Young Farmers’ Clubs voted in favour of supporting their national Federation during a lengthy debate at the 94th Annual Meeting of Clubs in Newtown, Wales this weekend (25-26 April 2026).
NFYFC Council proposed a motion to increase the annual membership fee to £48 by September 2027 and up to £52 by 2029, which attracted five amendments from different county federations.
The original motion was proposed by Sophie Olds from Cornwall and seconded by Rosie Finney from Lincolnshire, after it had been agreed by the NFYFC Council at their meeting in February.
The well-attended AMC, which ran over by an hour and a half, was one of the longest in the Federation’s history. YFC members from across England and Wales were in attendance, with many more watching on a live stream.
The topic had been widely discussed in clubs and counties in the run up to the AMC, with members preparing speeches for and against the motions and amendments.
With four amendments to the original Council motion defeated, it was the final motion from Cumbria FYFC that was eventually made the substantive motion and subsequently passed by a majority of 88.2% of the votes from clubs.
Abigail Graham from Cumbria proposed the motion to increase the subscription fee to £42.50 to be billed on 1 September 2027, increasing to £46.00 the following year.
Abigail said she wasn’t just representing a regional view but helping to “safeguard the future of our organisation, one that changes the lives of hundreds of young people every year.”
The Cumbria proposal recognised the gap in NFYFC’s funding, but Abigail highlighted how families were also under pressure and that a substantial rise in the membership fee could cause people to leave the organisation.
The NFYFC Board of Management has recently launched a new five-year strategy to secure NFYFC’s position as the leading member-led charity for rural young people. Improving its financial stability for the charity is one of the four strategic priorities.
NFYFC Chair of Council Jessica Rose, who is also a Board member, said:
“I was proud of the way our members conducted themselves at the meeting, sharing the views of the members in their counties and clubs whilst suggesting practical ideas to move forward. I am thankful for the respect shown even when people's views differed. and I truly hope everyone felt their voices were heard.
“I want our members to feel proud to be part of a national body of YFCs. The increase in the subscription fee will go some way to helping secure our future, allowing us to deliver the services our members want. Thank you again for your support.”
Throughout the discussions, YFC members raised the many benefits they gained from being part of YFC and wanted to see the national federation continue so it could achieve more on the members’ behalf.
Harry Sprague from Devon YFC talked about how his county had recently increased its membership fee, following a vote at their AGM, as they are also struggling financially.
“Those are general members on the ground believing they have a future within YFC to allow it to put its membership fees up,” said Harry.
“As a proud Devonian, I support the proposal brought forward by a Cornish woman. As you may know Devon and Cornwall get on like chalk and cheese, but today I think we’re going to get on like cream and jam.”
One speech won the attention of the judges for being the most outstanding contribution to the democratic proceedings of the meeting.
Wales YFC President David Price and newly-elected Life Vice President Alethea Snelling awarded William Grovestock from Hertfordshire with the Sydney Fawcett trophy for his speech defending the Council proposal.
William joked about how much money his parents had spent on swimming lessons for him when he was younger, as well as highlighting the money members could save through YFC affinity deal discounts to emphasise why the membership fee was worth the increase.
“I wasn’t overly prepared to speak, but when I got there my county/Area announced to me I had to stand up and speak which made me shrink in my chair a little bit. I put my brave pants on and I walked up there off the cuff with a few notes – but that’s what Young Farmers has given me the confidence to do.
“The whole debate was an amazing experience to be in as a young person and to have control over what we are doing as an organisation. You are voicing your point of view for your members that you are representing at a county level. I was very scared but it’s a welcoming warm room and a great place to express how your county is represented.’
The judges said William had brought humour to the room with the comments he made about his swimming lessons but that he had also ensured it related to the points he wanted to raise about supporting the motion.
William urged others to speak up at meetings, regardless of the size of the county they are from. “It doesn’t matter how big or small a county you come from, your point, your opinion, your view and your members’ views are a massive thing that you need to carry forward.”
