Ten26

YOUR SHOUT! SPRING 2014

THE LATEST NEWS FROM CLUBS AND COUNTIES

NEW CAMPAIGN BEATING RURAL ISOLATION

The magazine of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs

Fun, learning & achievement

Y D D U M

GOOD

ALSO INSIDE l GUIDE TO ANNUAL CONVENTION 2014 l HIGHS AND LOWS OF LAMBING SEASON l DAY IN THE LIFE OF WORKING AT AGCO l SKI HIGHLIGHTS

SUPPORTING THE

“Rain, mud and quad bikes – we loved it!”

FLOOD CRISIS

WELCOME TO YOUR SPRING ISSUE OF TEN26 TEN26 MAGAZINE Editor: Cheryl Liddle Art Director: Ian Feeney 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.

proud to be the Chairman of such a great organisation.

We also launched the Rural+ #ruralplus campaign in January and there’s lots of info in this issue about how you and your Club can take part in this important campaign (page 18).

We’re on the eve of another Annual Convention and I think it’s going to be the best one I have been to yet! I am excited to be there as your Chairman this year, representing 25,000 members.

For those of you going to Convention – I’ll see you there. And for those who are sadly missing out, I’ll hopefully see you at competitions or rallies soon!

It has been a challenging start to the year. The floods across the country have caused pain and anguish for so many of our local communities – especially in Somerset.

We have all seen on the news the devastating effects the weather has had on people’s homes and livelihoods.

Out of something so tragic though, came a lot of good. You can read about the impact Young Farmers from across England and Wales made in supporting those communities on page 14. I know many of you have been sharing your efforts with your local media and it has shown the nation what Young Farmers are really made of! It made me extremely

Claire Worden National Chairman of Council

NATIONAL AND COMMITTEE OFFICERS

All letters, photos and news are welcomed but we reserve the right to edit any contributions.

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 christina.evans@nfyfc. org.uk or call 02476 857227.

A Welsh translation of this magazine is also available

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Meet the new national team and steering group chairmen: (l-r) Vice Chairmen Hannah Talbot and Chris Manley, Competitions Steering Group Chairman David Hamer, Chairman Personal Development Nicola Chegwidden, Chairman Agriculture & Rural Issues Russell Carrington, Chairman Communications, Events and Marketing David Maidment and Chairman of the Youth Forum Sioned Davies.

SAVE YOUR DOSH! Exclusive savings on clothing, leisure activities and industry training – just for Young Farmers – in the membership area of the NFYFC website. #yfcdeals

www.nfyfc.org.yk/memberoffers

CONTENTS

INSIDE

WIN 4,500 MILES OF FUEL AND RUNNERS UP PRIZES IN OUR EXCITING COMPETITION WITH TAMA ON PAGE 32

04 NEWS Catch up on what’s happening at NFYFC

GOOD SKILLS 08 SKI TRIP Check out the 2014 fun and get booking for 2015 22 THE JOB The inside scoop on life in agricultural sales

FEATURES 10 YFC AGM The full line up for Annual Convention 2014

14 #FORAGEAID How young farmers helped during the floods

THE KNOWLEDGE 13 WOOLLY WISDOM Young farmers reveal the highs and lows of lambing

24 NFYFC VALUE How NFYFC uses your membership fees

YOUTH FORUM 26 YOUNG GUNS A weekend away at the Youth Forum Residential

YOUR SHOUT 28 AREA NEWS The latest news from clubs across the UK

18 RURAL ISOLATION Take part in the latest NFYFC campaign

GET IN TOUCH Dial 02476 857200 @ Email magazine@nfyfc.org.uk f ‘Like’ at facebook.com/nfyfc t Follow on twitter.com/nfyfc

Call

WE’RE MOBILE FRIENDLY! Remember you can now view the NFYFC website on your mobile phone as we have made it easy to view on small screens!

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NEWS

ND UPDATES THE LATEST NEWS A FROM ACROSS THE ORGANISATION

T’S PRESIDEN

UPDATE It has been a busy few months for Poul Christensen but Ten26 caught up with your President to check out his plans

Q A

What have you been up to recently?

I was very busy stepping down from my post as Chairman of Natural England in 2013. It involved a great deal of extra work due to some major issues going on and unfortunately prevented me from doing too much with YFC.

Q A

Have you enjoyed your first year as NFYFC’s President?

Absolutely! A lot of my time has been spent getting to know how the Board of Management works, attending Council meetings and getting to grips with all those governance issues. I know that sounds a bit boring, but it was very important.

Q A

Are you looking forward to having some more fun with YFC this year?

Definitely. Being part of Annual Convention in Blackpool last year was amazing. It has kept me going for a year – and just in time for the next one! I am chairing the AGM this year and I’m looking forward to that. I will also be at Competitions Weekend again in July. I look forward to meeting more of you this year!

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VOICE IN EUROPE Members of Berkshire FYFC with Poul Christensen at their Harvest Festival

Three NFYFC members have been working with Europe’s young farmers to fight for the future of farming.

Chris Manley from Culm Valley YFC, Catherine Bennett from Vyrnwy Valley YFC, and Elli Downing from Silsoe YFC, attended the Spring Parliament of CEJA, the European Council of Young Farmers, in Helsinki thanks to funding from HOPS Labour Solutions and Mole Valley Farmers.

It was the first time Catherine and Elli had been to a CEJA event and both enjoyed the experience.

Catherine said: “The seminar was an excellent opportunity to showcase to other European countries the excellent work NFYFC does and to meet new people from other countries in Europe and share knowledge to help develop CEJA.”

CEJA put together a Helsinki Declaration that called for policy holders to support the future of young farming.

The organisation is a great opportunity for young farmers to influence the future of the profession by rubbing shoulders with some of the most senior policy makers in Europe.

The also get to exchange ideas with young farmers from other countries and see how they put them into practice.

Elli said she found the trip inspiring. “I was incredibly impressed with not only how welcome we were made to feel, but how encouraging it was to see such passionate and thriving individuals willing to fight for the continual progress of young farmers”.

Follow @_CEJA_ #futurefarmers

GOT A STORY? CALL 02476 857200 OR EMAIL MAGAZINE@NFYFC.ORG.UK

2014

DIARY DATES DON’T MISS OUT ON EVENTS FOR YOUNG FARMERS IN 2014.

NFYFC’S CAP RESPONSE It’s not every day you get to give your views to the Farming Minister in person, but three members secured a meeting with the MP to discuss the CAP consultation.

Agriculture and Rural Issues (AGRI) Chairman Russell Carrington, National Vice Chairman Chris Manley and AGRI member Duncan Howie met with the Minister George Eustice and asked for more support for young farmers.

