Georgia’s leadership style in Cumbria Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) is all about allowing others to shine.
As Southern District Chair and later Sedbergh YFC’s Field Day Secretary, she has transformed challenges into opportunities, inspiring others and strengthening the YFC community.
Georgia champions inclusivity. She reintroduced co-options to management meetings, allowing experienced members to mentor newcomers and ensuring every voice was heard.
At the time she was invited to stand for the role as Southern District Chair, Georgia had developed a speech impediment, after a period of personal difficulty. Rather than backing out from taking on the role, she wanted to show others that personal challenges can be overcome.
“I thought I couldn’t do it,” she said, reflecting on the moment she was expected to become Chair. “But then I thought, if someone above me had done it and struggled to speak, I wouldn’t have any disbeliefs that I couldn’t do the role. So I thought, yes, I can do this.”
Her determination led to an impressive year in office. Georgia organised events like a masquerade ball with over 300 attendees and a raft race that has become a recurring fixture in the Cumbria YFC calendar. She also launched the “Pub of the Month” initiative to engage over-18s and improve social connections.
As Field Day Secretary, Georgia focused on junior involvement. Her efforts saw Sedbergh YFC rise from 7th to 2nd place in competitions, driven by club spirit and teamwork. She organised training nights for new members, ensuring they felt supported and prepared.
Georgia’s passion for agriculture shines through her work on her family’s goat dairy farm in Ravenstonedale. She has hosted tours and talks for YFC members, donated prizes and experience days, and used her platform to educate and inspire others about farming.
One of her proudest achievements was forming a ballroom dancing team from quieter, less involved members.
“I didn’t bring in the loud and vocal ones,” she said. “I brought in the ones who didn’t really get involved but you could tell wanted to.”
The team went on to win the Northern Area round and placed third nationally. “It was a massive win to me to see those people who would never compete in a local competition go to nationals.”
Judges praised Georgia’s courage and impact. Farmer Sophie Aplin said:
“Inspiring – there’s no better word to describe Georgia. She’s turned her own mental health challenges into a source of strength, helping others build confidence and find their voice. Her impact will be felt for years to come.”
Georgia embodies what it means to be a rural leader: resilient, compassionate, and committed to lifting others up. Her story is not just one of personal triumph, but of community transformation. The YFC community is lucky to have her.
Well done.
After many years in YFC, Andrew became Derbyshire’s County Chair for 2024–25 with a mission to re-energise the county, strengthen inter-club ties, and boost the social scene. Listening to members and acting on their ideas, he’s delivered standout events: a race day that doubled to 90 attendees, a BBQ and sports night with 200 members, and a special dinner for under-18s. Andrew also launched Derbyshire’s first Chair’s Challenge, where 14 members conquered the Three Peaks, raising over £8,000 for charity. Leading by example, he visits clubs regularly, making every member feel valued. At the county roadshow, Andrew highlights opportunities at county and national level, driven by his belief that every member should benefit from YFC as much as he has.
