Prime your engines and hold onto your flat caps – the Christmas Tractor Run, organised by the Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs takes a new route for 2024!
The Staffordshire countryside will once again see around 100 festive tractors take to the road in a charity Christmas convoy on Sunday 8 December from 5pm.
Arranged by Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs, this will be the fifth year of our family-friendly festive event, with an impressive parade of tractors old and new travelling a 20-mile route through the villages of Seighford, Derrington, Haughton, Gnosall, Woodseaves, Eccleshall & Ellenhall.
The procession is a sight to behold each tractor is lit up with fairy lights, and the more daring drivers even add inflated Santas and rotating Christmas trees! The proceeds from this years event will be split between Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and Staffordshire Young Farmers Club.
The main sponsors for this years run are JCB Agriculture and Halso UK Fuels, along with support from 18 local companies which will all help to make this a night to remember!
David Timmis, Product & Marketing Manager for JCB Agriculture, said:
“JCB Agriculture is proud to be a main sponsor of Staffordshire YFC Christmas Tractor Run, raising money for 2 fantastic charities, both of which ensure the wellbeing of the next generation of future farmers.”
Emma Osborn, Managing Director of Halso UK Fuels said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be part of this incredible charity event. Halso has been proudly supporting Young Farmers since 1967, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity holds a special place in our hearts as a charity that does life-changing work for children and their families. Events like these not only allow us to give back to the community but also bring people together in the spirit of generosity and joy. At Halso, we believe in the power of community and tradition, and this is a wonderful opportunity to continue that legacy while making a real difference.” –
Staffordshire YFC are busy preparing for the night, which involves a team of over 80 stewards and helpers, along with members bucket collecting in the local villages. We look forward to seeing all the public supporting along the route, an online donation can be made here – Fundraiser by STAFFORDSHIRE YFC : Staffordshire YFC Tractor Run 2024
Please follow the Staffordshire YFC Facebook page for more information on the event, including a live tracker on the night!
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
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
On Thursday 31st October, Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) held their County AGM in the Ingestre Suite, County Showground, Stafford. The evening was kindly supported by Pickering and Butters Solicitors, a firm of Staffordshire Solicitors who were founded over a century ago, with offices based in Stafford and Rugeley. Katie White, Head of Department for Business at Pickering & Butters said “We are honoured to continue our long association with Staffordshire YFC by sponsoring their 2024 AGM. We look after the interests of many clients in the rural community, including those from the younger generation. We are privileged to be given the opportunity to support Staffordshire YFC by sponsoring events such as the AGM and we hope our relationship with Staffordshire YFC will continue to flourish.”
The County AGM was attended by over 200 invited guests and members of the Federation and is the most prestigious meeting of the Staffordshire YFC year.
James Freeman gave his Chairman’s Report on the last year of all things Staffordshire YFC , highlighting their favourite memories and moments along the way including we wettest Staffordshire County Show for years and a successful charity luncheon which has allowed the Federation to purchase our own defibrillator. James, a member of Chase Young Farmers said “It has genuinely been one of the best years of my life after having some truly amazing experiences. It hasn’t always been plain sailing, but it has honestly been one of the most enjoyable years and an absolute sheer delight and honour to be the County Chairman of Staffordshire YFC.”
During his report, James also presented the Federation with a new award for the Most Outstanding Individual Stock judger of the year. This year, the award was presented to Adele Sweetmore of Waterhouses YFC.
It was reported by Cathie Hurdman, County Organiser, during the meeting that Staffordshire YFC had 585 members aged 10 – 28 years at 31st August 2024.
John Stone was re-elected the County President for a second year. John said “Thank you for electing me again as your County President, it is a privilege to serve the federation for a second year. I have been made to feel very welcome at all club events. It has been great to see the friendship and fun factor as well as a lot of hard work behind the scenes in all clubs. Please keep up the good work in your clubs, county and the wider community to promote YFC.”
Richard Robinson was re – elected as the Senior Deputy President for the Federation.
The presentations of awards were made by Mr Tim Williams, Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Chairman, to the following Clubs and Individuals:
Most Outstanding County Officer: Andy Hill, Social and Funding Chairman.
David Palij Award: Awarded to the Club that has done the most for charity/community work during the last 12 months.
