Drivers travelling along the A339 this autumn have been greeted by a group of friendly scarecrows perched on top of a realistic-looking tractor and trailer, cleverly constructed from straw and silage bales.
The scene, which was created by Newbury Young Farmers’ Club in Berkshire, has now been crowned the winning entry in The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) Scarecrow Challenge.
The club has won £200 from NFYFC’s partners Moorgate Finance to spend on a local activity for their members to enjoy.
Young Farmers’ Clubs across England and Wales were challenged with building scarecrow scenes using the theme of ‘belonging’ as part of NFYFC’s National Young Farmers’ Week in October.
Newbury YFC’s installation included personalised scarecrows resembling actual club members, and was built in a field at Folly Farm along the A339 between Newbury and Basingstoke.
This year's Scarecrow Challenge was judged by farmer and television presenter Dave Nicholson from Cannon Hall Farm, who is known for his appearances on Springtime on the Farm, The Yorkshire Vet and Channel 5's The Great Yorkshire Show.
Dave said:
“It was a really tough job. There were lots of great clubs and great themes and people went to town on this.
“Newbury Young Farmers, I was blown away by how they embraced the theme. The location was brilliant. They put a lot of team effort into building it. So well done to you for first prize.”
Newbury YFC’s Club Leader Amanda Keable said members had pulled together to build it.
“Our scarecrow scene was truly a club‑wide effort, with every member playing a part in bringing the display to life.
“From the very first planning session to the final touches of paint, the project became a brilliant example of what belonging to Young Farmers really means – working side by side, laughing together, and creating something that reflects our community spirit.”
Their scene was focused on the friendships at the heart of YFC. It featured scarecrows sharing a cup of tea together, waving to passers-by to demonstrate how welcoming and inclusive they are and one scarecrow giving another a ride in a wheelbarrow to demonstrate the fun in YFC.
Their efforts were met with plenty of appreciative tooting from passing motorists as the club worked to bring the display to life.
“We deliberately placed the display on a busy route so that commuters in cars, lorries and buses could enjoy it, and it’s been doing exactly what we hoped: lifting spirits and catching attention,” added Amanda.
A Wallace and Gromit inspired scene created by Bwlch and Crickhowell YFC in Brecknock was ranked in second place. Their fun farming and friendship inspired theme showed Wallace with his arm around Gromit, surrounded by sheep, on top of a stand made from leftover timber.
“Using recycled and leftover materials throughout the display reflects the creativity, teamwork and practical skills that are such an important part of Young Farmers,” said Club Leader Kirsty Davies.
Dave Nicholson was equally impressed by the display that was situated alongside the A40 going to Crickhowell from Abergavenny.
“A really great concept. Who doesn’t like Wallace and Gromit? The recycled materials and all the rest of it. I loved every little aspect of it. There was one point between this one and the first place.
“What really impressed me as well is a lot of the members were under 16, it’s a very young club, it’s going places and I’m sure they’re going to win something next year.”
In third place, Dave praised Staindrop YFC in County Durham for their scene titled ‘We’re all part of the same flock” which was on display in Caldwell Village.
Club Chair Rachel Dent said: “We chose a traditional rural setting at Caldwell to emphasise that sense of belonging to our local community. The display also highlights that belonging extends beyond YFC itself, it is about supporting local families, businesses, farmers and the wider rural community.”
Dave added: “A fantastic theme, a lovely sentiment, a great location and I loved the Suffolk sheep as well.”
The national scarecrow challenge is aimed at raising awareness of Young Farmers’ Clubs and celebrating the role they play in their rural communities.
