I am not from a farming family – but I’m a member of a Young Farmers’ Club and an agricultural society.
I have always been interested in the industry and farm machinery – a passion started by my dad who was an agricultural engineer. In September last year I received a commendation for my plant operating skills in the Plant Operator of the Year competition – I was the youngest competitor at just 12 years old.
My family always attended the Yesterday’s Farming event, organised by the South Somerset Agricultural Preservation Society, and I was always keen on the YFC ploughing matches and couldn’t wait to be old enough to take part.
The Society was formed in 1972 and held its first event the following year, displaying collections of rural and farming life. It has always partnered with Yeovil YFC’s ploughing matches and that’s how I came to be part of both organisations.
After helping to clear the event site last year, Yeovil YFC’s Club Chair encouraged me to join the Society and I am now a fully committed member, attending committee meetings and helping at the event. This year, I volunteered for three days with the committee to make sure the site was ready for members of the public.
The working exhibits are fantastic, and I like the fact other people see how farming used to be. I have my own Fordson Super Dexta, which I take to rallies but Yesterday’s Farming is different because you actually get to work the ground.
Since joining, I know so many people by name and they all know me! I have encouraged my little sister to be involved too. This year she brought her first tractor and entered the horticultural section and she helped to pack the site away too.
The Society raises money for many local charities through steam engine rides around the show. The local carnival clubs are paid to be gate stewards and to help run the bar in exchange for funds towards their carts.
The Society works closely with Yeovil YFC too, which I am also proud to be involved in. My mum always told me that Young Farmers’ Clubs were only for farmers so I thought I might not be able to join. I attended my first meeting two years ago and haven’t looked back.
I have been part of the club’s Public Speaking team, which has helped me feel more confident when speaking at Society committee meetings.
This year I organised a visit to Redlynch Tractors for the club and I also arranged an evening where the members could safely operate some of our machinery.
I enjoy YFC because you get to visit other farms such as the strawberry farm, goat farm and a dairy farm with a Lely milking system. Every visit is interesting because you get to see different technology in action and different farming methods.
Being involved in YFC and the Society has created a social network for me in my community. It has boosted my confidence and I’ve also learnt a lot about the history of farming.
