Putting Young Farmers’ Clubs firmly at the heart of their local communities is the goal of the new top team at the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) in a bid to fortify the 80-year old organisation.
Three members were elected into the Federation’s leadership posts at the Quality Hotel, Coventry on Sunday 22 February and they have promised to strengthen the organisation in what is set to be a challenging year.
Hannah Talbot from the Worcestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (FYFC) was voted in as the new Chair by members of the NFYFC Council following two years in the Vice Chair’s position. Chris Manley from Devon FYFC was re-elected as Vice Chair for a second year while Jess Townson from Lancashire FYFC stepped into the role for the first time.
The trio will face tough financial challenges this year and the team will need to ensure the organisation develops new income streams and ways of working.
During her year as Chair, Hannah is aiming to reinvigorate the organisation to make it more relevant to rural young people today and drive up the membership numbers. She also wants to celebrate what is great about YFCs and the essential role they play in their local communities.
At the Council meeting in February, the new Chair invited members to become Hannah’s Dashers by joining her to run the Birmingham Half Marathon in October. The goal is for members to raise money for their local charities and to show the public how much support Young Farmers give to good causes.
Hannah Talbot, National Chair of Council for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, said: “I’m really excited to be elected as the new Chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. I’m honoured to be leading an organisation that has so many members and offers such diverse opportunities.
“Young Farmers’ Clubs do so much work to support their local communities – not only by raising money for charities but also by being a vital social link for rural young people. The membership will have some big decisions to make this year to help strengthen the organisation but everyone on the Council team is so passionate and enthusiastic that I know we will be able to create a positive future for more Young Farmers.”
The team will be charged with leading on the overall policy for the Federation, continuing the development and leadership of YFCs to meet the needs of its members and developing the status and image of YFC to the outside world.
More than 100 members gathered in Coventry over the weekend to pass motions that affect the running of the organisation and to elect the new Council. Five steering groups represent the views of the members and include: Competitions; Events and Marketing; Personal Development, the Youth Forum and Agriculture and Rural Issues. The National Council is made up of 63 members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.
Through steering groups, the National Council also decide and shape the programmes of work at NFYFC - planning events, competitions, campaigns and training for members.
