GUIDE TO MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BLACKPOOL EXPERIENCE 1. Pick up a freebie Be at the front of the queue at the Winter Gardens on Friday so you can pick up loads of freebies from our exhibitors in the Registration hall. Doors open at 1pm!

4. Suited and booted Feel glam in your best clothes on Friday night for our black tie event. Expect a shock if you’ve only ever seen your YFC mates in club shirts and muddy boots!

2. Invest in seaside souvenirs No trip to Blackpool is complete without purchasing a stick of rock, a pair of dodgy shades and an inflatable dolphin! Remember to leave the inflatables in the hotel before you come out at night!

5. Splash about Come rain or shine, you need to feel that Lancashire sand between your toes on at least one occasion!

3. Praise indeed Cheer on the YFC fundraisers as they arrive at the Winter Gardens after their epic challenges to reach Blackpool. Or why not organise your own fundraiser so you can arrive in glory?

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6. Pleasure Beach savings Book in advance and save up to £12.50 off the gate price at the Pleasure Beach! www.nfyfc. org.uk/memberoffers 7. Be a star Nominate your YFC to be our Club of Convention and you could be famous for the weekend!

BLA

CONVENTION

www.yfcconvention.org.uk

ACK POO L

8. Get a selfie with the President Charlotte Smith will be hanging out in Blackpool and what better souvenir than a selfie with our esteemed Pres!

13. Glow in the Dark Be part of the YFC illuminations and let the Winter Gardens light you up in your Glow in the Dark costume!

9. AGRI Brunch This free session includes a free brekki and could give you loads of ideas and advice for your future career in the industry. Worth a look from 10.30am on Saturday. (See over the page for more info).

14. Boogie with the ambassadors Join NFYFC Ambassadors Scott Mills and Chris Stark from BBC Radio 1 for a fun and ‘glowing’ Saturday night.

10. Bullseye Join in our fun darts match and you could win £100! Lots of cash prizes on offer. Saturday at 11am in the Arena. www.yfcconvention. org.uk/whats-on/dartschampionships/ 11. Test your brain A whizz at general knowledge? Put it to the test in our fun pub quiz with the Funky Bunch Quiz. Saturday from 1.30pm in the Arena. 12. He’s behind you Fancy a good laugh with your YFC mates ? Enjoy a whole afternoon of Pantomime punchlines in the Opera House from 1pm with our three finalists. Tickets available on the door £12 (£6 for concessions). You can also watch the Senior Member of the Year finalists during the Panto performances.

15. Represent your County Join NFYFC’s Annual General Meeting where Charlotte Smith will be chairing the proceedings from 10.30am on Sunday. 16. Disco fever Cheer on the Disco Dancing finalists in the Empress Ballroom from 1.30pm on Sunday, followed by the Jump Rope finalists. 17. Promote your YFC Wear your Club Shirt with pride on Sunday night and be sure to get a club photo to keep as a memento of the year you did Blackpool 2018! 18. Rugby tackle Party with the amazing English rugby player James Haskell on Sunday night when he closes Annual Convention with his own unique set!

CONVENTION

Big!

Think

Expand your mind and get ideas to kickstart a successful rural future

oin experts at NFYFC’s Big Ideas Brunch, sponsored by Kuhn Farm Machinery UK, where YFC members can get insight on starting, growing and diversifying an agri or rural venture. Three entrepreneurs, with successful business track records, will be sharing their knowledge with young farmers in this special session at Annual Convention 2018 in Blackpool. Joined by NFYFC

President and Farming Today Presenter Charlotte Smith, the session promises to be lively and informative. There’s never been a greater need for a highly-skilled and efficient workforce to keep the countryside thriving, producing great quality food, sustainable tourism and natural habitats - and boosting brand Britain! If you’re into technology and training, food,

farming and the countryside, come and share your views and questions about your rural future. There will be FREE bacon rolls on offer to everyone who attends this session and a chance to see a range of industry exhibitors too.

THE ESSENTIALS DATE: Saturday 5 May PLACE: Pavilion Theatre, Winter Gardens TIME: Doors open at 10.30am for exhibitors and FREE bacon roll. Agri Brunch begins at 11am.

