Resilient and motivated are how the finalists for this year’s YFC Achiever Awards have been described by judges involved in the event organised by The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC).
Leading industry figures met with 40 finalists who were shortlisted from more than 260 nominations across eight categories to learn more about their achievements in YFC. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on 12 December 2026.
Tickets are now on sale for the black-tie celebration, hosted by NFYFC President John Lee OBE DL, with awards presented alongside the industry judges.
TV presenter and farmer Jimmy Doherty helped judge the Young Farmer of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Crystalyx, alongside Jill Hewitt, the CEO of The National Association of Agricultural Contractors and NFYFC’s Vice Chair Luke Brignall.
The panel were impressed with the range of young people they met who were making a difference in the industry.
Jimmy Doherty said:
“Meeting the finalists for this award was truly inspiring. Each of them demonstrated determination to succeed in an industry that can often be challenging. From those just beginning their agricultural journey to those who have grown up in farming, every finalist was working hard to achieve their goals while encouraging others along the way.
“It was impressive to see how Young Farmers’ Clubs have played an important role in supporting these young people, providing not only encouragement and opportunities but also a fantastic environment in which to develop their confidence, skills and potential. A huge well done to all five of the Young Farmer of the Year finalists.”
Crystalyx is sponsoring the Young Farmer of the Year Award for the first time this year. Dan Downes, Head of GB sales from Crystalyx, said:
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Young Farmer of the Year Award for the first time this year. Supporting the next generation of farmers is incredibly important to Crystalyx, and these awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the hard work, ambition and commitment of young people across the industry.
“We’d like to congratulate all five finalists on reaching this stage and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards in December.”
The YFC Achiever Awards were established to recognise and reward the dedication and commitment shown by young people and their supporters. Through eight different award categories, YFC members and their supporters are celebrated for their achievements in areas ranging from community support to running a successful rural enterprise.
Shortlisted finalists include YFC members and supporters from Brecknock, Buckinghamshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, East Riding of Yorkshire, Essex, Gwent, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Montgomeryshire, Norfolk, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Somerset, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Wiltshire.
Five clubs from across England and Wales have been shortlisted for the hotly contested Club of the Year Award, which is sponsored by CFMOTO UK.
Young Farmers’ Clubs have demonstrated their inclusive approach to welcoming and supporting young people and providing safe spaces for them to develop skills and friendships.
CFMOTO Marketing Manager Jasmine Kent said the business was “honoured” to sponsor the Club of the Year Award for a fourth year.
“Supporting Young Farmers means backing the future of our food, our countryside, and our communities. This award celebrates the power of teamwork – and we’re proud of every single member flying the YFC flag."
NFYFC President John Lee OBE DL said all the finalists should feel proud as they represent the very best of the organisation.
“The YFC Achiever Awards enable NFYFC to recognise and celebrate the inspiring young people and supporters who make a positive impact within our organisation and across their rural communities. They all demonstrate the YFC values through their integrity and respect, their commitment to collaboration and learning, and their ambition to make a positive difference.
“It is wonderful to see their achievements recognised, and I’m incredibly excited for the awards ceremony in December, where we can celebrate all our finalists and recognise this year’s winners. Many congratulations to this year’s finalists!”
The NFYFC President was part of the judging panel for the Heart of YFC Award – but the final decision rests with the YFC community. Finalists in this category face a public vote, open until 18 September 2026. The combined results of the public vote and judges’ scores will determine who is the ultimate winner.
Gwenyth Tandy from Ceredigion, Rob Webster from Derbyshire, Ben Johnson from Norfolk, Katie Acey from East Riding of Yorkshire and Eadie Hall from Shropshire will be campaigning for votes over the next few weeks. People can vote online for who they think should win the Heart of YFC.
Tickets for the YFC Achiever Awards are now on sale and can be purchased using the following link.
Brockenhurst YFC, Hampshire
Llanwenog YFC, Ceredigion
Norton & Gaulby YFC, Leicestershire
Pontrilas YFC, Herefordshire
Princes Risborough YFC, Buckinghamshire
Erin, Cumbria
Harry Cornthwaite, Cumbria
Nerys Lewis, Gwent
Amy Wood, Cumbria
Lewis, Hampshire
Alex Vero, Leicestershire Rob Mollatt, Staffordshire
Isla, Somerset
Katie Grist, Devon
Huw Lewis, Montgomeryshire
Gwenyth Tandy, Ceredigion
Rob Webster, Derbyshire
Ben Johnson, Norfolk
Katie Acey, East Riding of Yorkshire
Eadie Hall, Shropshire
Jessica, Leicestershire
Toby, Suffolk
Daisy Farrow, Essex
Henry, Wiltshire
Lucy Hannen, Cumbria
Daniel, Collingham YFC
Sian Healey, Brecknock
Sophie Pratt, Devon
Toby Gee, East Riding of Yorkshire
Joe Elletson, Lincolnshire
David Heminsley, Staffordshire
Joy Davenport, Somerset
David Price, Brecknock
Amy Cox, Oxfordshire
Kathleen Twentyman, Cumbria
Drigg YFC, Cumbria
Sedbergh YFC, Cumbria
Llandovery YFC, Carmarthenshire
Craswall YFC, Herefordshire
Spalding YFC, Lincolnshire
