On Thursday 12th January, 22 teams met at Woodseaves Village Hall for the ultimate test of grey matter in the County Quiz.
Results are as follows;
1st – Eccleshall D
2nd – Ashley A & Eccleshall B
3rd – Stone
Well done and thanks to everyone that helped
Eccleshall A YFC
Uttoxeter A JNFU
Waterhouses YFCPhil, Chase YFCHarry, Eccleshall YFC & Jack, Stone YFCPhil, Uttoxeter JNFUKim, Cheadle YFCBeth, Eccleshall YFC Lucy, Eccleshall YFCThe Staffordshire YFC Office is closed for the Christmas period from 1pm on Friday 16th December and will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 at 9am.
For any matters of an urgent nature regarding Staffordshire YFC, please contact Emily Cartmail, County Chairlady on 07531 087003.
Staffordshire YFC wishes all its members, vice presidents, officers and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
The Staffordshire countryside saw 100 festively decorated tractors take to the road in a charity Christmas Tractor Run on Sunday 4 December 2022.
Arranged by Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and South Staffs Water, this was the third time a cavalcade of tractors travelled the 20-mile route through the villages of Blithbury, Hamstall Ridware, Hill Ridware, Colton, Admaston, over Blithfield Reservoir and into Abbots Bromley in aid of charity.
The event saw an array of decorations and lights as local farmers created features which included Santa heading down the chimney and a spinning Christmas Tree, putting a smile of the faces of many spectators of all ages who lined the streets to watch.
Donations received so far total £5,700, which will be split between two worthy charities: Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs and Midlands Air Ambulance. The starting point, Longacre Farm, kindly hosted by CH Froggatt and Son, provided the perfect venue to park all 100 tractors before they took to the roads. Longacre Farms are a Woodsure Approved supplier of wood chippings and kiln dried logs, as well as offering a wide range of other services such as tree shearing, cattle bedding, drying facilities and Carp sales. Hosts David and Sian Froggatt kindly judged the “Best Decorated Tractor” on return to the farm, which was awarded to Nicki Hand-Pugh for the Best Vintage Tractor and Andrew Brown of Pie Shak for the Best Modern Tractor.
The event was generously sponsored many local companies including Malcolm Harrison Auctions Ltd, B & B Tractors, EJC Contracting and South Staffs Water.
Nina Yiannoukos-Benton, Senior Catchment Advisor at South Staffs Water, said: “Yet another fantastic year for the Christmas Tractor Run with our largest turn out of tractors and what a spectacle they were! We saw some amazing decorations and a wonderful turn out from our supporters and businesses in the local villages too. Big thank you to all involved and to all who donated for the two charities, Staffordshire YFC and Midland Air Ambulance.”
Julia Taylor, County Organiser at Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said: “I’m so pleased we could bring some festive cheer to the local community again this year. This event is a privilege to organise working with an 80 strong team of volunteer stewards behind the scenes to keep everything running so smoothly. Staffordshire YFC is very grateful to the many sponsors of the event and the crowds this year were so generous with their donations and support.”
Hannah Justice, Staffordshire fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “On behalf of all crew and staff at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, we really appreciate the support from local groups based within the communities we serve, just like Staffordshire Young Farmers Club, who kindly donated £2,500 from its Christmas Tractor Run. The money received will help make eight critical car missions possible.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone wishing to make a donation: https://gofund.me/2b6f2426
To view photos from the event, kindly taken by Rocester Camera Club, please click here.
Junior Reading
1st – Uttoxeter – Abi , Heidi, Henry
2nd – Eccleshall – Charlie, Edward, Barney
3rd – Leek – Molly , Daisy, George
Junior Speaking
1st – Eccleshall – Austin , Heather , Edward
2nd – Abbotsholme – Michael, Mya, Eva
3rd – Uttoxeter – Abi, Heidi, Ed
Intermediate Call My Bluff
1st – Chase A – Kate Oakes, Robbie Nilsen, Billy
2nd – Cheadle – Harry Large, Ellie Platt, Thomas Whilock
3rd – Uttoxeter – Abi , Toby Hall, Vincent Whalley
Senior Brainstrust
1st – Uttoxeter – Polly Baines, Toby Hall, Rob Mollatt, Beckie Phillips
2nd – Cheadle – Sarah Bourne, Tom Whilock, Meg Hallam, Beth Allen
3rd – Eccleshall A – Cath Johnson, Beth Poynton, Will Sammons, Natalie Bradley
Under 17yrs MOTY
1st – George – Cheadle
2nd – Molly – Eccleshall
3rd – Abi – Uttoxeter
18yrs over MOTY – MALE
1st – James Freeman – Chase
18yrs over MOTY – FEMALE
1st – Polly Baines – Uttoxeter
2nd – Hollie Kelly – Chase
3rd – Charlotte Goodwin- Uttoxeter
16-21yrs Situations Vacant
1st – Kate Oakes – Chase
2nd – Natalie Bradley – Eccleshall
3rd – Lucie – Uttoxeter
22-28yrs Situations Vacant
1st – Beth Poynton – Eccleshall
2nd – Lucy Hockenhull – Eccleshall
3rd – Catherine Johnson – Eccleshall
The Gwen Earp-Haward Award – 1st – Uttoxeter JNFU, 2nd – Eccleshall YFC & 3rd – Cheadle YFC – click HERE for a copy of the marksheet
Please click HERE to see photos from the day
On Sunday, 27th November, members from across the Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs will take part in a variety of Public Speaking competitions including Junior Reading, Junior Speaking, Intermediate Call My Bluff, Senior Brainstrust and Situations Vacant. There will also be the Member of the Year Competitions held on the same day.
