Summer 2016 - Young Farmers` Clubs of Ulster

Transcription

SUMMER
2016
RURAL
DISPATCH
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE YOUNG FARMERS’
CLUBS OF ULSTER
INTERVIEW
YFCU PATRON
RORY BEST
PAGE 11
YFCU AGM &
CONFERENCE
PAGES 15 - 17
BALMORAL
SHOW
ROUND UP
PAGE 22-23
EUROPEAN RALLY
ULSTER 2016
CONTENTS
03 PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD
04 HQ NEWS
Top Milk Quality Recognised at Balmoral Show
Seán’s Safety Tips
YFCU Presidential team at 2016 AGM
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster President meets with Prime Minister
Disability Sport NI Event with YFCU
YFCU ’86 Miles for 86 Years’ Charity Cycle a success
YFCU celebrates over 3,000 members
Danske Bank continues support for European Rally 2016
YFCU announce UFU Exchange Programme bursary recipients
11 BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
We speak to YFCU patron, fellow farmer and international
rugby captain Rory Best
12 SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS
Q&A with Mark Gibson from Trillick & District YFC
14 EVENTS ROUND UP
Donaghadee YFC gain top marks at NI quiz
Lisnamurrican YFC snap top prize in Photographic Competition
Arts Festival Gala
YFCU Lifemaps Initiative
YFCU 2016 AGM & Conference
Club of the Year
Andrew named Junior Ulster Young Farmer 2016
YFCU Top Officials 2016
Matthew celebrates YFCU Junior Member of the Year Title
Mark celebrates YFCU Member of the Year Title
Robert Keatley wins Ulster Young Farmer Competition
Dairy Stock Judging County Heats Results
Past YFCU Presidents and members recognised by Council
for Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies
Silage Assessment county heats results
YFCU Award Drama Accolades in Annual Dinner
Balmoral Show
24 FIRST TRUST
Farm Planning in the Spotlight
26 CLUB NEWS
32 SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS
The YFCU and Rural Youth Europe
will be hosting the European Rally
2016 from 30th July to 6th August
2016 at CAFRE, Greenmount
Campus, Antrim.
The European Rally is one of numerous
events and seminars organised under
the overarching umbrella organisation
known as Rural Youth Europe. RYE has
22 member organisations in 18 European
countries and represents the interests
of approximately 500,000 young people
living in rural areas across the breadth of
Europe. The rally each year is hosted by
a different country within the organisation
and the theme is selected by the host in
order to be suitably representative of their
communities and everyday life for their
young people. The theme which has been
chosen by the YFCU is “Bridging diversity,
Growing together” and the event shall be
organised with this as a consistent theme
throughout all activities and visits during
the Rally week. For more information
visit ‘YFCU European Rally 2016’
on Facebook or
www.ruralyoutheurope.com
▲ YFCU Vice President Zita
Blair and Rally Chairman
Janette StIrling are pictured
with the European Rally Bell
at the Balmoral Show 2016.
EVENTS TEAM
KERRY MCGARVEY
Events Manager
[email protected]
- Floral Art
- Arts Festival
& Gala
- Club of the Year
- Demonstration
Presentation
- Tug of War
- AQA
HEATHER STEWART
Assistant Events Manager
Q&A with newly elected Vice President David Oliver from Dungiven YFC
[email protected]
33 MOY PARK
- Swimming Gala
- Public Speaking
- Fencing
- Ulster Young
Farmer
An ‘Eggcellent’ time at the Balmoral Show!
34 THE FARM SAFETY FOUNDATION
Supporting Northern Ireland’s Young Farmers
- S ilage Making &
Assessment
- Stock Judging
- Sheep Sheering
-M
achinery Handling
CORRINA FLEMING
Events Coordinator
[email protected]
YFCU Rural
Dispatch Sponsor
02
Published in association with
DALE FARM, Northern Ireland’s
leading dairy company.
- Soil assessment
- Group debating
- Home management
- Choir Festival
- Ten Pin Bowling
- NI Quiz
- Photographic
Competition
PRESIDENT’S
FOREWORD
I cannot believe I have now
entered my second year as
YFCU President – and what a
journey it has been so far with
incredible support from you,
our membership.
In recent months we held our annual Arts
Festival Gala and what a night! The talent and
gifts of our membership were incredible and
may I extend my congratulations to all clubs
who made it to the Gala and indeed to all clubs
for taking part.
Next up was our AGM & Conference at La
Mon Hotel. Travelling to our AGM wasn’t a
straightforward car journey this year – oh no!
On the Thursday morning along with a number
of other members from across the six Counties,
we met at Randalstown to embark on our 86
mile cycle for 86 years of the organisation and
we reached La Mon Hotel around 4pm on the
Friday afternoon to massive cheers. Funds
raised from the cycle were for the YFCU’s
90th Anniversary Fund as well as Diabetes UK
Northern Ireland
and I would like to sincerely thank everyone
for donating to the two causes, raising a
staggering £8,000!
The AGM & Conference saw the election of
the new Presidential Team for the year ahead
which saw James Speers from Collone YFC
re-elected as Deputy President, Zita Blair
(Moneymore YFC), Harry Crosby (Spa YFC)
and Brooks Allen (Collone YFC) all re-elected
as Vice Presidents. We must bid a special
word of thanks to outgoing Vice President, Mr
Andrew Little. Andrew in his two years as a
Vice President has been a tremendous servant
to the YFCU and I am sure he shall continue
to be so. As our fourth Vice President, we
welcomed David Oliver from Dungiven YFC
to the Presidential Team and I look forward
to working with David. David, who is a Policy
Officer with the UFU, will bring a wealth of
knowledge to the team and I wish him well.
I am delighted that the membership accepted
my theme last year and took up my challenge
of ensuring that our core traditions and values
were being upheld and maintained within
our club structures. Despite this being last
year’s theme I am extremely keen for them to
maintain this commitment to our ethos and
continue to go ‘Beyond The Farm Gate’. My
CONTACT DETAILS
Rural Dispatch
Editor: Lisa Sykes
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 028 9037 0713
YFCU Headquarters
475 Antrim Road
Belfast
BT15 3BD
Designers: www.pagesetup.co.uk
Printers: GPS Colour Graphics
theme for this year in my opinion complements
this plea from last year and this year’s theme
launched at our AGM will be ‘Innov8’.
