The Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) are looking back on an incredibly successful year, which has seen record-breaking membership numbers and a staggering £135,000 raised for charity. In the past year, 1,861 members have joined Devon YFC, which gives members aged 10 to 28 the opportunity to develop life skills, work with the local community and enjoy a dynamic social life.
This is the highest membership the federation has seen for over 20 years, meaning that Devon YFC is now the largest Young Farmers’ federation in England and Wales.
The federation has seen an increase in popularity across all aspects of their programme of activities. From a record number of entries at Devon County Show and their annual livestock show and sale at Exeter Market, to the highest number of members taking the opportunity to travel abroad though county and national scholarships.
Devon YFC’s annual general meeting will be held on Friday, November 24, where they will be celebrating the past year, as well as welcoming a new county officer team.
Vicki Gilbert, outgoing Devon YFC county chairman, said: “I have been incredibly proud to see our membership achieve so much over the past year and it has been such a privilege having the role of county chairman.
“Our 37 clubs have put on such a brilliant and diverse programme for our members, and it’s great to see so many young people realising the benefits of becoming a member. I can’t wait to see the federation continue to grow for years to come.”
Charity fundraising plays a large role in club programmes across the county, with many local and national charities benefiting from fundraisers organised by young farmers.
For example, Yarcombe YFC from East Devon raised £15,492 for Hospiscare, through fundraising activities that included a tractor run, entertainments performance, charity cream tea and more. Braunton YFC from North Devon also raised a total of £10,700 split between three charities. They organised a ‘Big Breakfast’ event, Christmas tree collection, dung sale, tractor run, charity auction and several other local events.
Dan Grist, incoming county chairman, added: “We are so proud of the whopping £135,701 raised for charity last year. From spending hours rehearsing for charity entertainments performances, to days outside in the rain running charity dung sales, the sheer quantity and diversity of YFC fundraisers each year is staggering.
“As well as raising external funds for charities, this figure doesn’t include the money raised to keep our own clubs and the Devon federation running, which are charities in themselves.
“I owe so much to YFC - my social life, personal development and career wouldn’t be the same without it. I want as many people as possible to have the opportunities I have had. It’s going to be a busy year, but I’m so excited to go out and support our 37 clubs, whilst also supporting our county officer team to deliver a brilliant Devon YFC programme.”
You don’t need to be a farmer, to be a young farmer and get involved with their programme of activities. To join, visit the website www.devonyfc.co.uk to see where your nearest club is.