Russell said: “It was good to meet the Minister to discuss the outcomes we wanted from the CAP consultation for young farmers – and he was receptive to our ideas.

“As Mr Eustice is a former YFC member, we knew he would have an understanding and appreciation of the Federation and what we do.”

NFYFC recently responded to the CAP consultation and, in summary, is calling for: l The Young Farmers Scheme to top up 25% of direct payments up to the maximum of 90 entitlements. l No additional barriers for qualification to the Young Farmers Scheme. l Provision of grants, training and investment throughout all agricultural sectors. l Advice on business planning and mentoring to nurture the farmers of the future. l Funding to be made available to those who do not already have a holding.

9-11 MAY NFYFC ANNUAL CONVENTION, BLACKPOOL

11 MAY NFYFC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, BLACKPOOL

28-29 JUNE NFYFC STEERING GROUP AND COUNCIL MEETINGS

5 JULY NFYFC COMPETITIONS DAY, STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOWGROUND, STAFFORD

6 JULY NFYFC SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS, STAFFORD

10 JULY For more information on NFYFC’s response to the CAP Consultation, contact AGRI Officer jo.wyles@nfyfc.org.uk.

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DAIRY STOCKJUDGING FINALS, GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW, HARROGATE

21-24 JULY ROYAL WELSH SHOW, LLANELWEDD

RURAL FUNDING A new Cabinet Office grant will help NFYFC deliver more social action opportunities for rural young people.

The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) applied for the grant with NFYFC, The Canal and River Trust and the Royal Society for

the Protection of Birds.

The funding will enable the partners to provide 1,500 new environmental and rural youth social action opportunities through a new Social Action Squad Academy run by young people for young people.

2 AUGUST MEN’S AND LADIES TUG OF WAR FINALS, TENBURY SHOW

6-7 SEPTEMBER FARM SKILLS COMPETITIONS WEEKEND

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NEWS

TRAINING: Checking the results inside the abattoir

5 REASONS TO GET THE SOURCE The Source has just undergone a major update and is packed with loads of tips and advice to help you run your club

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Recruiting for new roles in your club and need a hand? The Source has a set of job roles for YFCs to use to attract new recruits and to help explain what’s involved.

Attract new members with some handy hints in the Making it happen section.

There’s even loads of advice on how to retain members too!

If you’re looking to include some more agricultural activities into your Club’s activities, then there’s bags of links and ideas for organising an evening or daytime event.

Preparing for competitions and want to make sure you or your club are following all guidelines to win? The Source includes a comprehensive guide to every national YFC competition to give you the best possible chance in the finals!

Working on your Club’s Annual Report and struggling with the detail?

Get a helping hand from The Source with advice on what to include and who to involve.

Job done!

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5

Get more out of YFC and download The Source at www.nfyfc.org.uk/thesource

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MEATY TRAINING A chance to see inside an abattoir and learn more about food production and livestock helped one member get a step closer to owning a flock of sheep!

Emma Tingle, 23, from Cawthorne YFC in Yorkshire is not from a farming background and jumped at the chance to attend one of the free Meat for the Market training courses, supported by Defra, that have been running with EBLEX. “It was so informative and from a consumer point of view you learn so much more,” said Emma. “I would love to have my own sheep but I married a joiner so I don’t know how likely it is!”

The regional courses for beef and lamb have been held in Lancashire and Chesterfield and passed on practical farming business skills.

Participants were asked to handle the animals and to classify and judge the weights of them before they were slaughtered. They then compared their results when they were shown the carcasses.

The course also taught members about food safety, how to produce meat for today’s consumer, how to get the most profit and passed on stockjudging tips. NFYFC is looking into future events. #meat4market @EblexTweets

TALKING #YFCAGRI The NFYFC steering group that represents young farmers’ views on agricultural and rural affairs has changed its name to AGRI – Agriculture and Rural Issues.

The group formerly referred to as ARAC (Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee) chose a new acronym that they felt would more clearly explain to others what topics they discussed.

The name change was

announced during the February Council meeting where the group also elected a new Vice Chairman for the group – Lynsey Martin (pictured left) from Kent Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Chairman of AGRI Russell Carrington said: “It’s great that Lynsey is supporting me in chairing the AGRI Steering Group. Our new name will make it a lot clearer to people what we’re all about and will help to give us a stronger voice in the industry.” #yfcagri, @Cider_Russ and @LynseyMartin8

TRAVEL: Successful applicants at Selection Day are told they’re on a YFC Travel trip

20,000 FANS!

E R U T N E V D A ERE STARTS H

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pportunities to visit New Zealand, Canada and locations in Europe tempted more than 60 members to apply for a place on a YFC Travel trip last year.

Winning applicants were chosen during a Selection Day at the NFU Mutual headquarters in Stratford-uponAvon last November and 46 members were given a trip of a lifetime.

Kirsten Hoggard from Southwell YFC in Nottinghamshire was one of four YFC members chosen to go on a three-month working scholarship to New Zealand, sponsored by the C Alma Baker Trust. She will be living and working at Limestone Downs – a 7,954 acre beef, sheep and dairy farm in the North Island.

Kirsten said: “I especially chose this trip because I liked the fact it was a working scholarship, I’m really interested in farming and New Zealand has always been a place I’ve wanted to visit.”

As well as working scholarships, the YFC Travel programme offers a range of homestays and team travel opportunities, with trips ranging from

one week to three months.

A brand new trip for this year is the Tall Ships sailing adventure which is a week-long sailing voyage open to YFC members aged 16-18. Adam Penny, County Chairman of Dorset FYFC, has been chosen as a leader for the trip: “I was a late comer to YFC and I haven’t taken part in YFC Travel before.

When Tall Ships popped up on my Facebook feed I thought it looked like a great challenge and something a bit different. I’m really looking forward to seeing the younger YFC members grow and develop during the trip.”

YFC Travel is supported by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

Trips for 2015 will be advertised later in the year – visit www.nfyfc.org.uk/yfctravel

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“I’M INTERESTED IN FARMING AND NEW ZEALAND HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE I’VE WANTED TO VISIT”

More than 20,000 people are now fans of the NFYFC Facebook page – making it one of the best online places to have a conversation with Young Farmers.

NFYFC’s presence on the social media site has grown in popularity over the last year with regular updates and photos from competitions and events.

Recent activities by Young Farmers supporting communities affected by the floods attracted more than 1,000 likes to a photo album showing their efforts.

The album was also shared around Facebook by more than 200 people, positively promoting YFC. Facebook is just one of the social media channels where NFYFC chats to members.

The Twitter account (@nfyfc) currently has more than 5,000 followers and regularly posts updates throughout the week and during major NFYFC events.

