Young farmers shout about what makes NFYFC special
Members of the National Federation of Young Farmers have been sharing information about the organisation's good work on Twitter © Colin Miller/Recalibrated Young farmers are coming together to share how being a member of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) has benefited themselves and others.
In the wake of antisocial behaviour involving a small minority of members during the organisation’s annual convention in Blackpool earlier this month, a campaign using the hashtag #TrueYFC has been kick-started to encourage members to shout about the positive work young farmers do.
NFYFC’s chairman of council Lynsey Martin said the reputation of Young Farmers had been damaged and they needed to show that such behaviour, which led to two arrests, was not representative of the organisation or its 23,500 members.
See also: Full coverage of the 2018 NFYFC Annual Convention
“I am sorry so many people have been left with a bad impression of YFC – our federation is so much more than that.
“We have a lot of work to do now to prove that and I have called on all our members to take part in a campaign called #TrueYFC to start promoting all of the positive work that we do and to encourage them to do more.
“We mustn’t lose sight of the amazing organisation that NFYFC is, the opportunities it brings to young people in rural areas and the support it gives to the next generation of farmers.”
YFC is the biggest part of my life and I know for a fact if it wasn’t for the federation I wouldn’t have achieved and learnt half as many things as I have!! ?? #TrueYFC @NFYFC pic.twitter.com/SNyu7C3jyk
— Bea (@bea_hodge) May 16, 2018
YFC has been such a major part of my life for a number of years now and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now without it! #trueyfc pic.twitter.com/mI1UA4MX36
— Amy Trehane (@AmyTrehane1) May 16, 2018
My Young Farmer years are hands down my best years! The experiences I’ve gained and the friends I’ve made will stick with me for life❤️ #TrueYFC #yfcdoitbest @NFYFC pic.twitter.com/ECtemsToAj
— abbY (@kellow_abby) May 19, 2018
UP THE CRASWALL!! Never been so proud to be a part of a club with such AMAZING team spirit! Showing that the underdogs can get to the top with consistent hard work from all our club members ????? #trueYFC @NFYFC https://t.co/k1jz1dBLJr
— EllieLayton (@EllieLayton) May 21, 2018
Fantastic day at Devon county show from static classes to stockjudging… just shows how amazing yfc really is? #yfcdoitbest #trueyfc #chairmanschallenge @DevonYFC @NFYFC pic.twitter.com/UpiLGMFPKL
— Becks (@Becky_Dennis1) May 19, 2018
Disciplinary process
Ms Martin said the federation is meeting with Blackpool Council and a serious review is under way into the future viability of the annual convention weekend, which this year saw about 6,100 young farmers come together in the Lancashire seaside town between 4 and 6 May.
She added those involved in antisocial behaviour incidents have been identified and disciplinary processes are taking place, including removal of membership status.