This year I want us to make changes to what
is already established by introducing new
methods and ideas whether on the farm or
outside it. I want to challenge members to push
themselves to do ‘8’ new things whether it be
at competition level, taking on an office bearer
role or sitting on Central Committees.
We offer the chance to innovate to our
members through developing skills and
learning needs for leadership, business
development and growth.
Innovation has been a key part of YFCU’s
success over several decades. Programmes
and initiatives that have been developed to
meet the needs of rural young dwellers have
proven to be of value to young people in a
variety of settings.
Another innovative project concentrating on
agriculture will be the development of the Land
Mobility Initiative with the support of the Ulster
Farmers’ Union in getting this initiative started.
This scheme is now gaining traction with
research having been carried out to determine
future short and long term plans, relating to
farming and land ownership. We need to
hammer out the details over the coming weeks
but the initiative will allow us to put older
farmers, with no succession arrangements in
place, in touch with younger colleagues who
can then develop long term development
projects for the farms in question on an agreed
basis.
The AGM & Conference also saw the newly
elected chairs of our Central Committees
take up their posts with the first Programming
& Development Committee meeting being
held under the Chairmanship of Mr Peter
Smith from Derg Valley YFC and the first
Agri & Rural Affairs Committee meeting take
place under the Chairmanship of Mr Robert
McConaghy from Moycraig YFC. I wish the
two new chairpersons’ all the very best this
For all editorial and advertising queries
please contact the editor.
Next issue due out September 2016
Copy deadline Friday 2nd September 2016
Front Cover: BMWR YFC who were the winners
of YFCU Advanced Tug of War competition at
Balmoral Show 2016.
year and would like to thank and congratulate
Miss Rebecca Orr from Spa YFC and Miss
Cathy Knowles from Glarryford YFC on being
excellent chairs of the committees last year and
in everything they achieved.
Our next big event was Balmoral Show. We had
three amazing sunshine filled days at the show
with a revamped stand and area. The three days
were packed with YFCU activities and finals of
some of our competitions. A massive thanks
to our YFCU staff team, Presidential Team and
volunteers for pulling out all the stops to make
our stand and activities so wonderful. These
were a proud few days to be YFCU President.
Committee members of clubs should now be
turning their thoughts towards summer events
and activities and this would be an excellent
time to begin planning a campaign to line up
new members for September whether it be at
your local agricultural shows or other community
events.
My first year as President has been a fairly
busy time but I am looking forward to another
great year and delighted to once again be
given the opportunity to be figurehead of such
a wonderful organisation for the rural youth of
Northern Ireland. As I also said at the AGM I
promise to continue to take into account each
of your interests and your voices on the issues
we will face during the incoming year. I want
to continue to hear your ideas and get your
feedback so that together we can move our
organisation forward so please do not hesitate
to contact me at any stage.
Roberta
YFCU President
03
Brian McAuley; Area
2 & Overall Winner;
with United Chairman,
John Dunlop & Cormac
McKervey, Ulster Bank
TOP MILK QUALITY
RECOGNISED AT
BALMORAL SHOW
Dale Farm presents 2016 Milk Quality
Awards sponsored by Ulster Bank
United has always held a Balmoral Show
competition and we have used it to highlight the
many positive things our members are doing on
their farms; and for us nothing is more important
than the quality of the milk they supply.
Dale Farm strives to produce top quality
products; and in recent years we have won
over 100 International Awards for our cheese,
butter and other products. Quality products start
with quality milk and the milk produced by our
members is excellent. We wanted to highlight
the tremendous work that goes on day in, day
04
out to produce good quality milk on dairy farms
across Northern Ireland.
This year we decided to hold the ‘Dale Farm Milk
Quality Awards’ and the competition was open to
all United members in Northern Ireland.
There are many aspects to the quality of the milk.
Firstly there is the cleanliness of the milk, which we
measure by counting the bacteria in the milk; the
Bactocount; and then there is the udder health of
the cows and the level of mastitis in the herd, which
is reflected in the somatic cell count of the milk.
In each of our four Areas we had a winner and
runner-up; and then an overall winner. These were;
Area 1 Winner – William Gillespie
Area 1 Runner-up – Joe Close
Area 2 Winner – Brian McAuley
Area 2 Runner-up – Adrian McClure
Area 3 Winner – William and Alan Stockdale
Area 3 Runner-up – David McMullan
Area 4 Winner – Samuel Armstrong
Area 4 Runner-up – Stanley and David Brodison
Overall Winner - Brian McAuley
We looked at these two factors - the Bactocount
and the Somatic Cell count – over the last 12
months and ranked all our farmers.
Kenton Hilman; Head of Corporate & Property
with Ulster Bank; who have kindly sponsored the
competition, presented the awards along with
United Chairman John Dunlop.
Kenton said, “Ulster Bank is delighted to sponsor
these awards once again; having done so for many
years. We understand the importance of quality
milk, especially in these difficult economic times.”
United Chairman, John Dunlop congratulated all
the winners and especially Overall Winner, Brian
McAuley, for their exceptional milk quality results.
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SEÁN’S
SAFETY TIPS
Seán Keogh from the Health
and Safety Executive for
Northern Ireland shares
advice to help keep children
safe on the farm this summer.
Tragically, accidents involving children on farms
can be all too common on local farms. But, as
parents there are a number of things you can do
to help prevent your children having an accident
on the farm - the following checklist should help.
Child farm safety summer checklist
•provide a safe and secure play area for
young children
•keep children out of the farmyard and fields
unless they are constantly under the close
and direct supervision of a responsible adult
•prevent children from playing in or around
farmyards and livestock
•prevent all children under 13 years from
riding on tractors and farm machinery
YFCU PRESIDENTIAL
TEAM AT 2016 AGM
•restrict the use of Quad bikes and provide
suitable head protection
•secure all heavy wheels, gates, heavy
equipment and stacked materials to prevent
them from toppling over
•securely fence off your slurry lagoon to prevent
children from gaining access and make sure
tank covers are always in place
• keep children well away when mixing slurry
•keep track of where family members are
playing or working and when they are
expected back
•make sure your vehicles have good all-round
visibility
•make sure everyone washes their hands before
eating and drinking
If children are old enough, tell them about the
dangers they should look out for and where they
are not allowed to go - and encourage them
to be responsible.
