The Stafford County Show saw Staffordshire Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) inside their marquee with a fully packed offering of activities for everyone to get involved in along with many displays of the competitions and achievements of the members during the last 12 months. The show also saw the return of the Club Display Competition with YFC members from all ten clubs using their creative skills to create a display promoting their club in a space no larger than 1m2.
The judges for this competition were Charlotte Rigby of HSKSG Accountants & Ailish Ross, West Midlands Area Chairperson, following a difficult deliberation with such excellent displays, the final results were, 1st place Stone YFC, with Eccleshall YFC 2nd and in 3rd place were Lichfield YFC.
Please click HERE for photos of the Club Displays
On Tuesday 23rd May, Staffordshire Young Farmers Club (YFC) hosted their Pre-Show Reception which was kindly sponsored by Abbotsholme School, RBA Wealth Management and HSKSG Accountants at the Ingestre Suite on the County Showground. The evening was attended by over 180 sponsors, supporters and invited guests of the Federation and marks the start of the Staffordshire County Show with many representatives of the rural community coming together.
The evening proved to be very entertaining with the ‘YFC’s Got Talent’ Competition, where competitors presented any talents of their choice from singing and dancing to a comedy sketch. The judges, Vanessa Roe, former Staffordshire County Chairperson & Steve Cartmail, currently the County Chairperson of The Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society, commented that the four acts they had judged were all fantastic, talented and should be congratulated for having the courage to come up on stage and perform.
After the acts had performed, the winners were announced as Uttoxeter JNFU with a very entertaining double act, which saw Toby Hall playing the keyboard and Rob Mollatt taking to the microphone. Their performance involved lots of audience participation and they even invited the County Treasurer, Angela Woodward on stage! Second place went to Abbotsholme YFC with Eva performing a beautiful solo to David Guetta’s ‘Titanium’ accompanied by a seamless choreographed dance routine by Anais. Eccleshall YFC entertained with a famous Two Ronnies, Mastermind sketch featuring Dan Moseley & Tom Bowers which saw the audience laughing both at them and with them.
Staffordshire Young Farmers Club along with South Staffordshire Water also presented a charity cheque to Midlands Air Ambulance following a very successful Christmas Tractor Run held in December 2022 which saw 100 tractors take to the roads around the Blithfield Reservoir Area.
During the evening there was also a presentation made by one of the local clubs, Ashley YFC who explained about their fundraising over the last 12 months with two events that they organised. One event was a Santa Sleigh around the villages and neighborhood’s of Ashley and the second event was a Pie and Quiz Night. The club raised valuable funds for two charities which the members wished to support this year – Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Motor Neurone Disease Association.
There was also a presentation made by Polly Baines, Chairperson of the Staffordshire Young Farmers Ambassadors (YFA) as she kept everyone up to date with the NFYFC YFC Travel Programme, which has trips available from September 2023. YFC members can apply for travel opportunities all over the world from Rural Youth Seminars, working Scholarships to a Ski Trip.
The Leslie T Chester competition results were also presented for the best ‘Blog’ writing competition, with members having to write a 300 – 500 word blog to the theme ‘My YFC Journey’. First place went to Emily Cartmail of Eccleshall YFC, second place to Polly Baines of Uttoxeter JNFU with Natalie Bradley of Eccleshall coming third.
The evening was a great way for members and guests to start thinking ahead to the Staffordshire County Show, which is being held on Wednesday 31st May – Thursday 1st June where Staffordshire YFC members will be promoting their clubs inside the YFC Marquee, erected next to the YFC Office on the showground. Members will also be competitive on Wednesday evening as they “take the strain” in the main ring at 7.30pm with the Male and Female Tug of War Competition as well as on Thursday afternoon at 2.15pm with the very popular Show Floats, to the theme of “A Day in History” this year.
Emily Cartmail, County Chairperson said “Tonight has been a fantastic evening to show case the talents and hard work of all our members, from raising money for various charities to entertaining the audience with comedy, singing and dancing. We are excited for this year’s County Show, all the clubs are so busy putting time, effort and skill into the show floats and their club displays to showcase what they as a YFC club are proud of. Personally, I cannot wait to see what the clubs have got in store for this year’s County Show!”
To view an album of photos from the Pre Show Reception, please click here.