Winner: Ashley YFC; Runners up: Uttoxeter JNFU
Manifold Marketing Award: Awarded to the Club who best promotes their Club and engagement in Club, County & Community Events.
Winner: Eccleshall YFC; Runners-up: Ashley YFC
The Richard Mottershead Club Programme Award: Awarded to the Club gaining the highest number of points within the Club Efficiency Competition for the Club Programme section.
Winner: Ashley YFC; Joint Runners up: Chase YFC and Eccleshall YFC
Scrapbook Award: Awarded to the Club who produces the most interesting and unique scrapbook based on the activities of their own Club over the past membership year.
Winner: Ashley YFC; Runner Up: Eccleshall YFC
Junior Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Leek YFC and Uttoxeter JNFU; Runners Up: Ashley YFC, Lichfield YFC and Waterhouses YFC
Intermediate Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Chase YFC; Runners Up: Uttoxeter JNFU and Waterhouses YFC
Senior Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Waterhouses YFC; Runner Up: Eccleshall YFC.
Overall Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Eccleshall YFC and Waterhouses YFC; Runner Up: Leek YFC.
Overall Cup for the County Show: Winner: Cheadle YFC; Runner up: Eccleshall YFC
Most Improved Club – Competitions Cup: Awarded to the Club that has achieved the highest improvement in points for competitions from the 2022/23 year.
Winner: Cheadle YFC; Runner Up: Leek YFC
Small Clubs Trophy: Awarded to one of the four smallest Clubs in the County with regard to membership, that has achieved the most points throughout the year for competitions.
Winner: Cheadle YFC; Runner Up: Lichfield YFC
Mr Ken Unwin MBE Memorial Cup: Awarded to the Club who most improves in Public Speaking, Stock Judging, Carcase Judging and Tug of War.
Winner: Eccleshall YFC; Runner Up: Ashley YFC
David Stubbs Award: Awarded to the Club who most improves in Dairy Stockjudging, Stockman/Young Stockjudge of the Year and Carcase Judging.
Winner: Eccleshall YFC; Runner Up: Lichfield YFC
Overall Competitions Cup: Presented to the club with the most points for the Competitions that have been held for the last 12 months:
Joint Winners: Eccleshall YFC and Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner Up: Chase YFC
W.H.D. Hobson Cup: Awarded to the Club with the highest increase in membership.
Winner: Lichfield YFC; Runner Up: Eccleshall YFC
Newsletter Shield: For the best contribution to the Young Farmers’ Book of the Year
Winners: Ashley YFC; Runner Up: Eccleshall YFC
The Staffordshire YFA Travel Ambassador Award: Jessica Powell and Polly Baines who went on the Farm Exchange Tour to Albania in October 2024.
Staffordshire YFC/FCN Kindness & Compassion Award: This was awarded to George and Paddy, brothers from Ashley YFC for their kindness to the elderly in their local community and also at home with a family member.
Mr & Mrs W.A. Taylor Senior Merit Award: Awarded to the most outstanding individual at Club or County level.
This was presented to Molly Sammons of Eccleshall YFC. Molly was the Club Secretary for Eccleshall YFC as well as a Competitions Chairman for the County. During the year she has made an outstanding contribution including coordinating the Clubs Speed Shear, weekly activities and stewarding and promoting numerous competitions and events.
Emily Cartmail of Eccleshall YFC was the Runner Up Member for this award.
Junior Merit Award: This is presented to the most outstanding junior individual at Club or County level. This was presented to Tom of Lichfield YFC. Tom has been an outstanding Club Chairman and shown great leadership skills. His enthusiasm and encouragement have ensured that Lichfield YFC have had a very successful year. He has been described as “the true definition of a young farmer and inspiring rural young leader.”
Katie O’Nions of Eccleshall YFC was the Runner Up Member for this award.
NFYFC Certificates of Achievement were also presented to all members who had taken part in the National Federation of Young Farmers finals of various competitions throughout the year.
As part of their ongoing support to Staffordshire YFC, The Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society kindly sponsored two places for members to attend The Oxford Farming Conference, which is a highlight of the agriculture and food industry calendar and held in January 2025. After submitting a 500-word statement giving reasons as to why they should attend, Danny Emmott and Andy Hill were both chosen to represent Staffordshire YFC at this prestigious event.