MEET THE EXPERTS The successful diversifier Rob Boole is a qualified agronomist who runs a contract spraying business with his parents. He and his wife also set up Greenway Training – an award-winning training centre specialising in accredited courses for the landbased sector. The enterprise was started because they were concerned about the number of accidents occurring on familyrun farms.

20 TEN26

The successful businessman Sir John Campbell is a Peeblesshire farmer and founder of Glenrath Farms in West Linton. His company is the biggest business employer in the Borders and has an annual turnover well in excess of £50 million. It produces, packs and sells almost 1.5 million eggs per day and has now grown to be one of the UK’s leading egg suppliers.

The successful promoter Charlotte Smith was elected as NFYFC’s President in 2017 and is a freelance journalist who is a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today programme and a regular presenter on BBC1’s Countryfile. After working in local radio, regional TV and as a news journalist for BBC TV and radio, a conversation in a lift led her into rural affairs.

The successful tenant farmer Chris Cardell is a tenant dairy farmer from Cornwall. Chris has worked hard to raise the profile of the services available to all NFU members, on land and rental issues and to provide a viable sector for both existing tenants and landlords.

AGM

Call for action at AGM

SUPPORT YOUR FEDERATION ON 6 MAY WITH A VOTE ON THE NATIONAL LEVY

he national membership fee is a big topic of debate and your NFYFC Council wants members to vote for changes at the Annual General Meeting on 6 May. The Council has proposed an increase of £5 to the national membership fee (otherwise known as the levy) so that more investments can be made in services for YFC members. One of the big changes proposed is to introduce an online centralised

membership system, which would allow members to join and pay for their NFYFC membership through the website. It would remove membership administration away from county offices, giving County Officers more time to support YFCs. As well as the costs to get this up and running, NFYFC will need a member of staff to manage this central service. Another member of staff is also needed to support the Development

team due to the increased demand for help from counties – especially where a county only has part-time staff due to reduced local funding. NFYFC Council representatives will be talking to members about these proposed changes in the build up to the AGM, so chat over the details with them before the vote. NFYFC will also be sending out detailed papers to help members understand the proposed changes and the benefits it could bring.

Total cost of Levy £369,757.73 THIS COST IS DIVIDED BETWEEN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF 10-26 YEAR OLD YFC MEMBERS AT THE END OF AUGUST EACH YEAR (IN AUGUST 2017 THERE WERE 22,485 MEMBERS) NFYFC services cost: £62.78 per member

Competitions

Training and development

Agriculture and rural issues

Fundraising and Marketing

Policy and guidance

IT and central services

With the £5 increase, YFC members would pay just £21.38 towards these services that cost £62.78 in total.

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COMPETITION KNOW-HOW

T HOW TO WIN A

O T N A P

CAN BE LE-EYED JUDGING PANEL, IT EAG AN D AN D OW CR BIG A WITH ING ARTS ETE IN ANY OF THE PERFORM A DAUNTING TASK TO COMP WINNERS – YFC EL AP CH FROM WHITLEY COMPETITIONS. DAN MILLER S FOR TIP HIS ES AR SH – TIONAL FINALS NA E MIM TO PAN 5 201 E TH OF GE HOW TO SHINE ON THE STA

KNOW THE SCRIPT

I’m useless at learning lines. But if I can understand the storyline I know that at ‘this’ point in the show we need to be talking about ‘this’. So even if you get lines in the wrong order or mix bits up, it can still flow and the judges will not know any different. Other people learn them word for word and that’s fine, but sometimes when they miss one out they freeze. My advice is take your time – if you do forget a line, don’t panic. There is a prompt at the side of the stage, so carry on as normal.

WITH G N I L A E D IGHT STAGE FR nt

performing in fro I love being on stage and when our producer ally eci of an audience – esp show. But it can be gives us a good script and sic started early for mu the r, daunting. One yea of our cast was still on our production and one , our Club has always ugh tho the toilet! Generally d we’ve got an experience dealt well with nerves – by having ped hel are s one new cast and even the m. Try some rehearsals a good group around the so that you’re used to ce ien aud in front of a live petition. it when it comes to the com

22 TEN26

GET CONTENT RIGHT You’re

marked got to put to against strict criteria so gether a show you’ve you want to that meets thos win. We have a fantastic pr e if – Lewis Shor t– oducer the choreogr who comes up with th e script, aphy and th e ideas befo and then we rehand im suggestions. plement them and com e up with You’ve all go t to put the learn the line effort in to s and routin es. If we get to the nation thro al calendar from finals then it takes up ou ugh r en November to tends to stop May – Young tire and it is just Farmers pantomime practice!