The Pre Show Reception saw the results from the following competitions:
Leslie T Chester ‘Blog’ Writing Competition
1st – Emily Cartmail – Eccleshall YFC
2nd – Polly Baines – Uttoxeter JNFU
3rd – Natalie Bradley – Eccleshall YFC
YFC’s Got Talent Competition
1st – Uttoxeter JNFU – Toby Hall & Rob Mollatt – Entertaining double act with singing and keyboard music
2nd – Abbotsholme YFC – Eva & Anais with their brilliantly choreographed dance routine and solo singing
3rd – Eccleshall YFC – Dan Moseley & Tom Bowers entertaining with the famous Two Ronnies ‘Mastermind’ sketch
A full breakdown of the results can be found HERE
Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (SCFYFC) County Rally was held on Saturday, 13th May at The Hollies Farm, Woodseaves by kind permission of Sandra and Roy Hockenhull. The day was filled with warm sunshine and blue skies and is the highlight of the YFC competitions calendar with over 40 classes entered by the members from across Staffordshire. Competitions included Live Mocktail Making, Recycled Metalwork, Photography, Showstopper Cake, Festival Bunting, Items made from 3 Bottles, Wildlife Quiz and a Total Wipe Out Challenge in the Main Ring during the afternoon. Farm Safety skills were also put to the test with the Tractor Handling and Telehandler Competition.
The day was kindly sponsored by over 55 local companies and supporting organisations, with the main sponsors being IAE, Malcolm Harrison and Johnsons of Cheadle.
Two of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) Competitions were also held on the day, including the Floral Art. In the Junior Class, competitors were required to create an exhibit to the theme: ‘Caught in the Fishers Net’ with the winning entry created by Keira of Ashley YFC. In the Intermediate Class, the criteria was to create an exhibit to the theme “Steam Punk” and this was won by Rebekah of Eccleshall YFC. The Senior Class required competitors to create an exhibit to the theme “Upcycled Item destined for the bin”, which was won by Lucy of Eccleshall YFC. The three members will all go forward to compete in the NFYFC Finals held at the Malvern Autumn Show in September along with the runners up in each age category as well.
The main ring held a very wet and messy “Total Wipeout” Competition with teams of up to 6 members from each club taking part. This was a great success, with members loving the assault course of various activities including carrying the infamous Greasy Pole Challenge and a Buggy-Kart Race. All the main ring fun involved lots of water and enthusiasm from members with overall winners of the Sports Cup from this competition along with the Top Table Challenge being Chase YFC.
The evening began with the highly competitive Junior Tug of War competition, which is also a National Competition for 202. The highest two place teams go forward to the West Midlands Area round on 1st July. 6 teams took part with members aged between 12 and 17 years who have been training hard for many weeks. The team from Waterhouses YFC pulled their way to victory taking 1st place with Eccleshall YFC coming a close second. The day was rounded off by the ever-popular Mixed Tug of War competition, which saw 10 teams taking part, and Cheadle YFC, taking the silverware for the day, beating Leek YFC in the final.
The day was rounded off with announcement of the results from all the Rally Competitions and presentation of Trophies and Awards. The Overall Cup for the day was won by Ashley YFC.
The Rally Day brings together the rural community of Staffordshire and could not run so well without the support of the judges, stewards and catering committee. Over 100 volunteers are behind the scenes ensuring that the day runs smoothly – made up of county officers, members, vice presidents and supporters of Staffordshire YFC.
Emily Cartmail, County Chairman of Staffordshire YFC said “I am really proud of all our members, their enthusiasm and talents on the day were well and truly on display. We had a brilliant turnout of supporters who enjoyed a great day of Staffordshire YFC at its best, complete with sunshine too. We are so grateful for all the support given by the sponsors, parents, members and helpers – we just couldn’t hold this kind of event without them!”
The federation currently has over 640 members aged 10 – 28 years, across 10 active clubs in Staffordshire. Club programmes are currently filled with busy preparation for the Staffordshire County Show being held 31st May – 1st June which is their main marketing event of the year. The YFC Marquee which is erected next to the YFC Office on the Showground will be filled with exhibits and displays from this year’s Rally as well as information about every club in Staffordshire and how to join. Competitions held in the Main Ring over the two days include the county round of the NFYFC Male and Female Tug of War Finals and the very popular Show Floats Competition which this year is themed as “A Day in History.”