These competitions are very kindly supported B & B Tractors of Tutbury. Sara Paloni, Group Marketing Manager said “For the third year running B&B Tractors are proud to sponsor Staffordshire YFC County Public Speaking Day. Along with Staffordshire YFC, we believe that encouraging up and coming members to speak publicly about current and popular topics in the agricultural industry is the best way to bring awareness to the farming community.”
Members who come first or second place in the competitions will have the opportunity to take part in the area round which is also being hosted by Staffordshire YFC on Sunday 19th February 2023.
For full details about the day, please click here.
Glamorgan YFC take top spot for the second year!
Glamorgan YFC members were ahead of Somerset YFC taking the Overall Team Cup again at the English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging Competition held on Sunday 20th November. Their members fought off a very high standard of competition from over 100 young farmers’ members across 16 teams entered into this year’s English Winter Fair YFC Stock and Carcase Judging classes. The one-day competition was hailed a great success following a great comeback year for YFC clubs across England and Wales after the pandemic. The competition organiser from Staffordshire YFC, Julia Taylor said “It has been such a positive day with members from across England and Wales travelling to Staffordshire and competing against fellow members in the Stock and Carcase Judging. YFC members really appreciate being able to hold this type of competition using the excellent facilities at the County Showground in Stafford and it is a pleasure to organise them on behalf of the Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society.”
The English Winter Fair took place at the weekend, 19th – 20th November and the YFC classes were kindly sponsored by Elanco Animal Health with very generous prize monies on offer. Young Farmers were able to judge Live Lamb and Beef Classes and Lamb and Pork Carcase Classes thanks to support from the show organiser, Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society along with Elanco Animal Health. Louise Radford of Elanco Animal Health said “Elanco AH Ltd, suppliers of leading brands such as CLiK & Zolvix are proud to be sponsoring the YFC Classes at this year’s English Winter Fair, working alongside Staffordshire YFC and the English Winter Fair Committee.”
Catherine Johnson of Elanco Animal Health alongside the English Winter Fair Committee Chairman, Robert Cartmail, presented the members with their prize cards in the main ring.
In the Live Lambs class, judged in Bingley Hall, with the lambs kindly provided by Toby Lawton, the highest scoring Senior Competitor was awarded Marita Warner-King of Gloucestershire YFC with 92 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Isla Albutt also of Gloucestershire YFC with 90 points. The highest scoring team in this class was awarded to Marta and Isla for their combined total of 182 points.
The Live Beef class was judged in the stalls, with some fine cattle provided by the very supportive exhibitors at the show. The highest scoring Senior Competitor was Michael Burley of Glamorgan YFC with 76 points. In the Intermediate Section, Lottie Hill of Somerset YFC came first with 94 points. As a team, Somerset YFC took first place in this class, with members Dan Cox and Lottie Hill scoring a combined total of 169 points.
The Carcase Classes were all judged in the excellent Carcase Hall facility with carcasses very kindly provided by Messrs Bradshaw Bros. In the Lamb Carcase class, the Overall Senior Competitor was won Rebecca Jeyes of Warwickshire YFC with 90 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Lauren David of Glamorgan YFC with 95 points. The Overall team in this section was won by the team from Glamorgan YFC, with members Rob David and Lauren David who achieved a combined total of 176 points.
The final class of the day was the Pork Carcase Class. The Overall Senior Competitor was won by Angharad Llewellyn of Worcestershire YFC with 91 points. The Overall Intermediate Competitor was Emily Bell of Somerset YFC with 93 points. The Overall Team in this final class was won by Angharad Llewellyn and Kitty Dingley of Worcestershire YFC with a combined total of 171 points.
The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Stockjudging Team was awarded to Montgomery YFC with Somerset YFC in second place and Glamorgan YFC in third place. The Michael Bradshaw Award for the Overall Carcase Judging Team was awarded to Glamorgan YFC with Worcestershire YFC taking second place and third place awarded to Somerset YFC.
After a full day of judging, The Birmingham Agricultural Exhibition Society Silver Challenge Cup, awarded for the Overall Team on the day went to Glamorgan YFC after they gained a grand total of 653 points in all the classes. They were followed by Somerset YFC in second place with 649 points and in third place, Worcestershire YFC with 599 points.