ENJOY IT

E BACK H T O T K L A T M! OF THE ROO

ience, lly important – the aud Voice projection is rea But . you r hea to ds nee ges, and especially the jud r you d lou w you are and ho it all depends on who k bac the to ak spe to is e voice is. The general rul are , loudly, clearly. If you of the room. Talk slowly you and you ide bes is who talking to a character ’re don’t look at them as you haven’t got a big voice, out talk t bu m, the to e tur ges delivering your lines – are r body to show that you to the audience. Use you ak spe ple peo me So . ter rac talking to the other cha w it down. too quickly as well – slo

The bit that will probably get yo u the most marks is to look lik remember to sm e you’re having fun so ile while you’re doing it. If you don’t look like you’re enjoying it, the audience won’t enjoy it. Even if things are going wrong if you look like , you’re enjoying it then it makes the world of di fference.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS Tread the boards wi th co with these top tips fro nfidence m Ian Cox, West Midlands Regional Councillor for the Na tional Operatic and Dramati c Association (NODA)

We’re looking to see how well clubs perform, how we ll it is written, the quality of the set, the technicalities such as lighting and sound and everythin g associated with a production. Th ere’s quite a lot going on!

Entertain us It’s a pa nto! The whole purpose is for the audience to enjoy the perform ance, so it’s about high quality en tertainment. Remember the guide lines We do have a set of firm guidelines that we have to mark against, so it is important that you familiarise yourself with them an d make sure your production hits them. Work hard You can see if a production has been underrehearsed. You can als o see whether a production has been well-directed and well-performed and that is about the amount of hard work and commitment that go es into it from the outset.

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COMPETITION KNOW-HOW

HOW TO WIN AT

STOCKJUDGING

The Herefordshire team, mad e up of Polly Aubrey, Lee Tho mas, Andrew Bennett and Megan Phil lips, scored the highest marks in all areas of the competition, win ning the John Spear trophy

LIVE AND CARCASE Winners: Herefordshire FYFC used their skill and knowledge to be crowned the overall team winners at the national Stockjudging finals in Beef and Lamb, Live & Carcase at the English Winter Fair last November for a second consecutive year. Winning team member Andrew Bennett, 20, from Dilwyn YFC also picked up first place in the Senior category for judging Lamb live and Carcase and won the Smithfield Trophy with Megan Phillips. Andrew said stockjudging has improved his confidence since he joined his YFC four years ago. “At school I was very nervous with presentations in front of a class of 20. But by being involved in Young Farmers and presenting to the judges at stockjudging, it has given me confidence and I’m quite happy to talk in front of the whole school now!” One of the judges, Richard Whittington, part of the AHDB selection team, said: “I was looking for the competitors to have an understanding of modern day market requirements. I’m pleased to say they showed me this particularly in the carcase section. The standard was high and a good advert for YFC and the future of British farming.”

THE 2017-18 FIRST PLACE WINNERS Intermediate Beef - Live & Carcase Tom Barley, Yorkshire B Senior Live Beef and Car case Harriet Wilson, Staffordshir eA Intermediate Lamb Live & Carcase Anna Elgie, Yorkshire B Senior Lamb Live and Car case Andrew Bennett, Herefordshi re A The Mark Madders Trophy Tom Barley and Anna Elgi e, Yorkshire B The Bob Williams Trophy Harriet Wilson and Jonatha n Wilson, Staffordshire The Smithfield Trophy (Be ef) Rebecca Dennis and Steven Crimp, Devon C and Robert Mollatt and Harriet Wilson, Staffordshire A The Smithfield Trophy(Lam b) Megan Phillips and Andrew Bennett, Herefordshire A The John Spear Trophy Polly Aubrey, Lee Thomas , Megan Phillips and Andrew Bennett , Herefor dshire A

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TRAINING

Jobs a good ’un As well as being great fun, getting involved in all that YFC has to offer can really boost your job prospects

etting involved in your YFC gives you loads of skills you can stick on your CV – and you probably don’t even know it! YFC is packed with opportunities for you to develop your skills and learn new ones – whether through taking on a role in your club, getting involved at county or national level, organising club events, YFC Travel and, of course, learning something new from lots of Curve modules. And, as important as academic achievements are, employers are

CPD – WHAT IS IT? l CPD – or continuing professional development – is the term used to describe any kind of learning activity a professional takes on to enhance their abilities. l CPD can take many forms, including formal courses and qualifications, attending conferences and events, and networking. l CPD is an important way to make sure that you keep up with the latest developments in your profession.

