Jessica Rose from Nottinghamshire has been elected as the new Chair of The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) and will help to deliver a new five-year plan for the organisation in the build up to its centenary.
Jessica, 31, will represent more than 23,000 rural young people across England and Wales, alongside two Vice Chairs who were also elected at the Council meeting in Warwickshire on 22 February 2026 – Alex McMenemy from County Durham and Luke Brignall from East Riding of Yorkshire.
All three officers will also join the NFYFC’s Board of Management, and be instrumental in helping to deliver NFYFC’s new five-year plan.
The Board of Management shared its strategic goals with Council during the meeting, which include achieving financial stability, strengthening NFYFC’s reputation and public perception, deepening the understanding of its membership, and building organisational resilience.
Jessica, who lives on her family’s farm in Newark, Notts, is a customer services manager and fashion buyer for a clothing boutique and is a former County Chair for Nottinghamshire Federation of YFC.
A member of Tuxford YFC since she was 17 years old, Jessica has been part of the NFYFC officer team for the past two years as its Vice Chair of Council. She also held the position of Chair of NFYFC’s Membership and Marketing Steering Group for 2025-26, helping to improve the membership experience.
Jessica plans to safeguard the future of the Federation by working with the team to champion and deliver the new plan for the Federation.
NFYFC Chair of Council 2026-27 Jessica Rose said:
“It’s a huge honour to be elected to represent more than 560 Young Farmers’ Clubs across England and Wales and more than 23,000 members.
“We are only six years’ away from NFYFC’s 100-year anniversary where we will celebrate the impact our organisation has made on rural communities over 10 decades.
“I hope to promote this positive impact and show how YFC provides vital connections in rural areas. Bringing together and inspiring all generations.
“I am excited to be leading the NFYFC Council in the year we are launching a new strategy for our organisation. I want to use my experience to help futureproof the longevity of YFC, ensuring more generations benefit and enjoy all it has to offer.
“I have grown up in a farming family but didn’t pursue a career in the industry. I am hoping my story will inspire others not directly involved in farming to join YFC to develop their skills and friendships by belonging to their local club.”
There were four candidates vying for the two Vice Chair of Council positions, with Alex McMenemy retaining her seat for a second year in office and Luke Brignall being elected for the first time.
NFYFC Vice Chair of Council Alex McMenemy, 29, from Durham City YFC, works for the Environment Agency as an Agricultural Regulator. Alex, who is a former County Chair of County Durham Federation of YFC, said:
"I am truly honoured to be elected to the position of Vice Chair of Council for a second year.
"YFC has given me so much over the years, and I want to continue giving back at a national level, helping to support and strengthen the organisation for current and future members.
"I care deeply about YFC and will always represent members with integrity, enthusiasm and their best interests at heart."
NFYFC Vice Chair of Council Luke Brignall, 24, from Beacon YFC, works full time in agriculture on a local country estate in East Yorkshire and is a Councillor for Sledmere Parish Council. Luke, who is a former County Chair of East Riding of Yorkshire Federation of YFC, said:
"I am delighted to be elected as one of the new Vice Chair's of NFYFC Council. This isn't about a title for me, it's about showing impact and raising the bar.
"My life revolves around the rural community, farming by day and YFC whenever I am not – and I also sit on Sledmere Parish Council along with other committees in East Riding.
"Young Farmers has played a huge role in shaping me, it's where I have built confidence, learnt to lead, organise events, dealt with challenges and taken responsibility.
""I have always believed that if you care about something, you don't sit back and criticise it, you step up and improve it. I am looking forward to the year ahead."
More than 80 members gathered in Warwickshire to elect the new officer team and pass motions that affect the running of the organisation.
The NFYFC Council is made up of YFC members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.
Through steering groups, the NFYFC Council also shape the programmes of work at NFYFC – planning events, competitions, projects and training for members. Groups met on Saturday to elect new steering group chairs and vices, and to discuss projects for the year ahead.
The following members were elected to lead NFYFC Council's four steering groups, which help shape the programmes of work.
Chair Sophie Olds from Cornwall and Vice Chair Rebecca Ludlow from Oxfordshire
Chair Kayleigh Lovegrove from Devon and Vice Chairs Hermione Moore from Wiltshire and Ben Johnson from Norfolk
Chair Rosie Finney from Lincolnshire and Vice Chair Alice Wood from Derbyshire
Chair: Chair Nathan Greenwood from Yorkshire and Vice Chair Jessica Radnor from Herefordshire.