For more information, please visit:
www.hseni.gov.uk/farm-safety
or contact the HSENI helpline on:
0800 0320 121.
The Young Farmers’ Clubs
of Ulster voted in the YFCU
Presidential Team for 2016/17
at the Association’s AGM &
conference.
Roberta Simmons (Rathfriland YFC)
was re-elected into the position of
President of the Association and James
Speers (Collone YFC) was re-elected
to the position of Deputy President.
Pictured is the new presidential team at the YFCU AGM & conference,
Back row (L-R) Vice President, David Oliver, Dungiven YFC; Vice President,
Brooks Allen, Collone YFC; Vice President, Harry Crosby, Spa YFC. Front
row (L-R) Deputy President, James Speers, Collone YFC; President, Roberta
Simmons, Rathfriland YFC and Vice President Zita Blair, Moneymore YFC.
The positions of Vice President went
to re-elected members Brooks Allen,
(Collone YFC), Zita Blair, (Moneymore
YFC) and Harry Crosby, (Spa YFC).
David Oliver, (Dungiven YFC) was
elected for the first time as Vice
President taking over from Andrew Little,
(Lisbellaw YFC) who stepped down
after two years in the role.
05
DISABILITY
SPORT NI EVENT
WITH YFCU
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster President Roberta Simmons is pictured with the Prime Minister,
David Cameron after the Ulster Farmers’ Union hosted the Prime Minister on a County Antrim farm.
YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS
OF ULSTER PRESIDENT MEETS
WITH PRIME MINISTER
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster President Roberta Simmons met
with the Prime Minister, David Cameron in February after the
Ulster Farmers’ Union hosted the Prime Minister on a County
Antrim farm.
“I was delighted to accept the invitation
of the Ulster Farmers’ Union as they
hosted the Prime Minister, David
Cameron,” Roberta said. “The dairy
farm near Ballymena is a family farm
owned and run by the Johnston family
and Mr Johnston’s sons are members of
Randalstown Young Farmers’ Club.”
Roberta continued, “The morning
presented a unique opportunity to sit
down with the Prime Minister and have
a face to face conversation about our
concerns for the agri-food industry.
With farming here going through tough
times, it was an opportunity to stress
at the highest level of government, the
importance of a successful farming
industry to underpin the food industry
in Northern Ireland especially for future
generations.”
06
The Prime Minister’s visit was part of his
campaign to secure a ‘yes’ vote in the
EU referendum in June. Those around
the table were the President and Deputy
Presidents of the Ulster Farmers’ Union,
CEO of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the
Agri-Food Strategy Board Chairman,
the NI Food & Drink Association’s Chief
Executive and Young Farmers’ Clubs of
Ulster President Roberta.
Roberta continues, “I told the Prime
Minister that if we did stay in the EU
then the needs of our future generations
need to be considered as many are
struggling and seeking employment in
other professions. I also explained that
whatever the outcome of the referendum,
ultimately it will be the young farmers
who will be living and working with the
consequences.”
Disability Sport NI (DSNI) held
a sports event with the Young
Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster back in
March.
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex in Lisburn hosted
the event and saw 15 teams enter. The teams
were: Randalstown YFC, Newtownards YFC,
Hillsborough YFC, Newtownhamilton YFC,
Bleary YFC, Lisnamurrican YFC, Collone YFC,
Holestone YFC, Clogher Valley YFC, Straid
YFC, Kilrea YFC, Trillick YFC, Gleno Valley
YFC, Ballymiscaw YFC and Glarryford YFC.
The evening gave YFCU members the
opportunity to test their skills in a variety
of fast paced and fun activities such as
wheelchair basketball and new age kurling.
It also gave members an insight into the
difficulties that can be experienced by those
who have a disability.
YFCU President Roberta Simmons said:
“The disability sports event has proved to be a
great success and I know our members have
really enjoyed taking part as they have had the
opportunity to learn new skills and get a small
insight into the difficulties faced by those who
have a disability. I would like to thank Disability
Sports NI for all its hard work in organising
this. We hope our relationship with DSNI will
continue to develop and that more of our
members will be able to take part in events
such as this in the future.”
YFCU ’86 MILES FOR
86 YEARS’ CHARITY
CYCLE A SUCCESS
The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) have raised
£4,000 for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland and £4,000
for the Association’s 90th Anniversary Fund after their
‘86 Miles for 86 Years’ charity cycle.
President Roberta Simmons led a team of
members on the 86 mile cycle to celebrate
86 years of the YFCU. The route saw the
members beginning at Randalstown and
cycling for two days to La Mon Hotel in
Belfast for the start of the YFCU AGM &
Conference that was held at the beginning
of April.
Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Regional
Fundraiser, Naomi Breen, said; “We would
like to thank everyone who contributed
to this fantastic effort in raising so much
money for the diabetes community in
Northern Ireland. Not only has the hard
work of YFCU President, Roberta Simmons,
and her fellow cyclists helped raise
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster President Roberta Simmons is pictured
presenting a cheque for £4,000 to Diabetes UK Northern Ireland Regional
Fundraiser, Naomi Breen after the ’86 Miles for 86 Years’ charity cycle.
awareness about diabetes but hopefully it
has helped start many conversations about
the condition right across the province.
The farming community rallied around
this very special cycle challenge lending
its voice and funds to support a condition
that is impacting more and more of us;
this massive donation will help reach more
people living with diabetes in Northern
Ireland and for that we are hugely grateful.”
with me and to the five extra cyclists on
YFCU President Roberta Simmons
commented, “I am absolutely delighted and
overwhelmed by the amount that was raised
from the cycle. My thanks go to all the
cyclists that participated and especially to
the 10 cyclists that completed the full route
Thursday night; to our own YFCU staff at
both of the days. I would also like to thank
Belfast Country Bike Tours for donating the
bicycles; John McElderry Motors & Tractors
Ltd in Ballymoney for donating the brand
new Massey Ferguson tractor that led the
cyclists throughout the route; to Armagh
City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough
Council and Lord Mayor, Darren Causby
for providing our accommodation on the
headquarters for providing support vehicles,
assisting with the route and collection points
and other areas and finally to everyone who
donated. The generosity of individuals has
been totally overwhelming.”
YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS OF ULSTER CELEBRATES
MILESTONE WITH OVER 3,000 MEMBERS
The Young Farmers’ Clubs of
Ulster are delighted to announce
that they have reached over
3,000 members.
