A young farmer from Radnor is celebrating after winning the Junior Member of the Year 2024 title at the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ Competitions Day.
Tori, 17, from Howey YFC in Radnor, was crowned the victor after competing in the national final, sponsored by Tama, at Staffordshire County Showground in July. She was also part of the winning Public Speaking team and won the Best Speaker award for a speech she gave on the dangers of vaping.
“I was a bit shocked and emotional to be honest, I didn’t expect to win it,” said Tori, who previously won the Wales YFC Junior Member of the Year Award. “It has been a long journey, but worth it.”
Tori lives on a sheep farm in Radnor, and is currently studying Biology, Chemistry, English and Welsh Baccalaureate in Ysgol Calon Cymru’s sixth form.
As well as being a trained lifeguard, Tori is passionate about the welfare and husbandry of animals and is aiming to study Veterinary Science at university.
Tori credits NFYFC’s public speaking competitions with boosting her confidence and she is keen to help grow her small club and contribute to the national Youth Forum.
“The ability to stand in front of a room and talk to people is just amazing and it takes you so many places. I started Young Farmers in 2019 and I’m completely different to how I used to be. I’m so much more outgoing and talkative because of it. It just opens so many doors for you, going to get a job or going to university – it’s just a major talking point because everyone is so reputable.”
Tori competed against seven Junior Member of the Year finalists in Staffordshire but had already battled County and Area rounds to reach the national final. The competition requires participants to keep a record of their YFC activities throughout the membership year, and then take part in an interview and give a presentation to the judges.
“I had to do a presentation on what YFC means to me, which is a lot, and then I did a 20-minute interview afterwards where they asked me lots of questions about YFC,” explained Tori about the final.
The competition is sponsored by Tama and Warren Tatton, Tama UK Commercial Manager, said:
“We have worked alongside the NFYFC for many years now and are proud to do so. Tama, being farmer owned, understands what it takes to be a farmer and we also realise how important it is to provide support and guidance to the next generation. It is crucial that we recognise the hard work of everyone in the agricultural sector, whatever their age.
“We congratulate Tori and hope she is very proud of what she has achieved!”
Tori and the six other finalists in the competition will now be invited to join NFYFC’s Youth Forum, which gives a voice to younger members in the organisation.
