On Sunday, 24th November, over 80 members of Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs took part in a variety of Public Speaking competitions. The day was kindly supported by Elanco Animal Health based in Bristol.
In the first competition of the day, Junior Reading, each team, comprising of three members aged 10 – 14 years read out three chosen passages from “The Vally of Lost Secrets” by Lesley Parr. The winning team was from Waterhouses YFC, in second place came Ashley YFC. The other competition held for younger members was the Junior Speaking, where members aged 10 – 16 years form teams who act as a Chairman, Speaker and Proposer of the Vote of Thanks. Winning that competition was Waterhouses YFC, closely followed by Ashley YFC in second place.
Members also took part in the Brainstrust Competition aged 21 and under. After the teams competed the overall results were Cheadle YFC in first place, Waterhouses YFC taking second and Eccleshall YFC coming in third place. This competition involves the team debating questions which are topical at the time. Each teams’ chair has a selected batch which contain six question topics, three of a general nature and three on rural affairs, from which they select three for discussion by the team. One question must be selected from each section plus one other. The Chair has no prior communication with the team about the questions they have selected to be discussed. The competition makes for a great debate.
The ever-popular Situations Vacant Competition was also held, based on the members applying for a job of their choice, competitors had to submit an application form and covering letter prior to the competition and then participate in a ‘mock’ job interview. This Competition is split into two age categories – 16 – 21 years – Victoria Astle of Waterhouses YFC came first with Alice Boothby of Uttoxeter JNFU coming second and Jade Talbot of Eccleshall YFC took third place. In the 22 – 28 years category, in first place was Sam Atherton from Ashley YFC with Natalie Bradley in second place from Eccleshall YFC and Kate Oakes in third place from Chase YFC.
The first placed teams in these competitions will go forward to represent Staffordshire at the West Midlands Area Finals on 16th March 2025, which is being hosted by Staffordshire.
Also, on Sunday, the County round of Member of the Year (17 and under) and (18 and over) were held. Abi P of Uttoxeter JNFU was the winner of the 17 and under Section. Competitors were required to complete a Synopsis Form giving details of their activities within YFC over the previous 12 months as well as information about school, career aspirations, and activities outside YFC. An informal interview and power point presentation also took place on the day. In second place was Paddy M of Ashley YFC and in third place was Katie B of Waterhouses YFC.
Abi P will go forward to represent Staffordshire YFC at the West Midlands Area.
Senior competitors were required to complete an information sheet giving details of their experience with Young Farmers and attend an interview with the competition judges on the day. All the judges on the day commented on the high standard of competitors and felt that the federation had some very enthusiastic and confident members to take on roles in their clubs in the future.
Senior Member of the Year was won by Hollie Kelly of Chase YFC, she will be representing Staffordshire YFC at the West Midlands Area round.
Later in the day, members were invited to take part in ‘Just a Minute’ Competition based on the radio quiz The panellists are asked in rotation, to speak for one minute on a given subject, without “hesitation, repetition or deviation.” The winning team was from Ashley YFC with Chase YFC coming second and Cheadle YFC coming a close third.
To round off a great day of Competitions, Waterhouses YFC provided a demonstration of their Cheerleading routine. Ashley YFC also demonstrated their Ballroom Dancing routine. Waterhouses and Ashley YFC will represent Staffordshire at the West Midlands Area final of this competition, hosted by Staffordshire on Sunday 16th March 2025.
These competitions are very kindly supported by Elanco Animal Health. Jeremy Glover of Glover Intell Consulting said, “We here at Elanco Animal Health were honoured to support the Young Farmers Public Speaking, Interviewing and Debating Event. It is inspiring to see the passion, talent and potential displayed by these young leaders who are shaping the future of agriculture.
By sponsoring this event, we hope to encourage these individuals to continue building the skills that will help them thrive both personally and professionally. Communication, critical thinking and leadership are essential qualities, and it is a privilege to be part of an initiative that fosters these traits we saw first hand during the interviews with all the candidates.
Thank you for allowing us to contribute to such a meaningful cause. We look forward to seeing the continued success of these young farmers and supporting future endeavours that help them frow and excel.”
The day of competitions held on Sunday is a great example of the opportunities which all YFC members have to develop their public speaking skills, take up new competitions and meet like-minded young people from across the county.
Photos from the day can be found HERE