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crying out for candidates that have shown commitment to developing skills outside of school, college and university. Carly-Ann Goodridge-Smith, Recruitment & Marketing CoOrdinator for HOPS, NFYFC’s recruitment arm, said: “Farmers do look to employ YFC members. It shows commitment to an interest and achievement of long-term goals. A lot of employers were YFC members themselves. YFC members tend to have more skills and packed CVs and so are generally more employable and are easier to find work for.” Staffordshire FYFC member George Goodwin was bored of working for the local council and was looking for a way to get into the agricultural sector. A YFC friend was impressed with the way he organised the club and suggested that he’d be perfect working in sales. The friend dealt with B&B Tractors and George soon found himself a great new role as Territory Sales Manager. “Half of my CV is taken up with Young Farmers things,” said George. “You can use so much. Just make sure you tailor it to make it relevant to the job.” George, who has held many club and county roles and recently been elected as the national Personal Development Steering

Group Chairman, says he has learnt all kinds of organisational, communication and interview skills that easily transfer to the workplace. But to really take your employability to the next level, you should think about taking on some serious continuing professional development (CPD) – such as NFYFC’s Curve modules. “It is extremely important to have CPD skills listed on your CV,” said Carly. “This gives the employer a feel for how ambitious you are and whether you are worth investing time and effort into. “Agricultural employers are usually after ‘hands-on’ types of skills, such as spraying tickets – PA1, PA2, PA3, PA6 etc – tractor and large machinery training, livestock experience such as foot trimming, AI, de-horning and milking, and fencing.” George has delivered around half of the Curve modules that are available and has sat through several more. He said: “For my job, the Farm Safety module and the Rural+ one on isolation have probably been most useful. But I didn’t go on any of these courses with the intention of improving my career – I just went on them to have fun. But in the end it created a nice path for me to get to where I am.”

ion Compass ke elped ma Rural+ h be the at I could h t e r a w me a e of that som contact n a m u h ave only s might h ing client m r a f y m ! that day

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s Interview art in Taking p Year er of the b m e M r Junio s view skill my inter d e v o r p im ll for job me up we and set s. interview

Leader

Meetings I have been in lot s of meetings as a C lub Leader, Treasurer, Cha irman and Counc il member - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s he lped me get my point across .

on cati r muni m o aine C e Tr h t velop in Tra d de e e ly p l h e T h real h is eally c r i h s se ,w ace. king cour rkpl o spea w c i l e ub in th my p ant t r o imp

THE CURVE The Curve is a series of fun, interactive workshops that explore everything from budgeting for an event to farm safety. All sessions are delivered by an NFYFC trainer and registered with NFYFC. www.nfyfc.org.uk/ TheCurve

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FARM SAFETY

Safety reboot

A rallying call last year has boosted the numbers of YFC members receiving farm safety training

ore than 1,000 YFC members have received farm safety training thanks to online pledges made during Farm Safety Week last year. As part of Ed Ford’s year as Chairman in 2017 he wanted to help improve farm safety by encouraging YFCs to deliver a Curve training module on the subject. He reached

Farm Safety hacks The five most common actions YFC members say they will do to improve farm safety after being on the course

1. Take care around PTO shafts

– such as checking guards and keeping clothing away. 2. Wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the task being carried out. 3. Stop and think – take time to assess the situation and check things twice. 4. Always ensure someone knows where you are and what you are doing especially when working alone. 5. Follow the correct process – be prepared and methodical.