YFCU CEO Michael Reid is pictured with YFCU
President Roberta Simmons, Vice President Harry
Crosby and Deputy President James Speers at
Balmoral Show 2016.
The YFCU is the largest rural youth
organisation in Northern Ireland with over
50 clubs and offers many benefits to its
members including a range of training
opportunities, competitions, travel and
exchanges as well as being a great support
network to those in the rural community.
YFCU President Roberta Simmons
commented, “I am absolutely delighted
that we as an organisation have cracked
the massive 3,000 membership barrier. We
offer fantastic benefits for individuals who
want to be part of our network and part of
the top rural youth organisation in Northern
Ireland. One of my priorities for the year
ahead will be to help continue to increase
this membership figure even more.”
Roberta continued, “The YFCU is for
everyone in the local community and all
that we ask is for members to have an
interest in rural life. We want to continue to
encourage young people to join and would
remind everyone of the great opportunities
that they have as a member. We encourage
young people from the ages of 12 to 30 to
get together, learn new skills and form new
friendships. The YFCU is a very important
part of rural life and helps our youth to meet
other like-minded people.”
For information on your nearest club, or
on details of how to join, our website can
be found at www.yfcu.org or by phoning
headquarters on 028 9037 0713.
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DANSKE BANK
CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR
YFCU EUROPEAN RALLY 2016
DANSKE Bank have announced their continued support of the YFCU
European Rally team during a celebratory lunch held back in March at the
bank’s headquarters in Belfast which was attended by YFCU and Danske
Bank representatives.
Kilraughts YFC Robert Shannon has been
picked for the YFCU European Rally 2016 team
along with fellow YFC members Ryan Millar
(Kilraughts YFC), Craig Burrows (Cappagh
YFC) and Kyle McIlwaine (Newtownstewart
YFC) who attended the lunch along with YFCU
President Roberta Simmons who will join the
rally as team leader.
The European Rally will be held in Northern
Ireland and hosted by Young Farmers’ Clubs
of Ulster for 2016. The theme which has been
chosen by the YFCU for this year is “Bridging
diversity, Growing together”. The event will be
held from 30th July - 7th August 2016.
During the lunch, Richard Caldwell, Managing
Director Business Banking at Danske Bank,
congratulated the YFCU members who were
successful in gaining a place on the European
Rally team. On behalf of Danske Bank he
wished Robert, Ryan, Craig and Kyle well and
commented that they and Roberta would be
excellent ambassadors for their clubs, the
Association and Northern Ireland.
The lunch was also attended by other Danske
Bank representatives including Robert
McCullough, Head of Agribusiness, Nicola
McCleery, Head of Marketing and John
Henning, Head of Agricultural Relations. Also
attending from YFCU were Roberta Simmons,
YFCU President; Bob Esler Honorary Treasurer,
Michael Reid, Chief Executive Officer and Kerry
McGarvey, Events Manager.
Speaking after the lunch, John Henning,
Head of Agricultural Relations at Danske Bank
YFCU ANNOUNCE
UFU EXCHANGE
PROGRAMME
BURSARY RECIPIENTS
said; “We have been proud to support the
YFCU European Rally team for almost 40 years
giving over 150 members the opportunity to
participate in this important annual event. We are
delighted, as a Platinum Sponsor of the YFCU,
to again support the European Rally which will
be held in Northern Ireland this year allowing the
Association to showcase all that is good about
YFCU and NI rural youth. I have no doubt that
the team members will enjoy and benefit from
this cultural, educational and sporting exchange
with lasting friendships made across all of the
participating European rural youth groups.”
The YFCU would like to extend a note of thanks
to Danske Bank, and particularly John Henning
for the lunch and the bank’s ongoing support of
the Association.
Pictured at the announcement of the sponsorship are Hannah Kirkpatrick from
Kilraughts YFC and Matthew Patterson from Spa YFC who have received places
on the 2016 YFCU Exchange Programme, alongside UFU President Barclay Bell.
The Young Farmers’ Club of Ulster is pleased to announce the continued
support of the UFU in its Exchange Programme. This year two YFCU members
will be supported by a bursary and part of the sponsorship package involves
them reporting back on a subject with an agricultural theme.
Recipients of the bursaries are Hannah
Kirkpatrick from Kilraughts YFC who will
travel to Canada and Matthew Patterson
from Spa YFC who will travel to Montana
to stay with host families throughout their
exchange. Matthew will also be following
in his father’s footsteps who travelled to
Montana 30 years ago on the same YFCU
Exchange Programme.
Pictured at the European Rally celebratory lunch held at Danske Bank
headquarters are (L-R) Ryan Millar, Kilraughts YFC; John Henning,
Head of Agricultural Relations, Danske Bank; Robert Shannon,
Kilraughts YFC; YFCU President Roberta Simmons; Kyle McIlwaine,
Newtownstewart YFC; Richard Caldwell, Managing Director, Business
Banking, Danske Bank and Craig Burrows, Cappagh YFC.
The Exchange Programme has been offered
through YFCU for over 60 years and forms
many international lifetime friendships.
Members compete for places, are interviewed
by a panel and receive intensive training
before heading off to their foreign destinations.
UFU President Barclay Bell said, “We are
delighted to be partnering up again with the
YFCU to sponsor their Exchange Programme.
We have tasked Hannah and Matthew to report
back on some of the agricultural practises that
they come into contact with and therefore their
experiences will be of benefit to farmers here in
Northern Ireland.”
YFCU CEO Michael Reid said, “We are grateful
to have UFU onboard to support this key area of
the Association. This partnership allows the UFU
to gain from the expertise Hannah and Matthew
will encounter in their travels abroad. We wish
our members well as they plan for their trip and
trust they get as much out of the experience as
previous members have found.”
09
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10
BEST
OF BOTH WORLDS
We caught up with one of our patrons, international rugby captain and
fellow farmer Rory Best at Balmoral Show to find out how he juggles life
on the farm and on the rugby pitch, about his work with Dunbia as a brand
ambassador, and how important is it to champion Northern Irish agriculture.
Tell us about your work as a part time
farmer?