Stockjudging and Carcase judging competitions remain a very important and competitive sector in the Young Farmers Federations across the country, as this day has demonstrated so well. The facilities at the English Winter Fair are ideal for YFC to showcase this. Next year, the English Winter Fair committee will continue to host these competitions for YFC members and looks forward to welcoming the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs again, to take part in this very successful show, with their Live and Carcase Judging Competition Finals, which were also held again at the Show this year.
To view a full set of photos from the day, please click here.
The presentations of awards were made by Mr Tim Packwood, Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society Chairman, to the following Clubs and Individuals:
Most Outstanding County Officer: Beth Allen, Social & Funding Chairlady.
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: Eccleshall YFC
Manifold Marketing Award: Awarded to the Club who best promotes their Club and engagement in Club, County & Community Events.
Winner: Eccleshall YFC, Joint Runners-up: Ashley YFC & Uttoxeter JNFU
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: Uttoxeter JNFU; Runners up: 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: Uttoxeter JNFU, Runner Up: Ashley YFC
Junior Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU, Runner Up: Lichfield YFC.
Intermediate Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Leek YFC, Joint Runner Up: Ashley YFC & Waterhouses YFC.
Senior Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU, Runner Up: Waterhouses YFC.
Overall Stockjudging Cup: Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU, Runner Up: Waterhouses YFC.
Most Improved Club – Competitions Cup: Awarded to the Club that has achieved the highest improvement in points for competitions from the 2020/2021 year.
Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner Up: Eccleshall 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: Chase 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: Leek YFC; Runner Up: Eccleshall YFC
Overall Competitions Cup: Presented to the club with the most points for the Competitions that have been held for the last 12 months:
Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU; Runner Up: Eccleshall YFC
W.H.D. Hobson Cup: Awarded to the Club with the highest increase in membership.
Winner: Leek YFC, Runner Up: Uttoxeter JNFU
Newsletter Shield: For the best contribution to the Young Farmers’ Book of the Year
Winners: Leek YFC; Joint Runners Up – Ashley YFC & Uttoxeter JNFU
Mr & Mrs W.A. Taylor Senior Merit Award: Awarded to the most outstanding individual at Club or County level was presented Hollie Kelly of Chase YFC who has displayed outstanding leadership skills within her club, Chase YFC.
Junior Merit Award: This is presented to the most outstanding junior individual at Club or County level was presented to Joe Knight of Leek YFC who has thrown himself to an array of activities and helped at many events within his club, Leek YFC.
Staffordshire FCN/YFC Kindness & Compassion Award: **NEW FOR 2022** Awarded to a YFC member who has shown an example of outstanding kindness, compassion and care to others in the last 12 months. This was awarded to Danny Emmott of Ashley YFC
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: Jessica Bradley, Eccleshall YFC
Runner-up: Charlotte Goodwin, Uttoxeter JNFU
Most Outstanding Secretary: Winner: Annabelle Hopton, Uttoxeter JNFU
Runner-up: Holly Swift, Eccleshall YFC
Most Outstanding Treasurer: Winner: Alicia Bexon, Uttoxeter JNFU
Runner-up: Sophie Hicklin, Leek YFC
Most Outstanding Club Leader: Winner: Jack Salt, Ashley YFC
Runner-up: Kate Mollatt, Uttoxeter JNFU
Club Efficiency Shield: Winner: Uttoxeter JNFU
Runner-up: Eccleshall YFC
Photos from all the award winner can be found HERE
On Sunday 30th October – 17 teams headed to Powerleague in Stoke for the 5-a-side football leagues
Who knows maybe some future Lions or Lionesses out there?
Results as follows;
Men’s League
Ladies League
Photos from the day can be found HERE
Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs are pleased to announce that their Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is held on Friday 4th November is being supported again this year by Pickering and Butters, a firm of Staffordshire Solicitors who were founded over a century ago, with offices based in Stafford and Rugeley. The County AGM is usually attended by over 200 invited guests and members of the Federation and is the most prestigious meeting of the Staffordshire YFC year. Retiring County Chairman, Toby Hall is looking forward to reporting on successes that Staffordshire YFC has had during his year in office.
At the County AGM there will be several awards and presentations including the “Most Outstanding Chairman” and “The Merit Award” which is given for the most outstanding contribution made by an individual to their club and/or county as well as club awards for Community Work and Overall Competitions.
Toby Hall, County Chairman said “As a charitable youth organisation we are so grateful to our clubs and members for making such a positive comeback following the covid pandemic. We really appreciate the support from Pickering and Butters, at our County AGM this year. With support from companies as well as members and the wider rural community, we are able to continue to deliver our valuable services including a vast programme of Competitions, Social events, and training so that young people can come together in rural isolated areas to enjoy everything that YFC has to offer.”
Sean Spinetto, Head of Department for Business at Pickering and Butters said “We are honoured to continue our long association with Staffordshire YFC by sponsoring their 2022 AGM. We look after the interests of many clients in the rural community including those from a younger generation. We are privileged to be given the opportunity to support them in any way we can such as sponsoring this event and hope our relationship with Staffordshire YFC will continue to flourish”.
For more information about the Staffordshire YFC AGM and details of how to join at YFC club is available on the website www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk or contact the County Office on 01785 248645 for further details.
