Membership bounces back as NFYFC heads into its 90th year

A partnership with Eternit UK will enable clubs to seek support and free materials for repairs and renovations to improve their buildings, with applications now open for 2022 at http://www.nfyfc.org.uk/YFCBuildingScheme. History of the NFYFC 1920s: The first YFC club opened in 1921 in Hemyock, Devon. After the death of one of the YFC's original founders Lord Northcliffe in 1922, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) took on the development of the organisation, until the National Council for Social Services (NCSS) stepped in in 1929 with the goal of developing YFC as a voluntary, self-governing and self-generating organisation. 1930s: The NFYFC was formed in March 1932 with its head office in London and new clubs in Scotland and Northern Ireland.By the outbreak of the second world war, the federation included 412 clubs and 22 county federations with a membership of 15,000 people. 1940s and 1950s: Many YFC supporters and staff were drafted into the armed forces or war work with some clubs announcing they were closing until after the war. The Board of Education (BoE) was empowered to give financial help to youth organisations such as YFC, and a joint advisory committee was formed between the BoE, MoA and NFYFC.County organisers were appointed in 1943 but the Treasury decided grant aid from the Government could not be used to appoint staff working at county level and YFC members were committed to shouldering the financial responsibility.In 1947 a resolution was passed at the AGM to devise a scheme to encourage crafts and recognise and reward skill, and was developed throughout the 1950s formally recognised at the National Proficiency Test Scheme. 1960s and 1970s: The national office moved to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire in 1968 and YFC influence and its standing as a national youth organisation became better understood. The federation developed its international links and exchange programme and members were able to join the Council of European Young Agriculturalists (CEJA).1980s and 1990s: Membership was at record level as the federation celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1982.A training centre and improved motorway connections with the Midlands resulted in a large group of senior members eager to serve as officers and leaders and use their skills to widen the organisation's thinking. YFC was encouraged by Government, financial institutions, business and academia to continue its role and sponsorship and grants were made available to augment YFC's subscription income to finance developments.2000s: The Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2001 led many clubs to make the decision not to hold meetings, activities, shows and rallies.The recovery of YFC in the autumn saw a significant change in the membership demographic, with numbers of members under the age of 18 greater than those over and led to the introduction of Criminal Records Checks (CRBs), now Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS). NFYFC moved its national finals to regional events and shows following the demise of the last Royal Agricultural Society of England's Royal Show. 2010s: Membership numbers remained steady during this decade and there was opportunities to engage in national events such as the 2012 Olympics.Young farmers were eager to share their views on the future of farming, taking part in consultation responses and feedback to Defra to help shape changes. The federation held one of its first national campaign, focusing on rural road safety, and launched a mental health awareness campaign targeting isolation in rural areas. 2020s: The Covid-19 pandemic caused YFCs to close again but this time clubs could deliver an online programme of activity to keep members connected and a YFC at Home programme was launched. Membership numbers dipped during the pandemic. NFYFC celebrated its 90th year during 2021-22 and its patron The Queen sent a message of support.