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Cumbr Pledged and delivered

Isle of Man

Pledged, not delivered Neither pledged or delivered

Lan

N/A N/A

Clwyd

his goal in England for each Area to Meirionnydd deliver at least five modules – and at the time of going to print 68 YFCs had delivered a session, with 15 Montgomery Shrop more scheduled to take place. It’s a massive improvement on 2016-17 figures, where only 201 YFC members received the training Cered Radnor in seven counties. Already in this Herefs membership year 20 counties Pemb Carmarthenshire Brecknock have got on board, with Devon FYFC delivering the most courses (10) closely followed Gwent by Yorkshire delivering six. Glamorgan “We wanted all our YFCs to commit to putting the training on their 2017/18 club programmes and show their commitment by sharing pledge cards on social media,” said Ed about the online campaign. “The Somerset pledges showed the industry that Young Farmers are dedicated to farm safety. It’s really encouraging Devon Do to see that the pledges converted into actual training. Thank you to everyone for taking this Cornwall issue so seriously.” Farming accounts for just one percent of the UK will help to change the next workforce however it generation’s attitude. Guer is responsible for 15-20% of all UK And if feedback from YFC workplace fatalities. It is hoped members is anything to go by, that NFYFC’s Farm Safety Curve the course is definitely working! module, which has been developed In evaluation forms following the with The Farm Safety Foundation, training, 97% of YFC members

Northumberland

Durham

ria

Yorkshire

Number of Modules Delivered West Midlands 6 South East 5 South West 13 Northern 7 East Midlands 14 Eastern 7 Wales 0

East Riding

ncashire

N/A

Derbs

Lincolnshire

Notts

Staffs Leicestershire and Rutland

pshire

Worcs

Warks

Norfolk Cambs

Northants

Suffolk Beds Bucks

Glos Oxfordshire Wiltshire

London

Berkshire

Hampshire

Essex

Herts

Surrey

Kent

Sussex

orset Isle of Wight

felt that the course has improved their awareness of farm safety. Of those members who completed the course, 78% of them live, work or have hobbies on a farm – meaning rnsey the courses are also reaching the right people. Jersey Ed said: “To know that nearly 13% of YFCs have supported this campaign is a great start. There’s

still a long way to go and we must continue to keep pushing for all YFCs to deliver this course. If your YFC hasn’t talked about it yet, ask them to get it on your programme today. It could help save lives.”

Curve course review Hannah Irons has delivered three Farm Safety courses in Cambridgeshire to Soham, Newborough and March YFCs Q. How do members react? A. They’re mostly shocked. It’s a wake-up call to change and everyone has been positive about embracing change and improving safety on farms. A lot of the information was definitely a surprise – the statistics and videos really drive home the seriousness of the need to improve safety. Q. Have attitudes changed? A. The course definitely helps to change attitudes. Members realise that we are the future of agriculture and it’s our responsibility to make changes happen whether it’s through our personal actions or educating our friends, family, work colleagues or the older generation. Q. Is it a tough course? A. It’s very interactive – with videos, activities, group and individual tasks. It’s brilliant to run as part of the club programme – although it’s farming-related it involves everyone from the club whether they have a connection to farming or not. Everyone will learn something by taking part.

For more information about the Farm Safety Curve module visit: www.nfyfc.org.uk/TheCurve and contact your County Organiser to find your nearest NFYFC trainer.

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rom construction to agriculture, ecology to landscaping, understanding soil is vital to so many industries. Without soil, there would be no agriculture and we wouldn’t be able to build buildings – in fact, life wouldn’t exist at all without this fascinating substance. Soil science is so varied because there are so many different ways of researching it and working with it. If something goes on or in the ground, you need to know about soil! So soil scientists are in big demand across all

kinds of workplaces. In agriculture, soil scientists are leading the way in how we can manage the land efficiently and sustainably. House builders need to know what kind of land they are building on and also the kind of soil they have for creating parks and gardens – and what will grow in them. Or it could be a farmer looking to knock down one of his buildings to create more room for growing crops – a soil scientist will be able to ensure it is put back in the right state. You could be working in research at a university or consulting big corporations – either way, you’ll

need to have the skills to interpret technical data and present it to non-experts. With such a broad scope, there are excellent career prospects, both in academia and the private sector, depending on what you choose to focus on. You could end up working on exciting projects that literally change the landscape!