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You can also connect to NFYFC on Linkedin and Google+. If you want to talk to NFYFC in another social media space, please send suggestions to magazine@nfyfc.org.uk!

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#YFCTRAVEL

YFC SKI! There was love and laughter on the slopes at the 2014 YFC ski trip

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kiing down flood-lit pistes in the French Alps with hundreds of Young Farmers proved to be an amazing winter break.

Skiing at high altitudes must have sent one couple’s hearts a flutter as they agreed to marry at the top of Pic Blanc. Halesworth YFC members David Boden, a farmer from Suffolk, and Jessie Bowling thought it was only appropriate they got engaged at a Young Farmers’ event.

“I didn’t think there could be a better place to propose.

We both love skiing and 3,330m high at the top of a mountain seemed like the perfect spot. The fact that we got engaged on the Young Farmers’ Ski

w

Trip made it extra special, as without YFC we may never have met.”

David and Jessie were among nearly 300 YFC members who went on the week-long trip to Alpe D’Huez with travel company Outgoing as part of NFYFC’s revamped YFC Travel programme. Activities even included a fancy dress day with a theme of ‘your best produce’.

Georgina Haigh, from Wormleighton YFC, was a YFC rep on the trip: “The mountain meal and dancing on top of the mountain in the Folie Douce cafe every afternoon were definitely highlights.

Hopefully next year’s YFC Ski trip will be just as successful and fun!”

For more information visit www.nfyfc.org.uk/yfcski

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JOIN THE 2015 SNOW ADVENTURE! Don’t miss out on the ski action in 2015 – organiser Outgoing is taking bookings early for the coolest shindig in the YFC calendar!

WHERE: Tignes, Rhone-Alpes, France WHEN: Saturday 3 JanuarySaturday 10 January 2015 TRAVEL: The basic package includes executive coach travel, ferry crossings and all taxes and tolls. Members can also make their own way there by car and if there are groups travelling together, Outgoing can supply guides for routes and suggested stop off points.

WHAT: Tignes is ideal for all levels of skiers. There are special zones where strict speed limits are enforced to tricky black slopes and excellent off-piste terrains.

As well as the daytime skiing, expect plenty of après ski action too with a Mountain Meal and a free night for Young Farmers at the Melting Pot nightclub, with a headline DJ. COST: From £399 HOW TO BOOK: Outgoing will be at the Annual Convention in May and will be taking bookings on the day. Booking information will also be available at www.outgoing. co.uk/trip/yfcski15 from Convention weekend.

FEEDS SUCCESS

Need answers, but short on time?

NWF are delighted to be supporting the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

A leading ruminant feed supplier across the UK, NWF work closely with livestock farmers providing technical expertise and advice.

Technical Solutions, Cow Signal Workshops and Dairy Meetings are key activities taking place throughout the year with specific workshops planned for Young Farmers.

• • •

Website has the latest feeding and farm management information for dairy, beef and sheep farmers Features seasonal topics, research and solutions Option to submit questions via smart phone, tablet or laptop

Visit our FREE website for answers and solutions http://technicalsolutions.nwfagriculture.co.uk

Telephone: 0800 756 2787 www.nwfagriculture.co.uk @NWFAgriculture

AGRICUL

N F Y F C

S P R T N E S E

ANNUAL

#yfcagm

CONVENTION Are you joining the biggest YFC party of the year? Never fear if you’ve missed the deadline to pre-order tickets, you can still pay on the day.* Take a look at what’s in store for three days of amazing YFC fun!

THE LINE-UP FRIDAY NIGHT: BBC Radio 1 DJ Jameela Jamil gets the weekend started with band Boomin at the Black Tie event SATURDAY NIGHT: YFC fancy dress party with more BBC Radio 1 action from Edith Bowman and Aled Haydn Jones. There’s also entertainment from a Queen tribute act.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Radio 1 DJs Scott Mills and Chris Stark bring the house down on Club shirt night. The band the Tzars will also perform. *To purchase tickets you must have been registered on the NFYFC members database by 14 March 2014

BLACKPOOL 2014

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NEW WEBSITE!

2014 THE COMPETITIONS

Keep up to date with all the Convention gossip with the new Annual Convention website

www.yfcconvention.org.uk

It’s mobile optimised so stay in touch while on the move. There will be updates throughout the weekend as well as all your photos and videos to enjoy and share. Save the site to your smartphone now!

SATURDAY: Senior Member of the Year and the Entertainments finals Also compete in the YFC Pub Quiz, have a giggle at our Comedian and be in with a chance of winning £100 in our Darts Championships!

SUNDAY: Choir and Disco Dancing finals

Remember to be dressed as something beginning with Y, F or C on Saturday night!

Get discounts for fun at the Blackpool pleasure beach!

AGRI FORUM SATURDAY, 10.30AM Young Farmers and Technology – Adapting Farming for the Future.

Guest speakers from eCow, RASE and Massey Ferguson!

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Helping you rear strong healthy lambs

Handy Lambing Advice Handy advice from Volac to help you through the lambing season

Getting

Step 1 prepared Newborn

Step 2 lambs

Step 3 Feeding

With

Special features

by ADAS Sheep Consultant, Kate Phillips

Plus video content www.lamlac.co.uk

*Picture courtesy of Student Farmer.

#YFCAGRI

Y L L O O W

WISDOM

Sheep farming is more than a business, it’s a way of life. Four young farmers explain how they cope with the highs and lows of lambing KATY DAVIES, LLANFYNYDD YFC ME: I work on my family farm and we have about 300 ewes, mostly pedigree, from cheviots to rare breeds.

HARD STUFF: It’s challenging but enjoyable.

I normally do the night shift and check on them every two hours from 10pm until 6am when my mum takes over. If we have weak ones we’re up every hour feeding.

GOOD STUFF: Seeing them skip up and down the field! I like following their life cycles from choosing the rams and ewes to turning them out.

KNOWLEDGE: I did a HNC in Agriculture but extra advice is always useful.

SARAH BLACKLOCK, AYLESBURY YFC ME: I’m self-employed and will be lambing for other people for three and a half months this year.

HARD STUFF: When the weather is cold and wet and the lambs are lying in the mud, you wonder why you’re doing it!

GOOD STUFF: Seeing the lambs in the field in the sunshine skipping and jumping around makes the hard work worth it.

KNOWLEDGE: My uncle taught me to turn out my first lamb when I was 12. I have learnt everything from farmers or going to veterinary meetings. If I have a problem, I read books and go on the internet.

ALEXANDRA MACKELLAR, RIDWARE YFC ME: I work on the family farm part-time and me and my brother Bryce lambed 70 in January, 500 in March and 50 ewe lambs in April. We’re a closed flock, we only buy in the rams to keep it disease free.

