10 March 2015
Getting their hands dirty was all in a day’s training for YFC members in March on NFYFC’s first ever Soil Management Workshop.
The training, funded by Defra, helped to show 10 members how sustainable soil management can also be profitable and was delivered during the International Year of Soils (IYS). The IYS 2015 aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of soil for food security and essential ecosystem functions.
The course, which was delivered at Morley Research Centre in Norfolk, was organised by David Whattoff from SOYL Precision Farming with support from Philip Wright of Wright Resolutions and NIAB.
Classroom instruction and practical tutorials formed the basis of the day and members who were registered with the relevant schemes were also able to earn NRoSO and Dairy Pro points.
Anthony Boeson, from Elham YFC in Norfolk and member of the AGRI Steering Group, is an arable farmer and contractor and attended the course. “The course was very beneficial. We do a lot of research on top of the land and so it was good to see what is going on under the ground so we can ensure we conserve it for the future,” said Anthony.
“Learning about the soil is like learning about the foundations of our industry. Without quality, cared-for soil structure we can’t grow top quality produce.”
For more information on training courses available with NFYFC, visit our courses section.
05 March 2015
Wales Young Farmers’ Clubs are celebrating after their funding has been restored by the Wales Government following a major campaign.
Wales YFC faced pressure after it was revealed they would lose £140,000 of funding from 1 April due to budget cuts from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the Welsh Government.
In response to the news, Young Farmers launched an online petition and gathered support from rural communities to fight the decision.
The Government has now agreed to award £88,600 of ‘transitional’ funding to Wales YFC while it develops a new five year plan. It is a one-off grant, and Wales YFC will need to adopt a new business model for future funding.
Iwan Meirion, Wales YFC chairman, said: “The on-going support of our members, supporters and stakeholders across Wales is much appreciated, particularly so in the last month.
"Clearly, the quality and value of services provided by the YFC across Wales is appreciated and acknowledged, and funding those services in the long term is a challenge.
"We now look forward to working with officials for the Welsh Government to fully understand and then implement the programme announced this afternoon.”
The funding cuts are a cause for concern for all YFCs and the NFYFC Council is currently reviewing services and ways of working. A 20% increase in the national levy has also been proposed by the NFYFC Council to help with some of the £200,000 shortfall in funding the Federation is facing.
03 March 2015
A lack of interest in a career in farming and food supply has prompted two of the industry’s major youth organisations to join forces to help promote the opportunities available for young people.01 March 2015
An opportunity to learn more about new technologies in agriculture at two major manufacturers in France has helped a group of Young Farmers improve their skills.
The NFYFC study tour was funded by Defra and involved visits to two factories in France owned by two of the Federation’s sponsors.
Massey Ferguson invited members to tour their factory in Beauvais, while Kuhn Farm Machinery showcased their facilities in Saverne.
On the four day trip, the 26 Young Farmers learnt more about the production lines in both factories and could see the types of job roles available in agricultural engineering.
James Hutchinson from Malmesbury YFC in Wiltshire was one of the members on the trip and was impressed by the scale of the two factories.
“It was really interesting to see how two major manufacturers have grown over the years and how they were looking to expand and modernise using new technologies. I work on a farm where we use a lot of Kuhn machinery and it was interesting to see how they build them and the quality control checks they went through before being sold.”
Agri Officer Jo Wyles joined members on the trip and said it was great to be able to see how both companies produce quality machinery for farmers all over the world.
“Members were also inspired by the job prospects in the industry and the different types of machinery they could use on their farms,”said Jo. “We’re really grateful for the funding from Defra and to our sponsors for their hospitality in France.”
It wasn’t all work though, as members still found time to do some sightseeing in Paris and Reims – including a trip up the Eiffel Tower.
James added: “Although I have been skiing in France, I have never seen much of the countryside before and it was interesting to visit Paris and appreciate more of the culture. Our bus driver was great at pointing out all the landmarks as we travelled across the country too.”
Plans are already underway for the next study tour which will be a visit to Agritechnica in November. Anyone interested in taking part should register their interest with Jo Wyles.
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