YFCs are vital to rural skills and employment, says new report
© Dusan Kostic/Alamy Stock Photo The employability and skill sets of future farmers in Wales have been boosted by membership of Young Farmer’s Clubs, according to the Wales YFC’s latest annual impact report.
In a survey of nearly 6,000 members, made up of young farmers from 138 YFC Clubs and 12 County Federations, findings reveal that the clubs play a vital role in bringing opportunities to young people in rural areas that will set them up for employed life.
Some 87% said that their employability and skill sets had increased as a result of their YFC involvement, and that the experiences they had gained had helped them to find jobs.
See also: What does the future hold for agricultural apprenticeships?
Public speaking, animal management skills, giving presentations, and using the Welsh language were listed as some of the most meaningful opportunities, with 80% saying that their confidence had grown as a result.
Health and wellbeing
More than 75% of participants said that being part of a YFC had significantly helped their health and wellbeing.
They listed a range of reasons, including forming strong friendships outside of school, the chance to learn and try new things in a safe environment, feeling they can be themselves, and feeling more confident to take on challenges.
Welsh heritage and culture
The impact report also highlights the role that YFCs across Wales play in preserving the Welsh language.
More than 60% of members are Welsh speakers, and, through various activities, young people are given opportunities to speak Welsh in a variety of different scenarios. This, the report says, is in total contrast with classroom-based learning in school.
The report also found that the clubs are vital to making the Welsh language visible and accessible at events, and give young people the credence to speak in Welsh at competitions, within their friendship groups, and even in drama productions.
Employability
- 87% said their employability and skills had increased as a result of YFC
- 80% said their confidence had grown with public speaking at YFC events
- 75% said that YFC supports their health and wellbeing
- 60% nurtured their ability to speak Welsh at YFC
- 70% said that YFC was key to supporting rural sustainability
Young Farmers helped me to find a job
Dominic Hampson-Smith, based near Usk, does not come from a traditional farming background.
He says being part of a YFC has been key to finding employment in the agricultural sector as a new entrant.
“My vision was always to become a vet. I’m very hands on, but just not as gifted on the academic side, so I took a very long-winded route with the aim of becoming a vet by going to agricultural college.”
At college, Dominic joined his local YFC, and after getting to know local farmers, he gained some experience by taking jobs on farms.
“I fell in love with farming, and that’s where my aspirations changed. I became more and more involved and took on roles within my club committee” he says.
“It is really tricky for new entrants at the moment, but Young Farmers has played a massive role for me personally, whether it’s the networking, the travelling, or the events I attend in my role as vice-chairman of the rural affairs committee.”
Now working on a mixed beef and sheep farm, Dominic says that hearing about the opportunities for different ways and means of getting into farming has encouraged him.
One day, he hopes to have his own flock and land.
“Without a doubt I would not be the person that I am, and where I am within agriculture, without Young Farmers.
“Even aside from the job opportunities, the life skills that YFC has given me are incredible. I recommend it to anyone.”
