St Columb YFC in Cornwall has been crowned the winner of this year’s National Young Farmers’ Week Scarecrow Competition, celebrating the creativity and community spirit of young farmers across the country.
The announcement was made by TV presenter and former NFYFC President Matt Baker from Westminster Abbey during the national Harvest Festival.
Matt praised the entries, saying:
“Brilliant entries from up and down the land. Top effort across the board. A big shout out to Ashford in Kent who nearly clinched it with the charity tractor run all driven by scarecrows — loved that one.
“The winner is a heartfelt message of community, a perfect example of what young farmers and farmers all across Britain do for everybody, so huge congratulations to St Columb YFC in Cornwall.”
The winning display from St Columb featured a scarecrow dressed in a St Columb YFC jumper providing a basket of vegetables to a scarecrow dressed as an elderly lady.
The scene was placed at Mole Valley Farmers in St Columb to show how the club contributes to the community and supports charities. They also advertised their new members’ meeting on the display.
The club has won a £500 voucher to spend on Ariat’s work wear range.
Reflecting on the winning display, Matt added:
“I loved it, I thought it was wonderful. It’s heartfelt, the messages are there, providing for the community, and those faces were scary enough to frighten anybody. But well done to everybody that took part. A lot of effort out there. Keep doing what you’re doing, Young Farmers. We rely on you – you are the future of British farming. Go for it, guys.”
The competition challenged Young Farmers’ Clubs to create a scarecrow scene in their local community, highlighting the positive impact YFC members make on rural life. More than 50 YFCs took part in the competition from across England and Wales, with their positive scarecrow scenes being shared across social media.
Clubs were asked to complete their displays in time for National Young Farmers’ Week, held from 6–10 October 2025. This year’s campaign, themed YFC Makes a Difference, aimed to raise awareness of the organisation and encourage more young people to get involved in local clubs.
St Columb YFC’s winning display stood out for its heartfelt message and striking visual impact, perfectly embodying the theme of community and the dedication of young farmers nationwide.
