I am from a farming family but not destined to inherit a farm so have made my own way and I now rent 25 acres. I might only be 16 years old but I have already built up a flock of 50 commercial breeding ewes with lambs at foot, as well as a thriving hen enterprise selling eggs via two outlets.
I have thrown myself into everything YFC has to offer, including competing in a variety of competitions such as egg throwing and rounders – right through to public speaking and stockjudging, where I have represented Yorkshire in northern England and national levels.
I have a lot to thank YFC for including meeting lots of people and allowing me to address large audiences through skills learnt in public speaking as well as helping me to select stock for breeding after competing in stockjudging.
I have held several roles in my club, including minutes, press and register secretary. I have enjoyed organising a packed programme of meetings for young farmers. I also serve on district and county committees.
Being a member of young farmers provides you with a toolkit for life. As an officer I have enhanced my clerical and organisational skills. I helped to organise a charity stockjudging evening where I sourced sponsors and judges, as well as finding stock providers. We raised £1,200 from this event, which felt like a great achievement for the club and for me.
I am passionate about YFC because there is no other organisation like it. No other group in the countryside can provide as many opportunities, as well as weekly informative and fun filled activities.
There are so many ways to progress and get involved – for example, this year I helped on the YFC stand at the Great Yorkshire Show and stewarded at my local show in the sheep class.
YFCs are run by the members for the members, making it a unique organisation that I am proud to be involved in.
