A junior member of Bedfordshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs has plans to climb the YFC ranks after winning the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ (NFYFC) Junior Member of the Year competition.
Winner Erin, 15, has been a member of Silsoe YFC for nearly four years. She plays an active role in the club, managing its social media and serving on the county executive team.
After progressing through the county and Area rounds of the Junior Member of the Year competition, Erin competed against six finalists at the national final in Staffordshire on Saturday 5 July – an experience that has significantly boosted her confidence. Now, she's setting her sights even higher.
“I'm still so shocked that I’m even worthy of this award but I've gained so much confidence through it, so many more public speaking skills, interview skills, interpersonal skills – it's a fantastic competition,” said Erin.
“In the future, I want to eventually go on to maybe being a county chair – and maybe even one day, national chair. Those are my big, big goals. But I want to have a go at everything.”
With over half of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ members now under 18, choosing the Junior Member of the Year has become more competitive than ever.
NFYFC’s Junior Member of the Year competition celebrates the achievements and contributions of younger YFC members.
Finalists were asked to submit a synopsis form 28 days before the final, outlining their YFC activities. On the day of the final, the seven finalists each gave a presentation and took part in a formal interview with the judges, who included Andrew Palmer, Head of Agriculture at Lantra.
Andrew said he found it difficult to choose between the finalists during the process as they had all shown a passion for YFC and taken on responsibility from a young age.
“As a judge I was looking for that difference. This year’s finalists had that across the board, all demonstrating skills and learnings from their time as a YFC member, “ said Andrew. “They all wanted to go the extra mile in YFC – not only at club and county level but also aiming their sights nationally too.
“Erin pipped our scores as she was from a non-farming background and demonstrated how YFC is open to all. Special mention must go to second place Molly. Agriculture is in her blood, and she’s deeply passionate not only about farming but also about YFC. I believe both Erin and Molly will go on to have leading roles in YFC.”
The Junior Member of the Year competition helps develop vital skills such as self-evaluation, communication, and presentation while highlighting participants' dedication to their clubs and communities.
Erin, who is not from a farming background and joined YFC after being persuaded by family friends, agreed the competition provides important life skills.
“Junior Member of the Year is probably one of my favourite competitions that Young Farmers offers,” said Erin.
“I think it gives us junior members a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the small time that we’ve spent in Young Farmers and to gain big ambitions for the future – as well as getting a really good chance in an interview scenario.”
Erin received the Di Chennells trophy at the awards ceremony, with Molly from Furness YFC in Cumbria coming second and Grace from Wedmore YFC in Somerset placing third.
