Putting the spotlight on young farmers

THEFederation of Young Farmers Clubs has existed since 1932. The first club was established in 1921 as a calf rearing club for children of milk producers near the United Dairies milk factory in Devon. As well as rearing calves, there were competitions and prizes for those achieving the highest standards.

Over the following decade more clubs were set up to provide education with the focus on keeping and rearing calves, pigs, poultry, bees and gardens. As a result, they all combined under the umbrella of the federation as a voluntary, selfgoverning and self-generating organisation.

Along with the scout and guide movements, young farmers are the main mass movements for young people in Great Britain. Things move on and as well as the original livestock activities young farmers do many other things.

Every year, each county has a rally of some sort where all the clubs in the county come together and compete in different competitions. Handicraft competitions run alongside lawn mower racing, alongside It’s a Knockout challenges, alongside tug of war and anything else the host group can dream up. Rivalry is put aside in the evening for a huge social event.

North Somerset YFC is in good health and as well as having a thriving membership has a programme of activities to keep everyone involved for the coming year. As well as all the “normal” farming activity, they have visits planned, a tractor rally starting out from Lye Cross Farm at 10.30am on April 16th and a summer disco at Stepstones Farm in June.

The club are very friendly and welcome any young people between ten and 26 with an interest in the countryside to join them. Just because it’s called Young Farmers you don’t have to be one to join. The social activities are often fundraisers.

North Somerset YFC have recently donated a total of £8,000 to local, national and international charities. Good friends, good causes and very good fun.

If you are interested in finding out more you can contact chair Jay Alvis 07788 201715 or vice chair Alice Joyner 07714 300821. l Wedmore YFC’s spring show will be held at the George, Wedmore on April 15th.