“Our family farm is mainly cereals; we have wheat,
oats, oilseed rape and beans on the rotation. My
brother Simon and my dad work the farm and I
became involved properly back in 2009 after I hurt
my neck playing rugby. I was out for the season
and had to get a major operation and that’s when
I realised that maybe rugby wasn’t going to last
forever and I needed a plan B. I spoke to my dad
and suggested that I start building up an Aberdeen
Angus herd as we used to have pedigree Simmental
and Charolais cattle.
My dad’s great and I couldn’t do it without him
because I’m away for two months for the Six
Nations, a month for the Summer Tour and a month
for the Autumn International. He handles most of the
day to day running while I would be in charge of
showing and all the paperwork that comes with that.
I think that it works alright but he probably thinks that
he’s doing too much of the grunt work!
I’ve always had farming in my blood and it was just
what we did when we came home from school;
my schoolbag got thrown somewhere and wasn’t
picked up until the next morning as I went straight
out to the farm to help dad. I think a lot of farmers
have it in their blood and if you speak to any farmer
they just love it; they love being outside and being
with the animals. I know it’s something that I love and
have always been interested in. Hopefully I won’t
have to retire soon, but when I eventually do retire,
farming is something that will work for me.”
Tell us about your work with Dunbia?
“I’m a Brand Ambassador for Dunbia and I
work with them on a number of different things,
for example this week I’m here at their stand
at Balmoral. I’ve also done a bit of grass land
management; research and development and I’m
hoping to look into the genetic side of things too
to see what comes out of that. Dunbia are a great
company to work with and they aren’t afraid to put
some money into the development of projects that
will hopefully benefit other beef producers.”
How did you become involved with the
YFCU?
“The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster wasn’t
something that I was involved with when I was
growing up as there wasn’t a club that close to
us back then, but I had so many friends that were
members. What I’ve learnt is that it’s not just about
a group of like-minded people getting together
and having the craic, the YFCU do so much more
with the likes of all the training and education they
provide. All the competitions here at Balmoral like
girl’s football, sheep shearing, tug of war, floral
art and machinery handling are great. It’s a bit
like us with the rugby; a group of people who get
together with a common purpose and the amount
of friendships that you gain is brilliant. When your
CEO, Michael Reid asked me to become patron in
Rory Best is pictured
with YFCU President
Roberta Simmons at
Balmoral Show 2016.
2011 I was delighted to accept and come on board.
It’s great to come and visit your stand at Balmoral and
show my face to remind people that I’m involved which
is really important to me. I don’t get to do as much as I
would like to as there really isn’t enough hours in the day
what with training and the farm but I’m glad to be and
looking forward to the competitions later!”
What is a typical day for you?
“For me on a normal day I would leave the house at
about 6.45am to get to Ravenhill. At around 8am we
start off with a weights session normally for just over an
hour, then we would go for breakfast and then we’ll
have a team meeting. We’ll then do a unit session and
the forward session will either do scrum or lineout and
then we’re in for lunch and then another team meeting
again in the afternoon. Following that we’ll go out and
train again for another hour and a half and I generally
get home around 5pm. People think that we go out for
an hour and kick the ball around but it really is a full time
job. When I’m not training I’ll spend the time catching
up on paperwork for the farm and checking up on the
cattle. I’m always trying to pick out what we’re going to
show, seeing what’s good and trying to evolve the herd.
Apart from that I’ll be doing all the odd jobs and bits
and pieces that need to be done around the farm that I
don’t get the chance to do when I’m playing or training.
Then when I’m not working or farming I try to spend as
much time with my family as I can.”
You’ve very passionate about eating local,
could you tell us why it’s so important to
you?
“I always try and eat as local as possible and it’s
something that I always encourage the other boys in
the squad to do. I don’t think we realise how lucky we
are with the local produce we have here and obviously
being involved as Brand Ambassador for Dunbia as well
as being a patron of YFCU, I always try and champion
Northern Irish agriculture as much as I can. I think it’s
important to do what you say and lead by example and
I always encourage people to support local agriculture
and support our local farmers.”
11
the competition side of things I’ve always been
a fan of the public speaking and group debating
competitions but this last few years our club
has started taking part in the arts festival with
myself and fellow Trillick & District member
Bryan McKinley writing and producing our act,
there is a lot of work to it but it has definitely
taken over as my favourite competition to take
part in.
How would you describe YFCU to
someone who doesn’t know anything
about us?
I would sell it the same way my cousins sold
it to me many years ago, by joining the YFCU
you would be joining the best organisation
this country has to offer, giving you the
opportunities to have endless nights of fun as
well as being able to learn a little at the same
time. But most importantly of all it gives you the
chance to make hundreds of new friends from
all corners of Northern Ireland and further afield.
SPOTLIGHT
ON OUR MEMBERS
We speak to Mark Gibson
from Trillick & District YFC
about how he got involved
in YFCU, what he learnt
from being Club Leader,
what award he is most
proud of winning at the
AGM & Conference and
his aspirations for the
future as a YFCU member.
Tell us about your club and your role there
I’m a member of Trillick & District YFC, a
Tyrone club with 76 members on the books,
I’ve just finished two years as club leader
and I’m currently a member of the Clubs
Committee.
What made you want to join the Young
Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster?
When I joined I didn’t really know much about
young farmers, I had a few family members
in the club already and they always had great
things to say about the club and the YFCU in
general so I decided to give it a go!
What award are you most proud of
winning at the AGM & Conference and
why?
At this year’s AGM I won the Club Leader and
Senior Member of the Year awards. Of the two
I would have to choose the club leader award.
Whilst the member of the year is focused on
everything I have done and achieved on my
own in the last year, the club leader award I
think is more a reflection on the entire club and
the team I was working with as opposed to
just my own individual efforts. No club leader
can do their job well without the backing of a
good secretary, committee and club and that
award reflects all their efforts as well as my
own which is why I prefer it.
What are your favourite events that you
take part in?
If going to BBQ’s and the conference count as
events then they are at the top of the list! On
12
What are your aspirations for your future
in the YFCU?
This year will be my first year serving on the
Executive Committee, as well as going into
my second year as part of the P&D committee.
I intend to continue to serve the organisation
and try and give as much back to it as I can
in an attempt to try and repay everything it
has given me.
What are you most proud of achieving
in YFCU?
There are many things I am proud to have done
within YFCU. Winning top club leader and
senior member are obvious highlights as well
as being part of the 2015 European Rally Team.
Even getting our own club back into the Arts
Festival and winning best newcomers this year
after so many years out are worth mentioning.
