Diane has dedicated more than 50 years of her life to YFC, enjoying numerous roles including being County Treasurer for 25 years, County President in 2018 as well as Area President and Trustee. She is now an NFYFC Life Vice President and Club President. Diane is always ready to offer support, often working behind the scenes, to ensure projects and events happen. This year, she devoted her time to managing the relocation of the County Office’s contents following its closure. She was also a reliable and steady hand when the County went through a period of instability. Diane regularly helps at club and county meetings and willingly shares her wealth of YFC experience with others. Described as the backbone of County Durham YFC – Diane has given five decades of steadfast support and members of the County admit they would be lost without her.

After being involved in YFC for more than four decades, Fiona has consistently given her time and expertise to develop young people involved in the county. As a member she was involved in all levels of the organisation and more recently she has been a County Vice President for Essex and is currently Area President. Her involvement in the Eastern Area over the past two years has helped to reenergise and rebuild it. Her network of contacts from her time in YFC has helped with recruiting volunteers for competitions and encouraged them to get back involved in supporting YFC. She has worked hard to create connections across counties, established new events and encouraged greater collaboration between clubs and counties. While Fiona has a hands-on approach to making things happen – she ensures it is YFC members and leaders who are the ones who feel empowered to grow their organisation.

Founded 26 years ago, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) started with a vision that no one in Lincolnshire’s agricultural and horticultural community should ever have to face difficulties alone. The charity has always supported the Lincolnshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, with many of its team involved in YFC, but its support has been especially valued over the past 18 months following the tragic loss of a member. LRSN stood with the county federation to help members navigate grief. Volunteers visited clubs after the sad news and established a link between each club and an LRSN representative. The charity recruited two new team members whose roles are focused on working with young people in the county. They have also delivered mental health first aid training to clubs and helped deliver NFYFC’s Rural+ workshops. Their partnership has pulled everyone together and given Lincolnshire FYFC hope for the future.

For more than three decades Rob has shown exceptional dedication and support for YFC. He has been Erwood YFC’s club leader for more than 30 years, Vice President of Brecknock for over 20 years and has served as Brecknock County President for nearly two terms. He dedicates his time to mentoring and guiding young members, encouraging participation and supporting their development. His determination to help others succeed often shines through in selfless acts — such as arranging transport across Wales during heavy snow so everyone could reach the Performing Arts finals safely. Rob is always promoting YFC and sharing the opportunities that can be gained. Often working tirelessly behind the scenes, Rob’s commitment to YFC has helped develop members’ skills, confidence and sense of community.

For more than 20 years, Sharon has held the role of County Treasurer and been integral to the running of Llangollen YFC. Over more than five decades in YFC, she has held many roles in the club, including club leader and an advisory member – and she continues to help at club meetings every week. She’s committed to ensuring members have the best experience possible and it’s thanks to Sharon’s support that so many have developed public speaking and stockjudging skills. She is motivated by developing young people and she dedicates much of her time to doing just that. While Sharon is often working tirelessly in the background – such as counting marks at competitions or helping organise the club’s annual tractor run that raises thousands for charity – her dedication has not gone unnoticed. The wealth of knowledge and expertise she brings is valued and Clwyd would not be the same without her.