HARD STUFF: The pressure to get all live lambs but things happen that you can’t help.

GOOD STUFF: Last year we had a surprise lamb in the middle of June! One of my Hampshire Downs got in with my parent’s sheep so we created a new breed!

KNOWLEDGE: I studied Agriculture at Reaseheath and I was the first YFC member to do the Novartis scholarship in New Zealand.

JOE HAMER, RAY VALLEY YFC ME: I lost my dad when I was three years old and my uncle turned part of the farm into a golf course, leaving 300 acres of farmland. I built the farm back up after leaving college and now look after around 250 ewes and teach part time at Reaseheath College.

HARD STUFF: When your alarm goes off at 5am and you’ve got to go out there you know you’re not going back to bed for another 14-15 hours!

GOOD STUFF: I enjoy teaching others and I might sell the sheep in the future to concentrate on this.

KNOWLEDGE: After college, I worked for someone as a contract shepherd and looked after 20,000 store lambs.

I saved my wages up and bought more and more sheep.

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#FLOODS

SOMERSET : Helping on the ground in the county

Ford helped ESSEX HELP: Ed nations do e ag for ct lle co

#FORAGEAID WHEN FARMERS IN SOMERSET CRIED OUT FOR HELP DURING THE FLOODING CRISIS, YOUNG FARMERS CAME TO THE RESCUE...

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CLEANING UP: Somerset clubs are starting the clean up mission

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escuing cattle in the moonlight from a flooded farm would be a challenge for most.

But for Somerset Young Farmers, it was a matter of needs must when they rolled up their sleeves to help out their local community during one of the wettest winters on record.

When the water levels kept on rising in Somerset, the impact attracted national media attention. But the distressing images in news reports were nothing compared to the reality for those living in the chaos.

Rachel Dyer, Club Chairman of Bridgwater YFC, lives only 15 minutes away from the communities affected and said it was devastating. “It has just been awful – so many people’s homes were flooded.

“Our Club has been trying to do what we can to help people. Our members have helped evacuate cattle from local farms and have been involved with hauling donated forage to farms. We’re now taking part in the major clean up effort.”

While Somerset was busy filling sandbags and helping evacuees, other YFCs around England and Wales sprung into action too collecting forage and fundraising.

Ed Ford from Essex FYFC was one of the first to offer support after he heard Somerset member Joy Davenport talk about the floods at a Council meeting

in February. Ed, Vice Chairman of Essex FYFC, said: “It was upsetting to hear that other farmers were struggling and so I decided to start a forage collection in Essex to donate to Somerset.”

By that evening, Ed had rallied support from local YFCs and farmers in the area. When news got out, pledges started pouring in and at one point, Ed had 50 farmers working at his farm in Brentwood getting the donations ready for Somerset.

“The reaction from the industry was amazing. Everyone wanted to help.

I received donations of silage, hay, animal feed – as well as cash. We must have collected at least £20,000 worth of forage and a further £7,000 in cash donations,” said Ed who also enlisted the support of Tesco to deliver the bounty to Somerset.

It wasn’t long before other clubs and counties decided to back the forage aid efforts too.

Somerset FYFC, farmers in the county and industry leading organisations were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of young farmers.

Joy Davenport said: “It was absolutely fantastic. When I started talking at the Council meeting, I could feel myself welling up. To have support from fellow Young Farmers was amazing.”

See how YFCs supported the flooding crisis over the page.

TOP TWEETS James Winslade @westyeo: “The YFC response has been amazing.”

Lydia May French @LydiaMayFrench “When you see every one pull together it makes you proud to be part of young farmers.”

Prince’s Countryside Fund @countrysidefund “Great to see young farmers rally around to help those affected by Somerset floods.”

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WALES Llysfran YFC raised £1,267 to support farmers in Somerset.

Bridgend YFC hosted a Valentine’s dance to fundraise for the cause.

CFfl Cymru and Dyffryn Tywi YFC held a concert at Pontargothi hall and raised £350. Glamorgan YFC hosted a Somerset Flood Relief fundraiser with NFU Glamorgan and raised £20,000.

WEST MIDLANDS AREA Wormleighton YFC collected two loads of forage and offered to help with the clean up. Vale of Evesham YFC held a skittles and Supper night and raised £870. Staffordshire FYFC collected forage across the county with members donating and with the support of Staffs Ag Society

EAST MIDLANDS AREA Corringham YFC collected animal feed, clothing for the farmers and £500 in cash to buy further supplies. Hope Valley YFC donated £350 from its Valentine’s disco. Oundle YFC sent 14 loads down with donations from current and former members – some from more than 30 years ago.

NORTHERN AREA In County Durham Tim Sedgewick, Henry Hutchinson and Ben Layfield joined forces and asked for help from local farmers and hauliers. Boroughbridge YFC went on a 530-mile round trip to deliver 37 bales of straw to Somerset. Eden Valley YFC collected forage and haulage – John Metcalf, George Slack, James Barraclough, Amy Swinbank and Emma Metcalf pitched in to help. Cawthorne YFC collected hay and silage before it was delivered 225 miles on a tractor and trailer and Doncaster YFC donated all proceeds from its race night and dinner dance to forage aid.

HOW YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS SUPPORTED SOMERSET FROM ACROSS ENGLAND AND WALES

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SOMERSET Clubs helped move cattle from flooded farms, filled sandbags and have been collecting donations and helping to coordinate deliveries. They are also fundraising and coordinating the clean up. North Somerset YFC collected over 125 bales (five loads) of hay, silage and straw donated by local farmers.

NFYFC and Somerset FYFC are looking for the following to help with the clean up operation: • Groups of four to eight people, who must all be over the age of 18 with a Team Leader (one or two car loads) • All volunteers should have an up to date tetanus inoculation.

To pledge support email floodhelp@nfyfc.org.uk and include: 1. Full contact details of a Team Leader 2. Number of volunteers (ideally teams of four to eight YFC members) 3. Dates on which the group is available to volunteer.

Visit www.nfyfc.org.uk/floods for more information. For forage pledges, please contact south.west@nfu.org.uk or call 01392 440700.

CLEAN UP MISSION

SOUTH WEST AREA Culm Valley YFC in Devon raised £200 from its Club’s Tight & Bright disco. Honiton YFC raised £4,500 at the performance of its production Gogglebox and through an Auction of Promises.

Half of the money was donated to Somerset with the other half to Diabetes UK. Axminster YFC had a big breakfast and served over 230 brekkis and raised £1,223.

and NFU Staffordshire. Shropshire FYFC delivered 110 tons of forage from over 50 farmers to Somerset on 10 trailers.