Do you know what’s under your feet? Soil scientists do and NFYFC has been digging up the dirt on this exciting agri career

A SOIL SCIENTIST

I WANT TO BE…

CAREERS #morethantractors

TEN26 31

Q Q

What attracted you to soil science? I did a degree in Physical Geography – I had to do a compulsory module in soil science and I fell in love with it on my first lecture. It’s so varied and different. You can look at it physically, chemically, agriculturally or environmentally – there’s so much going on and it all comes down to the fact that we wouldn’t have anything without soil – it’s not just a piece of mud! How did you get this role? I started as a graduate recruit in April 2016 shortly after I completed my masters and then worked my way up. What do you do? I work in the topsoil testing department. I take care of clients’ samples, deal with the paperwork and do a visual examination, which includes looking at hand texture, moisture content and whether there are any deleterious materials. I send the samples off and when we get them back from the laboratory, we’ll interpret the results to determine if the topsoil is suitable for what the client proposes to do with it – for example if they want to sell it as a British Standard topsoil or for use in a planting scheme. My site visits take me all over the country where we do soil resource surveys. I investigate the resource that is available and whether the topsoil would be suitable for what the client wants to do. This could be anything from making a country park, residential back gardens or for an agricultural purpose. Has being in a YFC helped? Definitely! I wouldn’t have been able to do a successful interview for this job without my experience at Public Speaking with YFC. Throw yourself into everything and take every opportunity offered because you gain so much through YFC.

Rebecca Hollands, from Abingdon YFC, is a soil scientist at soil and landscape consultancy Tim O’Hare Associates

Meet a Soil Scientist

Average starting salary £20-21k Qualifications needed BSc in a related discipline, eg physical geography, geography, environmental science Skills Communication, organisation, teamwork Professional bodies British Society of Soil Science Average working hours Normal office hours, plus time to travel to meetings, sites and conferences

Essentials

#YFCGARI

#AGRItrends DIGGING UP THE LATEST AGRI FINDS THAT ARE HELPING TO SHAPE FUTURES

#ShowingGuide

NFYFC is producing a new Showing Guide with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) aimed at encouraging more young people to promote the benefits of producing, buying and eating British. There’s a great foreword from RBST president, farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty and advice to help improve skills - such as knowing a clean halter on your animal makes for a good impression. Copies available on the website from June.

Top biz website picks There’s loads of info online for wannabe rural entrepreneurs. Like: The Business Barn launched in 2017 to provide business advice and support to the rural sector. www.thebusinessbarn.co.uk Love: The Fresh Start Land Enterprise Centre offers online business support. You can register online for land matching opportunities too. www. freshstartlandenterprise.org.uk Wow: NFYFC and Savills’ Smart Farming Guide helps rural entrepreneurs get started and has details on how to run a YFC business comp! www. yfcsmartfarming.org.uk

32 TEN26

#EuropeanViews

NFYFC and the NFU Next Generation Forum hosted European young farmers in March at a special two-day event. The European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) finalised their Brexit position paper at a working group meeting on the first day and then the following day CEJA members, along with members of YFC and the NFU Next Generation Forum, discussed the implications of Brexit and what it means for all young farmers at a Brexit and Beyond seminar. AGRI Steering Group Chair James Hutchinson said: “It was a great opportunity to discuss future solutions.”

#Successionsupport NFYFC’s online succession workshop will help you take the first steps to starting a conversation with your family and explains why it’s important. NFYFC is also working on a new video to raise awareness of the need for succession planning that YFC members can share like crazy on social media. www.nfyfc.org.uk/succession

Big!

Think

#Feedback YFC members helped to shape future policy in a series of AGRI Discussion events with Defra. A key concern for young farmers was the need for more education on food and farming.

#GrowYourProspects NFYFC’s Big Ideas Brunch, sponsored by Kuhn, is in May at the Annual Convention where YFC members can discuss future agri career ideas with industry stalwarts. Loads of exhibitors there too.

LET’S FACE IT, IT’S DIFFICULT TO TALK ABOUT PESTICIDES. EVERY DAY, THERE’S LOADS OF NEGATIVE STUFF IN THE PRESS AND ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

BUT, HOW WOULD YOU FEED

200,000 EXTRA MOUTHS EVERY DAY? THE UN ESTIMATES THAT WE NEED TO PRODUCE

50%

MORE FOOD BY 2050.

BUT THE SAME TIME WE NEED TO PROTECT OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. MODERN TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS PESTICIDES AND PLANT BREEDING HELP US TO MAXIMISE THE PRODUCTIVITY OF AGRICULTURAL LAND, LEAVING UNCROPPED LAND AS HABITATS FOR WILDLIFE.

