An improved sense of health and wellbeing is just one of the many benefits of being a member of a Young Farmers’ Club (YFC), say respondents to a new national survey.
The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) has released early results of its membership survey in celebration of National Young Farmers’ Week, which is sponsored by Agrii UK.
The survey highlights the broad range of benefits the organisation offers to rural young people, with 93% of respondents stating that participating in YFC activities has given them a greater sense of health and wellbeing.
This year’s National Young Farmers’ Week theme is YFC is for Everyone, and early results highlight that 96% of members who responded to the survey feel welcomed and included when taking part in YFC activities with 98% saying they feel safe.
NFYFC launched its YFC is for Everyone initiative at its Council meeting in February this year, which focuses on championing wellbeing, respect and inclusion in YFC.
New resources have been developed for clubs to deliver during recruitment meetings. These include inclusive games that are accessible for all and presentations that set out the organisation’s code of conduct and support for members.
Additionally, more training opportunities have been introduced for club officers, alongside the development of workshops that emphasise YFC values and the key pillars of the YFC is for Everyone initiative.
During the week, NFYFC will feature stories from YFC members, including a case study about Curly’s Farm YFC on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. This inclusive YFC will share how it involves YFC members with a range of additional needs and diverse backgrounds to take part in activities and competitions.
With most respondents to the survey (97%) stating they would recommend YFC membership and 95% saying they valued being a YFC member, NFYFC Chair of Council Drew Bailey said he is thrilled to see the organisation so highly regarded by its members.
“After more than 100 years of Young Farmers’ Clubs, it’s amazing to see how loved and relevant the organisation remains to thousands of people.
“This National Young Farmers’ Week we are sharing the message that YFC is for Everyone – regardless of your background. Our early survey results highlight how welcoming and supportive YFC is perceived to be.
“I didn’t grow up in a farming family and I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community. I have enjoyed many years in YFC, made friends for life, felt included and accepted, and even been inspired to become a farmer! I’d encourage everyone to find their local YFC and get involved.”
“Through being a YFC member…
NFYFC President John Lee OBE DL said:
"National Young Farmers' Week is a week-long celebration for all Young Farmers’ Clubs to shout about their local activities and invite more people to join.
"You don't have to be from a farming background to be involved, just passionate about the countryside, keen to make new friends and eager to develop new skills.
"YFC is for everyone and being part of your local club opens up lots of new opportunities. Being part of YFC has had a lasting impact on my life. The skills I gained and the friendships I formed have stayed with me to this day."
While you do not have to be a farmer to be a member of YFC, 70% of respondents to the question said they were planning to work in farming and/or the allied rural industries in the next five years, despite the challenges to entry. Access and affordability to training ranked highly as the main challenge respondents faced to working in farming or the allied rural industries.
Agrii UK is supporting National Young Farmers’ Week this year and Robin Lawrence, Head of HR, Agrii UK, said:
“At Agrii, we’re proud to support National Young Farmers’ Week because we know the crucial role Young Farmers’ Clubs play in shaping the future of our industry. These clubs not only provide a platform for young people to develop invaluable skills and build lasting networks, but they also nurture the next generation of farming leaders who will drive our industry forward.
“By partnering with NFYFC, we see firsthand how these clubs foster a strong sense of community, wellbeing, and professional growth—benefits that extend far beyond the individual members. As a corporate partner, the passion and ambition we witness from YFC members is inspiring, and it motivates us to continue supporting initiatives that cultivate both personal and industry-wide success.”
The first Young Farmers’ Club opened in 1921 in Hemyock, Devon, where the United Dairies milk factory set children of the area’s milk producers the task of calf rearing, with competitions and prizes for those achieving the highest standards.
Over the next decade more clubs opened to provide agricultural education, before the formation of the national office in 1932.
Today the organisation represents 575 YFCs across England and Wales, where more than 23,000 rural young people, aged 10-28, can develop skills, enjoy an active social life and learn more about the opportunities in agriculture and rural communities.
National Young Farmers’ Week runs from 7-11 October 2024. Anyone interested in joining their local Young Farmers’ Club can find out more information on the NFYFC website.