SOUTH EAST AREA Hampshire YFC raised three loads of forage and members Chris Gray and Richard Morgan drove 97 miles to Somerset to deliver it. Chris said: “I spoke to local farmers and asked if they could donate a few bales.”

EASTERN AREA Cambridgeshire’s FYFC Chairman Luke Abblitt and former chairman Jon Eayrs gathered donations and Ramsey YFC held a movie night and raised £260 for Somerset farmers. Suffolk FYFC collected 24 lorry loads of forage, hay, straw and feed and delivered it. St Albans YFC and North Hertfordshire YFC collected pledges from all over the county. Essex FYFC raised more than £25,000 in forage and cash donations at Ed Ford’s farm.

Teme Valley YFC and Orleton YFC joined forces to deliver two trailer loads of forage.

#RURALPLUS

Picture posed by a model

RURAL ISSUES The survey revealed young farmers were concerned about: l Poor returns from farming (58%) l Animal diseases such as bTB, Schmallenberg virus (59%) l Uncertainty of future farming profitability (54%) l Limited rural employment opportunities (41%) l Lack of capital/availability of finance (41%) and high land rents (45%) l Low income (50%) and inability to save (45%).

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RURAL+ MATERIALS TAMA, world leader in the manufacture of crop packaging products, is backing the NFYFC campaign by sponsoring materials for clubs and counties to use. All clubs received Rural+ guides and posters in the spring Club Mailing. Visit www. nfyfc.org.uk/ruralplus to download extra posters and guides.

BEATING RURAL ISOLATION A NEW NFYFC CAMPAIGN IS RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND CHALLENGING CLUBS TO TAKE ACTION

W

hen Claire Worden’s father attempted suicide two years ago, it brought home the realities of mental health in a shocking way.

“After foot-and-mouth 10 years ago we came out of farming,” said Claire, NFYFC’s National Chairman of Council.

“My dad had never done anything else and suddenly he didn’t have farming anymore. He was doing incredibly well in other jobs but one day he went missing and

made an attempt on his life.”

Claire’s father survived but the impact of that day still looms large. It’s one of the reasons why Claire wanted to launch a campaign focused on mental health because she knows it’s a topic people avoid talking about.

“My father was a typical farmer and kept his problems to himself but he opens up now. We need to change the mindset of the younger generation so they can talk about their problems.”

The new campaign – called Rural+ – is aimed at highlighting the unique challenges faced by

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#RURALPLUS

HAPPY: James’ne w calves mark the sta rt of a brighter future (below) in the em pty cow shed

“I ran away but the problems came with me” Struggling with farming pressures and a family accident left James ‘Pasty’ Hosking feeling alone, with no escape

T

he five calves standing in James Hosking’s yard are more than just potential cattle. They are a sign of hope in what has been a distressing few years for the 21-year old and his family.

It was a call in the middle of the night six years ago that would set James on a difficult journey. His Auntie had fallen down the stairs and when his parents needed to rush to her aid in Essex, it marked the start of a stressful year and a half. James and his father needed to rotate days they worked on the farm while the other helped his Auntie. James skipped college regularly and would work long days labouring on the dairy farm.

By the time James was 17 years old the pressure was mounting. The dairy industry was in decline and the farm was running out of money.

“Both me and dad started sinking about six months before we sold the cows,” explained James, who is known to his friends as Pasty. “It felt like we just had to get on with it, that these things just happen and you have to deal with it.”

Although close friends stood by James and his family, he noticed that others would avoid speaking to them.

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Friends James would usually chat to in the pub avoided eye contact and would ‘disappear’ before he could make it over to speak to them.

“When everything was going wrong, it felt like we had the plague. We found out who our real friends are. The invites dropped off and people stopped offering their support, making us even more isolated. It felt as if people didn’t want to come near us because they knew things were unstable.

“Looking back, I think it’s because people didn’t know what to say. They don’t know how to deal with you when you’re in trouble and depressed.”

James had been an active member of St Buryan YFC but as his depression worsened, he stopped socialising. After the cows were sold he got a job in Aylesbury and tried to move away from the farm.

“Mentally and physically me and dad couldn’t do it anymore. I tried to run away from the problems but I took them with me. I was still depressed and realised nothing I was doing was helping me. I came back home and went to see a doctor.”

It was not long after his return home that James also took part in an Agrichat Twitter discussion on mental health, where he shared his own story.

It marked a turning point.

“It seemed to surprise everyone.

People who I had known for years, such as Claire Worden (national Chairman of Council), had not been aware how bad I had been,” said James. “I realised I was not alone and that these things aren’t meant to happen to people.”

Since then James has found work on neighbouring farms and his dad has gained new qualifications to help him find work too. James is hopeful that he can restore the farm one day and his calves are a new beginning.

“Everyone laughed at me when I bought just five calves at market. I wanted some animals back on the farm though as I grew up with them.

It’s nice seeing them there and it gives me hope for the future.”

young people living in rural areas in the UK. And a recent survey

by NFYFC and The Farming Community Network (FCN) revealed that our rural youth are coping with a whole heap of worries!

Limited employment opportunities, a lack of income and uncertainty about future farming profitability were all cited among the major concerns for young people in the countryside.

More than half of respondents stated that a lack of rural housing was also an issue alongside the absence of a succession plan for their family farm. Only nine per cent of families had even agreed a plan for the future running of the farm.

FCN Chief Executive Charles Smith said: “Sadly, the survey confirmed that few families are openly discussing succession and the future of their family farms.

Together with the difficulties many are facing with family relationships and a lack of self-esteem, possibly the result of a lack of clarity over their futures, there is much to be done to support our young farmers.”

In addition to specific rural challenges, young farmers also share the same concerns felt by young people more generally – such as low self esteem and concerns about body image (47% and 45% respectively).

Reassuringly, the survey revealed that 47% of respondents would speak to someone in their YFC if they had a practical problem – and 77% would also speak to a family member or friend.

Working with FCN and YoungMinds, NFYFC have sent out resources and guides for clubs to

3 WAYS TO SUPPORT RURAL+ l Find out who your local contacts are that support young people with mental health issues – such as The Farming Community Network, the NHS or a similar organisation. l Host a club evening on mental health and invite one of the above contacts to run the session. l Promote YFC in your local community to encourage more rural young people to get involved and understand how YFC can help combat feelings of rural isolation through our varied programme of activities.

If you’re on Twitter, use #ruralplus in your tweets about mental health bring mental health issues out into the open. Sponsored by TAMA the posters and cards can be used to get the Rural+ conversation started in clubs.

Claire said: “I grew up in a very remote rural location in Cornwall but I was lucky because I joined a Young Farmers’ Club, which gave me access to a social life, support and friendship. We need to spread the word about the benefits of YFC! “We all face difficult times but if we’re aware when we need help or can recognise when our friends do, then it’s a start towards combatting a problem before it’s too late.”

