What is Young Farmers?

Gloucestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is part of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, which is the UK’s largest rural youth organisation.

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs has over 20,000 members across the UK and is run by the members, for the members. Gloucestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs currently has 12 active clubs and around 500 members, aged between 10 and 26.

Young Farmers is an organisation that provides people with fun, learning and achievement opportunities. It is a club for individuals who have a love for agriculture or rural life. One of the common misconceptions of Young Farmers is that you have to be a farmer to take part; you definitely don’t!

What does Young Farmers do?
Young Farmers provides young people with plenty of opportunities; from developing skills, learning about the countryside, working with local communities, travelling abroad, taking part in a varied competitions schedule and attending social events; there’s something for everyone!
Young Farmers offers rural communities a social calendar and helps you find friends for life. We provide a strong network of opportunities and a great chance to learn new skills – whether it’s learning how to stock judge, preparing for the next floristry competition or just heading out to a local ice cream parlour for a tour with other members.
Who can join Young Farmers?
Anyone between the ages of 10 and 26 can join Young Farmers. You don’t have to be a farmer to be in Young Farmers, just so long as you love the countryside.
Why should you join the Gloucestershire Federation?
We’re fun, friendly and approachable – we’re a close county, with a variety of different sized individual clubs. We all know each other and pride ourselves on the friendships within the county. Clubs enjoy catching up with each other, but there is also a healthy dose of club rivalry! You can be sure you will be welcomed, not just the first time you come along, but every time!
Interested in joining?
If you’re interested in joining us, head over to our county’s club pages to find your nearest club. Read all about each club and then give them a call to find out when would be best for you to go along. We recommend trying a few clubs to get a feel for how each one runs. Alternatively, give our county office a call on 01452 526 032 or drop us an email on office@gloucestershireyfc.co.uk for more information or help.

Young Farmers structure

Feeling a little bit confused about the structure of Young Farmers? Here’s how it works!

National

Every Young Farmer’s Club member is affiliated to the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC). NFYFC has a President, a Chairman, staff and a board of management. These roles include area representatives, as well as a council and steering groups.

Find out more by visiting NFYFC’s website

Areas

There are seven areas: Northern, East Midlands, West Midlands, Eastern, South East, South West and Wales.

Each county is part of an area across the UK. Every area has a committee and representatives from the counties within that area who are responsible for discussing and making decisions, reporting area decisions back to National, organising competition days and even organising events for the members.

Gloucestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs sits within the South West Area.

County

Alongside Gloucestershire in the South West Area are Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire.

Each county has a committee, including a County Chairman and various other roles. Gloucestershire also has a County Organiser and a County Administrator working part-time in the county office.

There are also several sub-committees responsible for different aspects of the county. For example, the rally working party is responsible for organising our county show day, where all the different clubs compete against each other in competitions.

Clubs

Each county has their own clubs that are run purely by the members. Each club votes in a Club Chairman and Secretary at the beginning of the Young Farmers’ year in September. The Chairman and Secretary are responsible for leading the club and organising meetings. The Chairman and Secretary are also accountable for relaying back members views and ideas to the county. Each club is different – some clubs meet once a week, others meet just twice a month. Clubs are encouraged to participate in inter-club meetings.

Gloucestershire clubs: Gloucester, Hartpury, Moreton-in-Marsh, Newent, Olveston, Painswick, Royal Agricultural University, Sodbury Vale, Tewkesbury, Westbury-on-Severn, Winchcombe, and Wotton and Dursley Vale.

Gloucestershire’s county committee

County President

Brigette Hall

County Chairman

Cam Adams

County Vice-Chairman

County Treasurer

Finance and General-Purpose Chair

Activities and Development Chair

Rally Working Party Chair

Gloucestershire’s office staff

County Administrator

Rachel Perry