The membership figures of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) have more than doubled since the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation said.
New chair of the NFYFC, Rosie Bennett, is expected to be leading more than 25,000 members by the end of the membership year in August 2023.
The organisation’s membership numbers dropped during the peak pandemic period, but national initiatives and a “renewed energy” from YFCs has enticed more rural people to join, the NFYFC said.
Rosie Bennett
Bennett, a farmer from Devon, is a manager at agricultural specialist accountants Evolution ABS and was elected to the position of NFYFC chair during its council’s elections Sunday (February 26).
A former county chair for Devon County Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (FYFC), Bennett has been a YFC member in east Devon for nearly 15 years.
Speaking on her appointment to the position, Bennett said: “I’m thrilled to be elected as the new chair of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, especially at a time when our membership is growing.
“I am keen to ensure that what we offer rural young people remains relevant and we continue to work closely with our county federations to achieve our goals.
“Being a member of a Young Farmers’ Club has given me so many opportunities to develop skills, travel, achieve awards and make friends for life. I want all rural young people to know those same opportunities are available to them by being part of YFC.”
NFYFC
Two new vice chairs were also elected during the council meeting yesterday. Drew Bailey from Derbyshire was re-elected for a second year, and James Nixey from Buckinghamshire was elected for the first time.
NFYFC said that now Covid-19 restrictions are in the past its club members will be able to participate in their usual activities which has incentivised more people to join.
As well as this return to normal activity, the NFYFC has said that it has launched new initiatives to improve and broaden the organisation.
New initiatives from the organisation include:
- New field officer roles to support county federations and clubs to deliver their programmes;
- Expansion of the national safeguarding team to offer more support to counties;
- Projects with industry partners to deliver extra advice to support farming members with the changes in agriculture;
- New training modules and updates to existing courses for clubs to deliver;
- A new YFC Achiever Awards ceremony to recognise and reward individuals and clubs.
