Young Farmers faced some tough businesses challenges at a Dragons Den style event held by NatWest’s Agriculture Team yesterday.
Three members of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs’ Youth Forum; Chairman Danielle McNulty (19), Vice Chairman Amy Swinbank (18) and forum member Freddy Wootton (17); presented their idea for a game concept to a board of judges from the bank and agricultural industry.
The game, which is an agricultural twist on the classic Twister, is aimed to help children and young people learn more about where their food comes from.
The panel were extremely impressed, with NatWest agreeing to sponsor further production of the game to enable NFYFC members across the country to use it as a tool at agricultural shows, schools and community events.
Danielle said: “We did a lot of research as part of this project, and were amazed at the lack of knowledge about food - one child, when asked where a chicken nugget came from initially said a cow! And that’s where the inspiration for the game started.”
The aim of the game is to match the food with its source – while avoiding ‘cow pats’ and trying to stay on balance.
The judging panel included Head of Agriculture and Renewable Energy Ian Burrow, Associate Director for Energy Charlotte Davies and Enterprise Manager Nick Howe from NatWest, along with former NFYFC Activities Chairman James Morrish, auctioneer at Kivells.
Ian said: “The team did a fantastic job and we were all incredibly impressed with their passion, professionalism and poise throughout.
“We have long been a proud supporter of the NFYFC delivering a number of events and business training to clubs across the country. We’re delighted to be supporting this project and think it could be a vital tool in supporting the education of all things food and farming.
“I look forward to working with the team further as their journey progresses.”
The panel was part of an on-going partnership between NatWest and the Young Farmers Clubs, which includes business specific training to clubs across the UK.