LET’S MAKE THE LAND WE USE AS PRODUCTIVE AS POSSIBLE, SO WE CAN PROTECT, AS WELL AS FEED OUR PLANET. LET’S KEEP PESTICIDES IN PERSPECTIVE. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT:

www.cropprotection.org.uk AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @CropProtect

YFC SKI

Let it snow...

YFC SKI’18 UNPRECEDENTED SNOWFALL DIDN’T STOP OUR 200 YFC SKIERS FROM HAVING FUN ON AND OFF THE PISTES IN VAL D’ISERE THIS JANUARY

HIGHLIGHTS: l Meeting a lot of new people l Après-ski and night life (Biere de Peche was a massive hit) l Skiing black runs l The second half of the week had the best conditions I had ever skied in. THE EXPERIENCED SKIER Stephen Taylor, from Vale O’ Lune YFC in Lancashire, is an experienced skier but had never been on the YFC Ski trip before. He joined 10 members from his YFC on the trip. “The YFC Ski trip was amazing. Whenever you get a large group of

young farmers together, everyone gets on well and is on the same wave length (and they know how to enjoy the après-ski). The organised events on the trip we attended were good and we met up with a few other young farmers from round the UK.”

BEST OF THE REST

YFC Skiers had a great time on the slopes in January. Here’s to doing it all again in 2019 at Belle Plagne! 34 TEN26

YFC SKI HACKS: l Don’t hold back l Practise on an artificial slope before you go, then you can ski as soon as you get to the resort l Get involved with everything l Take plenty of cash.

THE NOVICE SKIER Ed Harris, from St. Mabyn YFC, and County Chairman for Cornwall, has never skied before but joined 30 Cornwall members on the trip. “I was a complete novice, I booked ski lessons and by the end of the week got the hang of it. I’d definitely recommend lessons to learn the basics. It was great that there was such

a large group of YFC members with different skiing abilities, which meant that there was always someone to join you for skiing and exploring the slopes. This is great for people who are learning as you don’t feel like you are holding up the pros in the group. I would recommend the trip, particularly if there is a group of you.

HIGHLIGHTS: l The après-ski events and night life were fantastic. The après bar was a bit like being in a bar at the Annual Convention with Young Farmers from all over the country – just with the added atmosphere of snow of course! l We had a lot of members from different clubs and the week certainly brought the members together – a week I will certainly never forget! YFC SKI HACKS: When you’re told that the red slope really isn’t that steep by your mates, they’re probably lying! No broken bones, but one person in our group got picked-up by the piste-truck to take them down the mountain.

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ADVERTORIAL

Beating rural isolation AS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF NFYFC’S RURAL+ CAMPAIGN, TAMA IS HELPING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE Let’s talk

uicide is the biggest cause of death for under-35s. It’s a shocking statistic and one that surprised Oakham YFC members when they took part in a recent Rural+ training course to learn more about mental health. The session, which involved around 15 members, was led by YFC Trainer Helen Jones, as well as representatives from The Farming Community Network (FCN). All sessions must be run

by a qualified trainer and involve a representative from a specialist organisation, such as FCN, so that members are properly supported. Tama knows that working and living in rural locations can leave people feeling isolated from friends and social activities. It’s why Tama thinks Young Farmers’ Clubs are so important as they offer a lifeline to young rural people to get out and connect with others while developing skills and gaining achievements. All positive actions that can help improve mental health. The Rural+ course is another step towards raising awareness about the support available. Tama is proud to support Rural+ and we hope that Oakham YFC are now feeling more equipped to manage any challenges ahead or at least

OAKHAM YFC MEMBERS GIVE THEIR FEEDBACK ON THE COURSE “The course was really insightful. It gives people options on where to turn if they do need help. The more we can educate young farmers on mental health the better.” Ben Barnes, Club Chairman “I learnt all about mental health and the issues surrounding it. I feel it made me think about my own life and how it affects people in the real world. Emma Garlick “It brings it into perspective that it is an issue that affects a lot of people closer to you than you think it does. It gives you an understanding of how to deal with it and where to go for support.” James Troop “It’s quite difficult to deliver because it’s quite a hard-hitting module but people need to know that it’s okay to talk about it and that no one is going to judge them. Helen Jones (YFC Trainer)

know that there is support available should they need it. We hope many more YFCs decide to deliver this course too. To find out more about Rural+ visit www.nfyfc.org.uk/thecurve

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