Get help

The Farming Community Network is open to anyone who is experiencing difficulties – call 0845 367 9990 or email chris@fcn.org.uk. More information about the Rural+ campaign and more contacts can be found at www.nfyfc.org.uk/ruralplus

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THE JOB

... a f o e f li e h t in A day

PRODUCT

YOUTH FORUM: Emily ) Sharlot (back row, far left with the Youth Forum at the Residential weekend.

MANAGER

Swapping careers meant Emily Sharlot from Long Itchington YFC could work in an industry she loves as a Complementary Product Manager for AGCO Parts 8.30AM I arrive at the office and at the minute there are usually lots of emails and actions to sort out for a major event we’re holding.

I’ve only been in the job for a few months so it’s all still quite new to me. I trained to be a chartered surveyor and a week after I qualified, I moved to AGCO! When you’re 17, it’s difficult to know what to do with your life. I did a Land Management degree at Harper Adams, got a job on an Estate and then decided chartered

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surveying wasn’t the career path for me.

When I saw this job at AGCO advertised, I really liked the sound of it. I had worked here for six months after university and really enjoyed it. It gave me an insight to many areas of working with a market leader so I decided to change my career path.

9.30AM I am responsible for the Complementary Products we sell in our 120 tractor dealerships

for all four brands across the UK and Ireland – Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Valtra and Challenger, a business sector with a turnover of approximately $25 million. These include a multitude of products from a broad supplier base such as wellies, fencing materials and batteries. I am responsible for sales targets that are met by negotiating with suppliers , and arranging good promotional activity which are important to help our dealers grow their business. I have to work closely with the sales teams as well

the Youth g in t e e m t a It was gre sidential e R ir e h t t Forum a erefordshire H in d n e k e We and we have regular meetings to discuss how things are going with all the key players.

This morning I am meeting with one of our suppliers to discuss product sales and how we can grow the business more. You need to be good at negotiating and it’s also better to be direct about what you want in these meetings. YFC has definitely given me skills in this area and after taking part in the Public Speaking competitions, I am a lot more confident.

11.30AM What I love about my role is getting out and meeting people and today I have arranged to see a dealership in Southam, Warwickshire. It’s the first meeting I am attending independently without my manager but as a key element to the role it will be the first of many.

As a dairy farmer’s daughter, I

am knowledgeable about the industry, which often comes as a surprise to the dealers! You have to prove yourself, because it’s an industry dominated by men.

The parts manager shows me around his store and I am keen to make sure that everything is branded correctly and that our suppliers’ products are on show.

I wanted an agricultural based job but I didn’t want to work on a farm so this is perfect for me. I have the best of both worlds of an office base as well as getting out and about discussing agricultural issues with the dealers or at one of our factories.

2PM There’s a lot of planning to do for our three-day event at the NEC ‘Discover AGCO’– it’s the largest AGCO event of the year in the UK and Ireland. I am arranging the stands and equipment for all of our complementary suppliers, which can be anything from booking the right size space to ensuring they have power. There will be 10,000 people attending so there’s a lot to arrange on top of the daily workload.

3.30PM I have put aside some time for a presentation I will be giving to a group of Young Farmers. AGCO Parts are now sponsoring NFYFC’s Youth Forum, and I am responsible for looking after this partnership too.

w

GET THE JOB Secure a job in an agricultural sales field with a little help from YFC l Go on a leadership development course to help develop confidence and management skills. www.nfyfc.org.uk/ leadershipdevelopment l Take part in Curve training sessions to help with Event Budgeting, improving your communications with Great Communications and build your contacts through the Networking Know-how session. www.nfyfc.org.uk/thecurve

I will be finding out what younger members know about AGCO Parts. We want to help develop their knowledge and skills in terms of the service and quality of products we offer.

It’s a nice addition to my role as it’s something different to the day-to-day aspects of my job. As a Young Farmer myself, it’s nice to be involved with the Federation at work too. It will be strange being at the Annual Convention in a professional capacity instead of celebrating with my YFC friends!

5PM Although my work is not a standard 8.30 to 5.00 – it is home time now and tonight I’m getting away on time so I can make it to tug of war training with Long Itchington YFC, in preparation for Warwickshire’s County Rally.

As well as the social skills, YFC has also been useful for home improvements in my new house!

Not everyone is a farmer in YFC – we know a plumber, electrician and a heating engineer. We’re yet to meet a plasterer though!

s visit For more information about AGCO Part www.agcocorp.com

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HIGHLIGHTS

5 GREAT THINGS NFYFC

OFFERS TO MEMBERS Membership fees cover less than half of the running costs of NFYFC and yet there are oodles of activities and events on offer. Check out the top five spends where NFYFC makes a little go a long way…

2 1

COMPETITIONS #YFCCOMPS

There are 33 national competitions that run throughout 2014 for members – as well as regional finals for the Public Speaking and Entertainments competitions. These are hosted at different locations throughout the country, including the Great

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Yorkshire Show and Tenbury Show.

Hiring of sports grounds, theatres and equipment is all required as well as involving professional judges, awards and trophies.

Sponsorship of certain competitions has been obtained over the years and opportunities are actively sought in this area all the time.

TRAINING AND YOUTH WORK #YFC TRAINING

Personal development at NFYFC is one of the foundations of the organisation. There’s a wide range of opportunities on offer to improve skills through a dedicated Curve training package, leadership schemes, and links with industry to develop specific agricultural training.

All clubs benefit from advice and resources around safeguarding and policies that help to protect young people and ensure your adhering to Government regulations.

Training is funded by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and Defra also offers support with some agricultural courses.

3

TRAVEL #YFCTRAVEL

The unique YFC Travel programme offers members the opportunity to learn about different cultures by participation in an international exchange programme. All of the travel places are either free or subsidised – giving members amazing opportunities to see the world.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust offers support towards the costs of the travel programme.

4

AGRICULTURAL AFFAIRS #YFCAGRI

The Federation makes sure Young Farmers’ voices are represented industry-wide by attending events, liaising with leading organisations and talking to Government. There are specific grants dedicated to this area of the Federation for the advancement of the next generation of farmers.

Membership for Young Farmers to be represented on the European Council of Young Farmers is currently supplied by sponsors Hops Labour Solutions and Mole Valley Farmers.

5

COMMUNICATIONS #YFCBUZZ

Keeping Young Farmers informed of all that NFYFC does is a daily affair – involving social media, website announcements, email newsletters and printed publications – some of which receive funding. In 2013 members told us that Ten26 and YFC Buzz were their favoured communications.