To view photos from the Rally Day, please head to our photo gallery, by clicking here.
The Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (SCFYFC) County Rally is being held on Saturday, 13th May at The Hollies Farm, Woodseaves by kind permission of Sandra and Roy Hockenhull. The day is the highlight of the competitions calendar for SCFYFC, with over 40 competition classes taking place including Mocktail Making, Photography, Showstopper Cakes, Wildlife Quiz and a Total Wipe Out Challenge in the Main Ring during the afternoon. Farm Safety skills will also be put to the test with the Tractor Handling and Telehandler Competition.
In the evening there will be a Hog Roast, Licensed Bar and Tug Of War Competitions including the NFYFC Mixed Junior Competition, which sees the two winning teams take on the teams from across the West Midlands Area of YFC in July. The day was kindly sponsored by over 55 local companies and supporting organisations, with the main sponsors being IAE, Malcolm Harrison and Johnsons of Cheadle.
Spokesperson for main sponsors IAE, manufacturers of livestock handling and housing equipment, equestrian stabling, steel fencing and shelters said ‘We are thrilled to be supporting the Staffordshire YFC Annual Rally and are very much looking forward to attending the event on the day. Both in and out of the workplace, we recognise that young people are the future of our industry and therefore we have chosen to support the Rally because it is an excellent opportunity for young people to come together and participate in a variety of competitions whilst having fun.’
The Rally Day brings together the rural community of Staffordshire and could not run so well without the support of the judges, stewards and catering committee. Over 100 volunteers will be helping out behind the scenes to ensure that the day runs so smoothly – made up of county officers, vice presidents, supporters and members of Staffordshire YFC.
Spokesperson for main sponsor and local machinery and tractor dealer, Johnsons of Cheadle said “We are proud to sponsor Staffordshire YFC’s 2023 Rally. We sponsor the Young Farmers Clubs to show our appreciation for the support they’ve given to us and we see this as helping the future of agriculture.”
After the final pulls of the Tug of War in the evening, there will be a Presentation of Awards for the silverware which includes the Sports Cup, Tug of War Shield, Rose Bowl and Overall Rally Competitions. There will also be an award for the Most Improved Club, gaining the most points accumulated compared to the previous year, to encouraged members and clubs to build on their successes for the future.
Malcolm Harrison, family-owned Commercial Vehicles & Plant trading company are the third main sponsor of the Annual Rally. Their spokesperson said “The Annual Rally Day for Staffordshire YFC is a fantastic display of talent and skill from rural young people and we are very proud to support them.”
The federation currently has over 645 members aged 10 – 28 years, across ten busy active clubs. YFC Members across Staffordshire are now busy preparing by making their many exhibits for the static classes at the Rally as well as training for the Tug of War Competitions. In addition to this, Show Float Building is also a weekly activity at the moment with clubs building their masterpieces in readiness for the Show Float Competition at this year’s County Show.
For full details about this years Annual Rally including timetables and rules, please click here.
This year Stockman of the Year competition was held bkp Atkin Farms, Field Hall, Uttoxeter and also travelling to neighbouring dairy farm, bkp of the Mollatt Family, Moorhouse Farm. 7 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 day was kindly sponsored by 
The results were:
Young Stockjudge of the Year
1st – Waterhouses YFC, 2nd – Uttoxeter JNFU, 3rd – Ashley YFC
Stockman of the Year
1st – Chase YFC, 2nd – Waterhouses YFC, 3rd – Uttoxeter JNFU
Junior Stockjudge of the Year
1st – Tom (Waterhouses YFC), joint 2nd – Adele (Waterhouses YFC) & Matt (Uttoxeter JNFU)
Intermediate Stockjudge of the Year
1st – Jono (Chase YFC), 2nd – Robbie (Chase YFC), 3rd – Liam (Waterhouses)
Senior Stockjudge of the Year
1st – Rob (Uttoxeter JNFU), 2nd – Pete (Waterhouses), 3rd – Will (Eccleshall)
Prize money on the day was kindly donated by Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society.
