Two YFC Travel trips took place this autumn where groups of YFC members got to enjoy exploring rural life in Canada and Albania with Field Farm Tours.
YFC members visiting Canada experienced the iconic Niagara Falls, its hydroelectric powerhouse, and a visit to Lake Ontario. They also explored a dairy farm, grain shipping systems, and a visit to the Mennonite settlement and the bustling St. Jacobs Market.
A city tour of Toronto and two days at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which showcases livestock, crops, and the renowned Royal Horse Show, topped off their adventure.
Going on a YFC Travel trip was on County Durham YFC member Alex McMenemy’s ‘bucket list’
“Before the trip I had never travelled outside of Europe, so when the trip to Canada was offered, I knew that I would definitely want to apply,” said Alex.
“The itinerary looked so interesting and varied, which combined a great mix of farm tours, cultural experiences and educational opportunities.
“So many past members of County Durham YFC have spoken so fondly of their experiences travelling with Young Farmers, including past trips to Canada, so that certainly encouraged me to put an application in!”
Alex, who described the experience as ‘incredible’ enjoyed visiting all the locations on the tour – and even completed the CN Tower Edgewalk on her last day.
“It’s the world's highest full circle hands-free walk at 1,168 feet above Toronto, which was absolutely amazing,” explained Alex. “The trip was a real adventure which was made better by the fantastic visits and knowledge gained, but mostly down to the amazing YFC members that I travelled with who made the whole experience fantastic.”
Polly Baines from Staffordshire was part of the group that travelled to Albania in October for seven days.
Polly’s trip began in Durres, with a walking tour of Tirana, including landmarks like Mother Theresa Square and the Pyramid of Tirana.
The YFC group enjoyed outdoor activities such as horse riding or hiking and visits included a hotel farm with diverse livestock, agritourism businesses producing local foods, and a herb and dairy producer in Shkodra.
Stops at an agricultural wholesale market, goat cheese farm, and Tirana University highlighted farming innovations. In Berat, highlights included a UNESCO castle tour, winery visit, and exploring Ottoman-style architecture. They also enjoyed a tour of a state-of-the-art EU-funded dairy operation.
“Albania was incredible,” said Polly who enjoyed getting to learn more about the country’s traditions.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to travel around the country with a great bunch of young farmers and tour guides. We saw how they made the most from the produce and sampled there produce and traditional local delicacies. We were treated with traditions cooking classes, horse riding through mountains, wildlife tours, historical site visits, vineyard tours and so much more!”
Exclusive YFC travel experiences are offered to YFC members every year and Alex urged others to take advantage of the opportunities.
“When we were all sat having dinner in the CN Tower, we all said we couldn’t believe that we were sat there as a result of being a member of YFC!
“Turning up to that village hall for your first ever meeting is undoubtedly daunting – but being a YFC member can literally take you around the world – everyone should make the most of this enormous benefit of your membership!”
YFC Travel is made possible thanks to support from the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and the Young Farmers Ambassadors.
