Shear Brilliance: Save 50 per cent on shearing courses
Young Farmers' Club (YFC) members can access training for machine and blade shearing for only £100 plus VAT if they register before March 31, thanks to a partnership between the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC) and British Wool.
In previous years, the offer only included the opportunity to attend a beginner's shearing course if it was the first time the attendee had taken it.
Harry Owen is a member of Llandefalle YFC and winner of the Royal Welsh Junior shearing section and Welsh International Speed Shear, plus runner-up in the Worshipful Company of Woolman Junior Competition.
He says: "I gained my blue and bronze seal on the British Wool course in 2017, silver in 2019 and gold in 2021. The initial and advanced courses have helped me to build my confidence on the stand and gain valuable advice from experienced shearers to help perfect style and technique. Not only have the courses enabled me to compete in the county rally, but also enter competitions across Wales. The courses are spread across the country which gives a fair chance to get on a course locally. I encourage any YFC member or young person to take advantage of the course and sign up to YFC to qualify if they are not already a member. I have gained a lot from the organisation and the course, and believe any young person would too."
In Farmers Guardian's new community section, we will be sharing news to showcase the heart of British rural communities, focusing on all things Young Farmers, fundraising and events.
Keep up to date with our community news online, which will be posted with the #Haveyouherd?
If you have any news you would like to share, please email [email protected] or call 07814 997407
Young Blackface sheep breeders gather
At the end of January, 45 young breeders supported the first Blackface Sheep Breeders Association Young Breeders event, which was held by the Wight family with their noted Midlock flock.
The day included various talks and icebreakers before splitting into teams for a stockmanship demo and various workstations, including sheep dressing, horn setting and turning, OPA scanning, guessing the photos and stockjudging competitions.
The association commended the enthusiasm shown by everyone at Midlock to support this inaugural event, and welcomes feedback from those who attended.
Scottish member secures HYB presidents medal
Holstein UK crowned Alison Lawrie from Scotland Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) Club the champion of its prestigious 2023 President's Medal Award, recognising her remarkable contribution to the breed, HYB and her own club. She won both the title and a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto later this year. Two northern young breeders were runners up: Tom Hull from Lancashire and Will Horsley from Border and Lakeland. In addition, Alison was presented with the Sue Cope Memorial Trophy.
Award worthy Welsh YFC members
The 2024 Agri Conference was back as an even bigger event with the introduction of the new Agri Awards. The weekend attracted over 80 members and friends to the conference and 120 supporters to the awards.
Angharad Thomas, rural affairs committee chair, says: "It was great to see the Agri Conference returning bigger and better this year. The first Agri Awards were a roaring success and an opportunity to celebrate our grassroots members and their businesses."
Winners:
Best Stockman Award: Aron Dafydd, Ceredigion YFC
Runner-up: Chrissy Davies, Brecknock YFC
Best Grassland Management Award: Morgan Tudor, Montgomery YFC
Runner-up: Leuan Harries, Pembroke YFC
Best Diversification Award: Catrin and Gwion, Meirionnydd YFC
Runner-up: Sara Davies, Pembroke YFC
Wales YFC Rural Champion Award: Megan Powell, Brecknock YFC
Runner-up: Hannah Rees, Pembroke YFC
Tewksbury YFC crowned club of the month
NFYFC has crowned Tewkesbury YFC as club of the month after they made a top effort to act quickly and support their community in the devastating January floods.
Ruby Mills, Tewkesbury YFC's social media officer, says: "We helped out at the Haw Bridge Inn by pressure washing the floors, pumping out and cleaning the cellar, cleaning furniture, the skittles alley and ripping up floors. We also helped local stables that had flooded and were filled with sludge, and a family in Tewkesbury needed help moving the sandbags. We are proud of every member that helped with the clean-up operation to show the public how passionate Tewkesbury YFC members are about their local community."