But for me being club leader of Trillick & District
for two years is definitely above all of that,
each of the others are all great achievements
in their own right but to me are short term, one
off achievements whereas being club leader
of any club, as many people know, can be a
24/7 job. However, it would be wrong of me
to claim the clubs success over the past few
years was all down to myself as I had a great
committee and in particular a great secretary
to work with (Shout out to Lauren Vance), who
always shared the work load with me 50/50
(probably even 60/40 in her favour). Together
we were able to grow our already thriving club
to be even bigger and better than it was when
we started two years ago and that is why it
is without a doubt what I am most proud of
achieving within the organisation.
EVENTS
ROUND UP
1st place NI Quiz winners from Donaghadee YFC; Stuart Rea, Alison Rea,
Hannah Spratt and Kelsie Crawford are pictured receiving their prize of £300
from Michael Stewart, Ulster Bank and Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
MAR
DONAGHADEE
YFC GAIN TOP
MARKS AT NI QUIZ
OVER 160 YFCU members took part in the popular
YFCU NI Quiz sponsored by Ulster Bank in March at
Magherafelt High School.
Donaghadee YFC were crowned the winners
of the quiz which consisted of nine rounds of ten
questions and included a picture and music round.
The North Down club received the top prize of
£300 for their club. Their team was made up of
Kelsie Crawford, Hannah Spratt, Alison Rea and
Stuart Rea.
Second place went to Trillick & District YFC which
was made up of Mark Gibson, Bryan McKinley,
2nd place NI Quiz winners from Trillick & District YFC; Lauren Vance,
Bryan McKinley, Mark Gibson and Matthew Henderson are pictured
with Michael Stewart, Ulster Bank and Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
3rd place NI Quiz winners from SPA YFC; David Young, James Carlisle,
Hannah Shaw and George Shaw are pictured with Michael Stewart,
Ulster Bank and Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
Matthew Henderson and Lauren Vance. They were
awarded £200 for their club.
In third place, SPA YFC who received £100 prize
money for their club was made up of Hannah
Shaw, George Shaw, James Carlisle and David
Young. Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster would like to
take this opportunity to thank Michael Stewart from
sponsor Ulster Bank for attending and supporting
the quiz, Magherafelt High School who provided
the superb venue, YFCU President Roberta
Simmons for her services as quiz master on the
night, past YFCU President William Wilson for
setting the testing questions and everyone who
helped with the stewarding and marking on
the night.
LISNAMURRICAN YFC SNAP
TOP PRIZE IN PHOTOGRAPHIC
COMPETITION
MEMBERS of the YFCU took up the challenge
to capture an image that would scoop them a
prize in the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster annual
photographic competition. The theme for this year
was ‘YFCU, We are Country, Loud and Proud’.
The winners were announced at the NI Quiz in
March. Entries were judged by experienced NI
photographer Anna Mathers from Anna Mathers
Photography. She was very impressed with the
quality of photos submitted by members and based
the winners on the theme as well as looking for
images that told a story and showed some thought
and effort as well as an understanding of the basic
composition rules.
The winning entry was by Thomas McNabney from
Lisnamurrican YFC. Second place was awarded to
Chris Buchanon from Crumlin YFC and third place
was awarded to Joanne Rankin from Newtownards
YFC.
The YFCU would like to extend a note of thanks to
Anna Mathers for taking the time out of her busy
schedule to judge the photographs.
13
EVENTS
ROUND UP
APR
YFCU ARTS
FESTIVAL GALA
Producers from the Arts Festival heats and Arts Festival Gala night are pictured at the VIP reception.
The YFCU Arts Festival Gala 2016 took place at the
Millennium Forum in Londonderry in April.
Sponsored for a number of years by NFU Mutual
Insurance Society Limited, the Arts Festival Gala
evening saw the top five clubs from the YFCU’s
arts festival perform to a sold out crowd.
A VIP reception sponsored by Chestnutt Animal
Feeds was also held before the performances.
The clubs that took to the stage were Finvoy YFC,
Spa YFC, Lylestone Productions (Lylehill YFC and
Holestone YFC ), Randalstown YFC and
Glarryford YFC who performed a short drama
piece which the members wrote and produced
themselves. The compare for the evening was
actress and comedian Nuala McKeever. Guest
speaker at the Gala was UFU President Ian
Marshall who presented the awards following
the performances.
YFCU
LIFEMAPS
INITIATIVE
The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster
recently participated in the Youth Actions
LIFEMAPS initiative. The initiative was ran
in association with YFCU, YouthAction NI,
Youth Council NI, NI Youth Forum and
Public Achievement.
14
Most amusing moment: Lisnamurrican YFC ‘Smooth Gliders, Syncronised Swimming’
ost innovative musical moment:
M
Glarryford YFC – ‘See you again’
Members from Randalstown YFC waiting to take the
stage at the Arts Festival Gala.
ost imaginative theme:
M
Kilrea YFC – ‘Downton Shabby’
Best choral piece: Spa YFC
Best choreography: Glarryford YFC
Best newcomer: Trillick YFC
Outstanding Performance of the Night:
Glarryford YFC
wards of Special Merit: Spa YFC, Finvoy
A
YFC, Randalstown YFC, Lylestone Productions
(Lylehill YFC and Holestone YFC) and
Glarryford YFC.
LIFEMAPS was developed by educational
psychologist, Simon Ward and YouthAction NI’s,
Liz McArdle and clearly demonstrates how youth
work approaches can build the mental health of
young people. It states that positive mental health
is not uncovered or discovered, but is built through
actions, skills and attitudes, and fostered through
positive relationships.
There has been a successful programme of events
throughout the YFCU that members participated
in with over 40 individuals across the province
becoming ‘LIFEMAPS Champions’ made up
of members and staff who were trained about
the LIFEMAPS programme. Following this over
150 people (members and non-members) were
introduced to LIFEMAPS by these ‘Champions’ in
the hope to improve health, wellbeing and positive
mental health.
A couple of cool cats from Lylestone Productions (Lylehill
YFC and Holestone YFC) at the Arts Festival Gala.
The last YFCU LIFEMAPS event of the current
programme took place at trhe end of March at
the Hilton Hotel Templepatrick and included a
performance from the Suitcase Theatre roadshow
who showcased a short play entitled ‘Life on
the Line’. The play consisted of two parts: a
dramatic performance by a group of young
actors exploring mental health issues that young
people are facing, and a post-show workshop
that ‘unpacks’ the ideas and subjects presented in
the performance.
