Devon Show cook-off for young farmers

Devon’s young farmers have been showing off their cookery skills at the County Show, in support of Cornish Mutual’s ’Come Together, Eat Together’ campaign.

Nine teams from clubs across the county took part in the final of the Devon Young Farmers cookery competition, creating a wide range of dishes using some of the region’s best local produce.

The competition, held on the Devon YFC stand at the County Show, was judged by Cornish Mutual Inspector John Amery who picked Shebbear Club as the winner of the first prize of £50.00.

Cornish Mutual has sponsored the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs for a number of years helping to provide skills training and promote recruitment, and their working partnership goes back over 60 years.

The Devon County Show also marked the launch of the ’Come Together, Eat Together’ charity cookbook, to raise money for the Devon Air Ambulance.

The rural insurance firm, which has offices in Exeter, launched the campaign ’Come Together, Eat Together’ in February this year to encourage families in Devon to eat a meal together at least once a week.

Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said: "Young farmers are the future and the lifeblood of the industry in Devon and it’s so important to support their development. The YFC are a vital part of the rural community - we’re delighted to be working with them and recognising the good work they do.

"We’re thrilled that Devon’s Young Farmers Clubs have been getting involved with the ’Come Together, Eat Together’ campaign. We saw some great young cooks competing at the Devon County Show and hope that they continue to develop those skills creating great family meals in the future."

The Devon Federation of Young Farmers has 38 clubs across the county, with more than 1,400 members. Each club is joined together by six groups – North Devon, Tarka, Exe Valley, East Devon, Haldon and South Dartmoor. The groups organise a number of events each year including county sports and competitions, training, foreign exchanges, entertainment evenings and balls.

Nick Creasy, County Organiser for Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs added: "Devon’s Young Farmers rely on the consistent backing of companies like Cornish Mutual, who have been supporting us for over 60 years. Without their help we wouldn’t be able to run competitions such as this, or teach young people in Devon the practical and theoretical skills of rural farming.

"The cookery competition has highlighted Devon’s great local produce and we have seen some excellent talent and fantastic food from the nine teams of finalists. It also helps us to promote the message that it is hugely important to eat well and know where food comes from and how it is prepared."