AN incredible £135,000 has been raised for charity thanks to the Devon Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (YFC).
And the federation has seen many more successes in the past year as well. This year 1,861 members have joined Devon YFC, which is the highest membership the federation has seen in more than 20 years. This now means that Devon YFC is the largest Young Farmers' federation in England and Wales.
As well as this, this year has seen the highest number of members taking the opportunity to travel abroad, and there has been a record number of entries at the Devon County Show and the annual Livestock Show and Sale at Exeter Market.
A new county officer team will be welcomed on November 24, at the Devon YFC AGM.
Vicki Gilbert, outgoing Devon YFC County Chairman, said: “I have been incredibly proud to see our membership achieve so much over the past year and it has been such a privilege having the role of County Chairman.
“Our 37 clubs have put on such a brilliant and diverse programme for our members, and it’s great to see so many young people realising the benefits of becoming a member. I can’t wait to see the federation continue to grow for years to come.”
Rasing money is an important part of the work that young farmers do - and it is no different in Devon. This year Yarcombe YFC from East Devon raised £15,492 for Hospice Care, through fundraising activities that included a tractor run, entertainments performance, charity cream tea and more.
Braunton YFC from North Devon also raised a total of £10,700 split between three charities. They organised a ‘Big Breakfast’ event, Christmas tree collection, dung sale, tractor run, charity auction and several other local events.
Incoming county chairman, Dan Grist, said they were 'so proud' raising an incredible £135,701 for charity.
"From spending hours rehearsing for charity entertainment performances, to days outside in the rain running charity dung sales, the sheer quantity and diversity of YFC fundraisers each year is staggering," he added.
“As well as raising external funds for charities, this figure doesn’t include the money raised to keep our own clubs and the Devon federation running, which are charities in themselves.
“I owe so much to YFC - my social life, personal development and career wouldn’t be the same without it. I want as many people as possible to have the opportunities I have had. It’s going to be a busy year, but I’m so excited to go out and support our 37 clubs, whilst also supporting our county officer team to deliver a brilliant Devon YFC programme.”
To get involved with Devon YFC, visit their website.
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