There has been an excellent response from the
members who have attended these training events
which are not just for YFCU members, but are also
open to the public. They are a great opportunity
for anyone interested in mental health issues, a
career in psychology, youth work or bringing the
concept to your Young Farmers’ club.
YFCU AGM &
CONFERENCE
Over 300 young farmers attended the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster AGM &
Conference, sponsored by Massey Ferguson, one of the world’s leading tractor
brands. The event was held at La Mon Hotel, Belfast.
YFCU put together an informative morning
programme for members as well as delegates from
sister organisations Macra na Feirme, the Scottish
Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs, National
Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and Welsh Young
Farmers to take part in.
tremendous servant to the YFCU and I am sure he
shall continue to be so. We welcome David Oliver
from Dungiven YFC to the Presidential Team assuming
the fourth VP role and I look forward to working with
David. David, who is a Policy Officer with the UFU,
will bring a wealth of knowledge to the team.”
Workshops on the day were provided by Farmhouse
Treats who gave members a chance to decorate
cupcakes by making sugar craft tractors and a
country dancing workshop was also provided by Jinty
Anderson.
Roberta also announced her theme for the
coming year during the AMG. She commented,
“This year’s theme will be ‘Innov8’. I want to
challenge members to push themselves to do
‘8’ new things whether it be at competition level,
taking on an office bearer role or sitting on Central
Committees. We offer the chance to innovate to
our members through developing skills and learning
needs for leadership, business development and
growth. Innovation has been a key part of YFCU’s
success over several decades and programmes and
initiatives that have been developed to meet the
needs of rural young dwellers have proven to be of
great value to young people in a variety of settings.”
The Association’s most eagerly awaited competition
also took place just prior to the AGM. Four clubs had
made it through to the final of the Club of the Year
competition sponsored by Power NI. Glarryford YFC,
Ballywalter YFC, Derg YFC and Dungiven YFC took
part in a quiz to determine the winner. After a nervous
wait, Glarryford YFC were announced as winners and
received the Club of the Year trophy. The Club of the
Year competition was established in 2012 in memory
of former YFCU General Secretary
Arthur McAllister.
Roberta gave a special word of thanks to the outgoing
Vice President Andrew Little. She commented, “Andrew
in his two years as a Vice President has been a
The YFCU would like to thank Massey Ferguson
for their sponsorship of the AGM and Conference,
La Mon Country Club staff for the energising
workout and all of those who delivered the
workshops to our members.
GLARRYFORD YFC CROWNED YFCU CLUB OF THE YEAR
The Association’s most eagerly awaited competition
also took place just prior to the AGM. Four clubs had
made it through to the final of the Club of the Year
competition sponsored by Power NI. Glarryford YFC,
Ballywalter YFC, Derg YFC and Dungiven YFC took
part in a quiz to determine the winner. After a nervous
wait, Glarryford YFC were announced as winners and
received the Club of the Year trophy. The Club of the
Year competition was established in 2012 in memory
of former YFCU General Secretary Arthur McAllister.
ANDREW
NAMED JUNIOR
ULSTER YOUNG
FARMER 2016
Junior Ulster Young Farmer winner Andrew White from
Kells and Connor YFC receives the Robin Swan Trophy
from John Henning, Head of Agricultural Relations,
Danske Bank and Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
Junior Ulster Young Farmer winner Andrew
White from Kells and Connor YFC receives
the Robin Swan Trophy from John Henning,
Head of Agricultural Relations, Danske Bank
and Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
Andrew White from Kells and Connor YFC has been
named Junior Ulster Young Farmer of the Year for 2016.
Sponsored by Danske Bank, the Junior Ulster Young
Farmer of the Year competition attracted over 300
entrants.
After qualifying through two preliminary rounds, Andrew
made it into the final, which took place in CAFRE
Greenmount campus earlier this year. During the final
stage he had to impress the judges with his knowledge
of practical farming.
15
EVENTS
ROUND UP
APR
TOP CLUB
OFFICIALS
At this year’s YFCU AGM and
Conference sponsored by Massey
Ferguson, the Top Club Officials across
the six counties in the Young Farmers’
Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) were announced.
Peter Smith from Derg Valley YFC who was
awarded Top Club Secretary is pictured with
Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
These awards are highly anticipated and show
the commitment and work that goes into running
the clubs. It also gives drive and motivation for this
year’s incoming club officials to strive to meet the
standards of last year’s club officials.
Mark Gibson, Trillick YFC, was awarded Top Club
Leader at this year’s AGM taking home the Harper
Adams Trophy. In 2nd place was Peter Alexander,
Glarryford YFC and in 3rd place Brooks Allen,
Collone YFC.
Top Club Secretary was awarded to Peter Smith,
Derg Valley who took home the B&M Blair Cup.
In 2nd place was Kelly-Anne Quinn, Spa YFC and
in 3rd place with a tie was Kathryn Thompson,
Agoghill YFC and Katie Love, Dungiven YFC.
Top Club Treasurer this year was awarded to Judith
McCombe, Collone YFC who took home the Reg
Gray Shield. Ruth McCloy, took the 2nd place
position and in 3rd place was Gillian Henderson
from Kesh YFC.
Julie Ann Giles from Seskinore YFC who was
awarded Top Club PRO is pictured with Roberta
Simmons, YFCU President.
Julie Ann Giles, Seskinore YFC received the first
place position for Top Club PRO. Julie Ann was
awarded with the prestigious Guild of Agricultural
Journalists Trophy. In 2nd place was Lauren
Ogle, Kesh YFC and in 3rd place Lois Bingham,
Rathfriland YFC.
Judith McCombe from Collone YFC who was
awarded Top Club Treasurer is pictured with
Roberta Simmons, YFCU President.
Mark Gibson from Trillick YFC who was awarded
Top Club Leader is pictured with YFCU President
Roberta Simmons.
16
Matthew Wilson from Cappagh YFC who was
awarded Junior Member of the Year is pictured with
Robert Simmons, YFCU President and Andrew
McMordie from United Feeds, sponsor of the
Member of the Year Competition.