PROPOSED MEMBERSHIP FEE INCREASE

At the national Council meeting in February, your elected Council proposed a 20% increase to the national levy – the amount that members pay to be part of the national Federation.

The levy has not increased in two years but there is a need for more funds to ensure the Federation can continue to offer the same level of services members enjoy today. Changes to the commercial arm of NFYFC mean the Federation cannot rely on its previous level of income and additional funds need to be found to plug the gap – even with a 20% rise in membership fees. The Annual General Meeting on 11 May will discuss the Federation’s funding issues and all members are invited to raise questions and to cast their vote. #yfcagm #yfcdemocracy

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CO Parts Sponsored by AG

YOUTH

FORUM

YOUNG

GUNS

Torrential rain and muddy boots were the perfect combo for a weekend of quad biking and clay pigeon fun. It’s got to be the Youth Forum Residential…

A

sk Young Farmers for their highlight of the YFC calendar and Annual Convention will rank at the top. But there’s a new gig in town that’s rivalling the seaside event and is proving to be a hit with members aged under 20.

The Youth Forum Residential – while an alcohol free-zone – is similar to Convention in that it unites members from across England and Wales to have a good time. This year, the weekend included a day out at Oaker Wood Leisure in Herefordshire for clay pigeon shooting and quad biking, two nights in a hotel and a meeting on the Sunday to share ideas.

Freddie Wootton, 16, from Blunham YFC in Bedfordshire, joined the Youth Forum last year after being a finalist in

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the 2013 Junior Member of the Year competition. While he has been to meetings with the Forum, this was his first weekend away with the gang.

“This is a lot more fun than the meetings – it’s raining and muddy and we’re on quad bikes,” laughed Freddie who is studying for his GCSEs at the moment. “It’s great meeting new

people from across the country.”

The Youth Forum started in 2010 and Tom Collison, 18, from Terrington YFC in Norfolk, was a founding member and is proud of its progress.

“We’ve gone from being just a group of people meeting up and sharing what they do to actually making projects happen such as SuperMoo. We have also secured a stand at the CLA Game Fair, where we’ve got a clay shoot going on with prizes.”

Tom said opportunities like

YOUTH FORUM: (Back row) Freddie Wootton, Georgina Morris, Ben Cavill, George Collison, (Front row) Helen Bellew, Sioned Davies, Tom Collison, Danielle McNulty and Evie Hoggard

HEADS UP

Check out these three facts about the first ever Chairman of the Youth Forum Sioned Davies, from Edw Valley YFC. Sioned has been involved in YFC since she was 10 years old and has been a chair of her County’s Youth Forum and has just completed two years as Chairman of the Youth Forum in Wales.

Sioned is currently studying at Kings College in London and says that YFC is helping to keep her in touch with the countryside.

This year will be Sioned’s first time at Annual Convention in Blackpool.

1 2 3

“THE YOUTH FORUM HAS REALLY BUILT UP MY CONFIDENCE” presenting to the CLA have helped his personal development.

“The Youth Forum has really built up my confidence through things like speaking at Council meetings, debating ideas and presenting to major organisations like the CLA.” As well as being recognised by NFYFC Council as an official steering group, the Youth Forum is also attracting some serious industry interest too. AGCO Parts, leading global manufacturer of agricultural equipment, is sponsoring the Forum so that it can find out more about the next generation of farmers.

AGCO attended the Youth Forum to chat with members about their plans and to introduce the company.

David Howe, Manager, Complementary Product Business, EAME, AGCO Parts Division, said: “This support will give Young Farmers

and particularly the Youth Forum the opportunity to meet and share experiences with the team at AGCO – but it also gives us the opportunity of seeing and listening to the views, ideas and interests of the future drivers of our industry.“ During the weekend, the group also elected its first Chairman Sioned Davies, 19, from Edw Valley YFC and two Vice Chairmen Danielle McNulty, from Painswick YFC and Helen Brown from Carlisle YFC. Sioned said the Youth Forum gave younger members a voice.

“It’s good that the Youth Forum now has a formal platform to influence the decisions at Council and the other steering groups,” said Sioned.

“Having sponsorship from AGCO only reinforces how important younger members’ views are and I’m happy to help champion them.”

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YFC ZONE

YOUR

SHOUT! EWS AND VIEWS ALL OF YOUR CLUB N FROM AROUND THE NFYFC AREAS

TWEET! TER YET? NOT ON TWIT U WAITING YO WHAT ARE R PICK OF FOR? HERE’S OUTERS! EE TW P TO THE @rachey_milner C @NFYFC I love YF greatest because I met my to you all e lov re, the s nd frie veyfc this Valentines! #lo #ruralplus 14 Feb 2014 @claudiabayley @NFYFC So excited for the lls @ mi tt_ co @s !

M! AG ot wait!!!

Chris_Stark Cann #yfc #agm 10 Feb 2014 @Joesphine_95 to the Cannot wait to go @NFYFC h wit s nd rla the Ne re anyone else on he going?? #travel 24 Jan 2014 @W_P_YFC rbeck YFC Wareham and Pu ining Another night’s tra ride to the for dy rea done gm fca #y Blackpool 20 Jan 2014

S ND DLA I TM EAS

Golden drama

ondham pantomimes, Wym After 50 years of a special th wi ar ye ry niversa YFC marked its an entation es pr nkenstein and a performance of Fra re than Mo s. de ca e past five de of shows from th ’s dham 50th e to see Wymon 800 people cam g club member arted by foundin st s wa at th ow sh mber Luke Wing Dennis Long. Me r pantomimes said: “We hope ou dition for many tra al will be an annu rs lping YFC membe years to come, he c bli pu of r fea to overcome the the iding many with speaking and prov e.” nc ide nf co eir ild th opportunity to bu

SOUT H WE ST

ICY PLUNGE FO R

FUNDS

It might have be en a very cold Boxing Day in but brave mem Seaton, bers of Devon YF C didn’t let it st them from dipp op ing into icy wa ters to raise m for local lifeboa oney ts. The four mem bers of Axminst YFC raised £500 er for the Royal Na tional Lifeboat Institution (RNL I) through spon sorship and fro generous supp m orters on the da y.

Club Charity Se cretary Ella Witt ridge said: “We chose to suppor t RNLI as they had helped to re scue two members from our Club when thei r boat got into difficulty ea rlier this year. Thanks to everyone who took the pl unge and to everyone wh o donated to a great caus e.”

H SKI PTON

YF

SDEN W

IT

RE

SIL

H

C

TOP CLUB

H

YORKSH

I

Every month in the YFC Buzz, we feature a Club of the Month. Here’s a recently featured top club!