The final awards of the evening are the most prestigious to receive and are judged throughout the year as a “Club Efficiency” Competition, which encapsulates all aspects of a YFC Club. The aim of the competition is to encourage members and Club Officers to work together as an effective team for the benefit of all members. Judges look for all aspects of how the clubs are run and hope to see good club administration and record keeping, strong leadership and governance and active promotion of the clubs through publicity and community engagement. They also want to see teamwork, ideas and enthusiasm from all club members. From this competition, the following awards were presented:
Most Outstanding Chairman: Winner: Hollie Kelly, Chase YFC
Runner-up: Tom Harrison, Lichfield YFC
Most Outstanding Secretary: Winner: Liv Larsson, Ashley YFC
Joint Runners-up: Kate Oakes, Chase YFC & Molly Sammons, Eccleshall YFC
Most Outstanding Treasurer: Winner: Archie Woodward, Leek YFC
Runner-up: William Matthews, Ashley YFC
Most Outstanding Club Leader: Winner: James Freeman, Chase YFC
Joint Runners-up: Natalie Bradley & Emily Cartmail, Eccleshall YFC
Club Efficiency Shield: Joint Winners: Ashley YFC & Chase YFC
Runner-up: Leek YFC
Photos from The evening can be found HERE
The Carcase Judging Competition was held by kind permission of TG Sargeant & Sons. Well done to all competitors and thanks to the hosts, judges, stewards, scorers and also to the Farmers Arms for hosting us for the result giving afterwards – superb hospitality as always.
Pictures are available HERE
Results as follows;
21 & UNDER – BEEF
1ST Jessica Yardley Eccleshall 135pts
=2ND Oliver F Chase 128pts
=2ND Abigail P Uttoxeter 128pts
21 & UNDER – PORK
1ST Meg Harvey Eccleshall 95pts
2ND Adele S Waterhouses 89pts
3RD George Large Cheadle 88pts
28 & UNDER – BEEF
1ST Hollie Kelly Chase 140pts
2ND Connor Whitehead Eccleshall 138pts
3RD Rob Mollatt Uttoxeter 136pts
28 & UNDER – PORK
=1ST Emily Cartmail Eccleshall 92pts
=1ST Kate Oakes Chase 92pts
3RD James Freeman Chase 90pts
OVERALL TEAMS
1ST ECCLESHALL 460pts
=2ND CHASE B 431pts
=2ND CHEADLE 431pts
On Sunday 28th July, several clubs took part in the Annual Raft Ride
Results were;
FEMALE
1ST – UTTOXETER
2ND – ECCLESHALL A
3RD – STONE
MALE
1ST – UTTOXETER A
2ND – CHEADLE
3RD – ECCLESHALL
Photos from the evening can be seen HERE
The Pre Show Reception this year was kindly supported by HSKSG Accountants, Abbotsholme School and Farmart. Results from the following competitions on the night were :
Leslie T Chester ‘Blog’ Writing Competition
1st – Emily Cartmail – Eccleshall YFC
2nd – Kate Oakes – Chase YFC
3rd – Olivia Lockett – Ashley YFC
YFC’s Got Talent Competition
1st – Eccleshall YFC – Ruby O Riley
2nd – Uttoxeter JNFU – Abi Palmer
This year Stockman of the Year competition was held bkp of The Goldstraw Family, Huddale Farm, Colton, Waterhouses. 8 clubs took part on the day, which each member having to judge, place and give reasons in the following categories, beef, dairy, breeding ewes and butchers lambs.
The results were:
Young Stockjudge of the Year (18 & under)
1st – Waterhouses YFC, 2nd – Eccleshall YFC, 3rd – Uttoxeter JNFU
Stockman of the Year (28 & under)
1st – Eccleshall YFC, 2nd – Waterhouses YFC, 3rd – Chase YFC
18 & Under Stockjudge of the Year
1st – Adele (Waterhouses YFC), 2nd – Adam (Uttoxeter JNFU), 3rd – Jess (Eccleshall YFC)
28 & Under Stockjudge of the Year
1st – Rob (Eccleshall YFC), 2nd – Peter (Waterhouses YFC), 3rd – Will (Eccleshall)
Overall Stockjudging Team (18 & under & 28 & under)
1st – Waterhouses YFC, 2nd – Eccleshall YFC, 3rd – Leek YFC
Prize money on the day was kindly donated by Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society.
Photos from the day can be found HERE
Photos from the day can be found HERE