Photos from the day can be found HERE
On Sunday 23rd April Staffordshire YFC will be holding their Annual Young Stockjudge and Stockman of the Year Competition, hosted by kind permission of Atkin Farms, Field Hall, Field, Nr Uttoxeter. This year the competitions are also being supported by KiwiKit Roxan again this year as well as prize money on offer which is donated by The Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society. On the day, competitors will be required to judge 4 rings of animals – Dairy cows, Breeding Ewes, Butchers Lambs and Beef Cattle, placing them in an order and then giving positive comparative reasons to the master judges.
Stockjudging is one of the many competitions organised by Staffordshire YFC and gives members the opportunity to utilise their skills with regards to judging and understanding of the make-up of an animal, market demands, and communication, observation and presentation skills which are transferrable in their future career or education path.
Will Roobottom of KiwiKit Roxan said “It is super exciting for us, Kiwikit Roxan, to be involved with the Staffordshire YFC Stockman of the year once again. Last year was an amazing day full of excitement with some very talented young farmers on show. We can’t wait to be involved once again.”
After the competition, a composite team made up of the highest placed competitors in each age category will go forward and represent Staffordshire YFC at the West Midland Area eliminator on being held later in the year, hosted by Worcestershire YFC.
For information about this competition, please click here.
DeMontford High School, Evesham was the location for this years WMA sports competitions day, the results were:
Mens Rush Hockey:
1st – Staffordshire A, 2nd – Warwickshire, 3rd – Staffordshire B
Ladies Rounders:
1st – Shropshire YFC, 2nd – Staffordshire A, 3rd – Staffordshire B
Junior Basketball:
1st – Warwickshire, 2nd – Herefordshire, 3rd – Staffordshire
9 teams across the Staffordshire YFC clubs took part in the County Dairy Stockjudging Competition, kindly hosted by Mr & Mrs D Bowers & Family on Thursday 13th April and sponsored by HJ Lea Oakes. Teams consisting of six members judged rings of Friesian Dairy Cows, placing them in orders of merit and giving reasons to the master judges.
This skilled competition, one of the many Staffordshire YFC run throughout the year, helps members with observation, their understanding of the make-up of the animal, market demands, communication and presentation skills. The Junior members judge, place and give reasons on 4 animals, the Intermediate members judge, place and give reasons on 6 animals and the Senior members judge, place and give reasons on 4 animals as well as using the linear method of assessing characteristics.
The members enjoyed a great evening with a high standard of cows to judge. The overall results were a winning team from Uttoxeter A JNFU with Chase A YFC taking second place, and in third place, it was Waterhouses YFC. Individually, members will go forward to represent Staffordshire at the NFYFC Finals being held on Friday 14th July at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate.
The evening was concluded with the presentation of awards along with refreshments of filled jacket potatoes, kindly sponsored by HJ Lea Oakes.
For photos from the evening, please click HERE
Staffordshire YFC are looking forward to holding their annual County Dairy Stockjudging Competition on Thursday 13th April by kind permission of The Bowers Family, Hollies Farm, Gnosall and kindly supported by HJ Lea Oakes. Teams will consist of six members who will be judging rings of Dairy Cows, placing them in orders of merit and giving reasons to the master judges. Many clubs have been holding their practice nights at local farms in their local area to brush up on their reason giving and techniques to judge the cattle on the night.
This skilled and popular competition, one of the many Staffordshire YFC run throughout the year, helps members with observation, their understanding of the make-up of the animal, market demands, communication and presentation skills. The Junior members judge, place and give reasons on 4 animals, the Intermediate members judge, place and give reasons on 6 animals and the Senior members judge, place and give reasons on 4 animals as well as using the linear method of assessing characteristics. There are entries from all ten clubs in Staffordshire and members have been practising at local farms to hone and refresh their skills ready to take part.
The evening will conclude with filled jacket potatoes and the results announced to see which winning members will go forward to the National Finals of the competition held in July at the Great Yorkshire Show.
For information about Staffordshire YFC, becoming a member or to contact one of the 10 Clubs we have across Staffordshire call 01785 248645 or email countyoffice@staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk. Our website at www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk has updated information about Staffordshire YFC and the local clubs, including recent event photos. You can also follow the latest news and activities on FaceBook @StaffordshireYFC or Instagram @staffsyfc
