South West young farmers come out top in NFYFC competitions

The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) hosted a variety of competitions from Fence Erecting to the Situations Vacant competitions. 

Jack from Dorset YFC came joint first in the Clay Pigeon Shooting competition (17 and under category), alongside Charlie from Gwent YFC. Matt from Cornwall YFC came third.  

Devon YFC won the Brainstrust competition, with Jack Tucker winning Best Panelist and Katie Davie winning Best Chair. 

Jack, 22, from Whimple and Broadclyst Young Farmers, said: "I must have started Brainstrust competitions when I was 16/17, so five years ago now. It is really hard to be panelist and you don’t know topics until you are on stage, it can be a range from the badger cull to managing young farmer ages. I really enjoy it because you have to work out instantly what you want to do and work as a team.

Jack Tucker from Devon YFC. (Image: NFYFC)

“I’ve been up there three times. National finals are always really hard and there is a fantastic standard from other counties. This year we had a really good team going up there. Walking out of that room once we had competed, we felt really good about ourselves - to  win it was blimmin' amazing!

“I’ve always been middle of the road when I’ve competed, so to go and win Best Panelist was amazing and it makes it feel the effort you put in was worth it. To come back with Best Panelist was amazing to be honest.

“Massive thanks to NFYFC for putting on these competitions. A lot of effort goes on behind the scenes, with the judging etc, so a big thank you to them.”

Other YFC groups from across the south west did well in the competitions as well. Somerset YFC came third in the Disco Dancing competition. 

A spokesperson for Somerset YFC said: "Congratulations to our Somerset representatives at the NFYFC National Competitions.

"We are very proud of all our Somerset representatives out there competing in the national finals over the upcoming weeks - we hope you all smash it!"

Exe Valley YFC from Devon came second in the Show Choir competition and Haldon Group YFC came third. 

A spokesperson for Devon YFC added: "We are so proud of all 63 members up in Stafford today competing in a huge variety of competitions, from fence erecting to public speaking. You all did Devon YFC proud."

Young Farmers from Cornwall YFC's Helston & St Keverne group came second in MACE Debating and members of St Mabyn came second in Brainstrust. 

"A huge well done and thank you to you all for representing us," said a spokesperson for Cornwall YFC.

"To compete on behalf of your club, county and the south west is an incredible achievement in itself, but to come home with prizes across the board is exceptional."

Dorset YFC's Olivia, Hannah and Lauren came third in Junior Reading, and Devon YFC's Ruby, Daisy and Lauren came third in Junior Public Speaking. 

In Wiltshire, James B was a finalist in the Junior Member of the Year comptition, and Lizzy Clarke from Purton and Cricklade YFC came fourth in the Cube Exhibit competition. 

Jonny Taylor, Ollie Garnett Smith, Sam Woolford from Purton and Cricklade YFC came fifth in the Farm Skills and Safety competition. 

NFYFC's competitions steering group chair William Longmire said:  "Hundreds of YFC members from across England and Wales competed in 16 national finals in Staffordshire at the weekend, demonstrating a range of skills gained through YFC.

"NFYFC's Competitions programme includes something for everyone from fence erecting to disco dancing. We encourage all members to join in as YFC competitions are a brilliant way to learn new skills, build confidence and form new friendships. 

"Members from the South West Area competed in a broad range of competitions at the national finals, doing particularly well in Brainstrust and Clay Pigeon Shooting. Well done to everyone who took part and we look forward to seeing more members at the forthcoming competition finals over the summer."