CLUB NAME: Silsden with Skipton YFC NO. OF MEMBERS: 50

DESCRIBE YOUR CLUB IN 3 WORDS: Outgoing, competitive and committed

WEST MIDLA NDS

FAMILY FUN Local hospice benefits from Warwickshire’s fun day

Y

oung Farmers in Warwickshire have raised thousands for a local hospice after holding a family fun day, which included a Tug of War across the River Avon.

Wormleighton YFC raised just under £3,000 for Katharine House Hospice, with other events including lamb racing, bale throwing and sumo wrestling.

Amy Brown, former Wormleighton YFC Chairwoman

said: “Tug of war is taken really seriously in Warwickshire, so it was nice to have a light-hearted competition. The river element always draws a good crowd and it was great to see so many people supporting their teams.”

Amy added: “I’m so pleased that we are able to donate nearly £3,000 to Katharine House Hospice, the hard work from our members certainly paid off. It has really inspired us to make next year bigger and better.”

ly in “Tug of War is taken really serious ea Warwickshire, so it was nice to hav light-hearted competition!”

BEST MEETING: A talk and presentation from a butcher on how to butcher a lamb TOP FACT: We are 80% girls!

BEST COMP: Stockjudging and sport. We won the district round at sports with a team winning badminton, rugby and hockey and overall.

SWS came home with all district trophies!

PROUDEST CLUB MOMENT: Winning best club for stockjudging in the whole of Yorkshire.

Do you want to brag about how great your club is? Email magazine@ nfyfc.org.uk to be in the next issue.

e

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YFC ZONE EASTERN

CHARITY

CORNER

Moustache madness

ham YFC in WHO: Ramsey and Cotten hire ges Cambrid annual CHARITY: Movember - an ness of are aw e rais to nt eve global prostate as h suc men’s health issues, . cer can lar and testicu a joint party WHAT THEY DID: Held ers growing or mb me all h wit and raffle They raised sticking on a moustache. t. £700 to suppor is a charity WHAT THEY SAY: “This members ny ma as rts close to our hea who have had nds frie and ily fam have had of this the e aus bec prostate cancer and on board get to n kee lly rea boys were all event the d with it. We are hoping to hol again this year.”

EAST SOUTH

Heart-felt hampers There was plenty of festive cheer in Kent when Ashford YFC delivered Christmas hampers to elderly members of their local community.

The Young Farmers decorated and delivered 20 Christmas hampers filled with produce donated from Perry Court Farm.

Jess Weeks, Ashford

Club Secretary, said: “Christmas is all about giving and we always try to support the less fortunate members of our community. It can be a difficult and lonely time of year for the elderly people we donated hampers to, but our deliveries gave them some Christmas joy and many were grateful for someone to talk to.”

NDS MIDLA T S E W

SOUT H WE ST

HEDGE CHALLEN GE

A hedge-laying ch allenge has been keeping traditional skills alive in one Sout h West county.

Thirty people to ok part in the co mpetition, which was organis ed by Wareham and Purbeck YFC. It included novice, intermed iate and senior classes and com petitors were giv en guidelines as to whether they were creating a he dge for sheep or cattle. They we re then judged on how well their finished hedge m et the criteria.

Organiser Megan Marshall said: “I t was something a bit different but it’s nice to see peop taking part. Wha le t’s great about th is competition is it is open, so no vices get to work alongside professionals an d learn new skills from them.”

with YFC n Come dutinSetaffordshire entered theithr ow is year.

ho ine with Me Clubs throug 4’s Come D el nn ha rience at C dining expe version of cked off the ki s taking FC ub Y cl e r ar Ridw h nine othe it w y ar t’s nu ed each nigh the end of Ja Diners scor . st final e ho th to d s it in turn t of 10 an ening and food ou t ev l en ia ec nm ai sp rt a ente ced during un cipating ti no ar an P . e nty offices results wer ou C ’s nds re hi ta ffords d the to l fu event at Sta ch dinner an ea nd co at 2 se , £ st id who won fir members pa n the clubs YFC, e ee ar tw w id be R lit were sp berner, from ace. Tom Ta t and said: and third pl r the contes fo ea id e th er way to h it “What bett came up w socialise get clubs to ng food, ni bi than com t and in entertainmen their of rt the comfo ” e. nu own ve

W

S T S O O B G N WEDDI WALES

CLUB FUNDS A Yee ha for the Western wedding in Wales

Western-themed ‘Big Fat Farmer Wedding’ raised thousands of pounds for Rhayader YFC in Radnorshire.

Forty past and present members got involved with the wedding sketch – with Club secretary Gwyneth Lewis as the blushing bride and former Chairman Roger Lewis as groom.

The wedding included line dancers and a solo singer and a

slave auction, with YFC members being auctioned off as wedding presents, raising £3,500 in total.

Lynwen Thomas, Club Press Officer, said: “It was great to see all members past and present joining in together to put on a great night’s entertainment and raise a fantastic sum of money.

This was the first event like this we have held as a fundraiser and we hope to build on the idea in future years.”

see all members “It was great to t joining in” past and presen

HERN NORT

80 years strong

Elwick and District YFC are proving size isn’t everything as they celebrate their 80th year with only 20 members but a host of achievements.

The County Durham club swept the board at last year’s County Rally winning much of the silverware, including best small Club. The Club topped this off by becoming the overall rally champions.

And it’s not just competition success: the Club also raised over £1500 for Cancer Research in 2013 and hope to beat this in 2014.

GOT A STORY?!

DO YOU WANT TO SE MAGAZINE? SEND YOUR E YOUR CLUB IN THE PHOTOS AND STORIES TO :

magazine@nfyfc.org.uk or 02476 857200 to talk to call the team!

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WIN 4,500 miles of fuel!

Tama, world leader in the manufacture of crop packaging products, has teamed up with NFYFC to offer young farmers this fantastic prize to win 4,500 miles of fuel. It’s an amazing opportunity to keep your tank topped up for work for a while or to get you on the road to quite a few young farmers’ events and competitions! There are even some runner up prizes to try and get your hands on too.

1st Prize 4,500 miles of fuel * 2nd Prize

two runners up will receive a £25 itunes voucher How to enter Simply go to the Tama website: www.tama-uat.co.uk/young-farmers-clubs and visit the YFC page. There you will find a link to the competition. All you have to do is fill in your name, address, contact number and the name of your local YFC. That’s it!

You can even enter at our stand at the YFC Annual Convention in May. * Terms and conditions

(maximum value of £800) Winner of first prize may claim fuel for themselves or a member of immediate family only. Entrants must be current members of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. Competition closes at the end of the YFC Annual Convention in Blackpool Sunday May 11th.

Farm Grown Solutions www.tama-uat.co.uk/young-farmers-clubs