MATTHEW
CELEBRATES
YFCU JUNIOR
MEMBER OF
THE YEAR TITLE
Matthew Wilson from Cappagh YFC
was named the Young Farmers’ Clubs
of Ulster Junior Member of the Year
at the association’s Annual General
Meeting and conference which took
place at the La Mon Hotel. Sponsored
by United Feeds, Matthew was one of
six finalists for the award.
Matthew has been an active club member for
5 years now and since taking up membership
with Cappagh YFC he has got stuck into
everything the organisation has to offer.
Matthew’s favourite competitions are stock
judging and public speaking, although he
tries everything that he can attend. Matthew
has always been one of Cappagh’s most
active junior members, particularly at their club
barbeque. Matthew is one of the members
who helps set up, clean up and on the night is
one of the main car parking stewards. In this
role he is fully committed to helping the club,
and feels that he is only one of the small cogs
to keep the big wheel turning. Matthew is a
perfect example of a true YFCU member as he
is always showing willingness to help take part
in club meetings, events and competitions.
Courtesy of United Feeds, Matthew received
the William Wilson Cup and £100 worth of
vouchers from a shop of his choice.
ROBERT WINS
ULSTER YOUNG
FARMER OF THE YEAR
Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC, has been
named Ulster Young Farmer of the Year.
Sponsored by Danske Bank, the Ulster
Young Farmer of the Year competition is one
of the most prestigious competitions in the
Association’s calendar.
After qualifying through two preliminary rounds,
Robert made it through to the final, which took
place in CAFRE Greenmount campus earlier
this year. During the final stage he had to
answer questions on a series of topics including
finance, countryside management, beef, arable,
machinery, sheep and dairy.
Awards are given to the member who scores
the highest in each of the sections and Robert
took three of these individual titles as well. He
took the top spot in the Pigs/Poultry section,
the Finance section and was first in a tie in the
sheep section.
Overall second place in the Ulster Young
Farmer competition was awarded to James
McCay, Cappagh YFC and David Oliver,
Dungiven YFC was awarded third place.
Ulster Young Farmer of the Year winner Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC, pictured with
John Henning from sponsor Danske Bank and YFCU President, Roberta Simmons.
The Ulster Young Farmer Best Under 21 results
were also delivered at the AGM and conference
with Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC taking the top
spot in the Under 21 category and receiving the
Golden Plough Trophy.
Finally, a new category, the Ulster Young Farmer
25-30 years old award was also presented.
Taking top spot in this category and winning the
Roberta Simmons shield was William Bolton from
Curragh YFC. In second place was Adam Crockett
from Derg Valley and in third place was Michael
Stewart from Kilrea YFC.
Best Under 21 Ulster Young Farmer of the Year, Richard
Beattie, Finvoy YFC pictured with John Henning from
sponsor Danske Bank and YFCU President Roberta
Simmons.
Ulster Young Farmer Competition Results
Countryside Management
1st & The Clarke Black Trophy
Sam Patterson, Dungiven YFC
2nd Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC
3rd James McCay, Cappagh YFC
Sheep Section
1st & McCausland Trophy (TIE)
James McCay, Cappagh YFC & Robert Keatley YFC
2nd Mark Hamilton, Derg Valley YFC
Beef Section
Ulster Young Farmer 25-30 years old winner William
Bolton from Curragh YFC is presented with the Roberta
Simmons shield by John Henning from sponsor Danske
Bank and YFCU President Roberta Simmons.
1st & Ulster Farmers’ Mart Trophy
Iain Wilson, Gleno Valley YFC
2nd Sam Patterson, Dungiven YFC
3rd (TIE) James McCay, Cappagh YFC
Mark Hamilton, Derg Valley YFC
John Porter, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
MARK CELEBRATES
YFCU MEMBER OF
THE YEAR TITLE
Pigs/Poultry Section
Mark Gibson from Trillick YFC was
named the Young Farmers’ Clubs of
Ulster Senior Member of the Year at the
association’s Annual General Meeting
and Conference which took place at the
La Mon Hotel.
Arable Section
Sponsored by United Feeds, Mark was one of six
finalists for the award. The County winners were:
County Antrim, Stephanie McCollam, Lylehill YFC;
County Armagh, Thomas Chambers, Collone
YFC; County Down, Linzi Stewart, Moneyrea
YFC, County Tyrone, Mark Gibson, Trillick YFC;
County Londonderry, Clare Buchanan, Dungiven
YFC and County Fermanagh, Ryan Donnell,
Kesh YFC.
Member of the Year Mark Gibson is an active,
successful club member with great enthusiasm for
all YFC activities and makes an ideal club leader.
1st & Pigs Marketing Board Trophy
Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC
2nd Mark Hamilton, Derg Valley YFC
3rd Colin McAlister, Moycraig YFC
Grass Section
1st & Peter Fitzpatrick Trophy (TIE)
Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC & Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC
2nd James McCay, Cappagh YFC
Mark Gibson, Trillick YFC receives the Senior Member
of the Year trophy from the event sponsor United
Feeds representative, Andrew McMordie and YFCU
President, Roberta Simmons.
He has a good rapport with all members of Trillick
YFC and has coped well with the challenges of
leading a large club. This year he was elected
Tyrone County Vice Chairman and together
with his committee duties he has been involved
visiting neighbouring clubs to offer help and
encouragement – a role he very much enjoyed.
Over the years he has participated in almost
all YFC competitions and his ‘can do’ attitude
encourages members to take part too. Courtesy
of United Feeds, Mark received a commemorative
plaque as well as £100 worth of vouchers from the
shop of his choice.
1st & Noel Sufferin Trophy
William Beattie, Finvoy YFC
Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC
Padraig Black, The Glens YFC
2nd James McCay, Cappagh YFC
Dairy Section
1st & Milk Marketing Board Trophy
Philip Donaldson, Donaghadee YFC
2nd John Porter, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
3rd Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC
Farm Safety Section
1st & NI Machinery Dealers Assoc. Trophy
Mark Hamilton, Derg Valley YFC
2nd (TIE) Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC
James McCay, Cappagh YFC
Philip Donaldson, Donaghadee YFC
Finance Section
1st & Northern Bank Cup
Robert Keatley, Derg Valley YFC
3rd David Oliver, Dungiven YFC
Best Under 21
1st & Golden Plough Trophy
Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC
2nd Iain Wilson, Gleno Valley YFC
3rd Alan Adams, Lisnamurrican YFC
17
Pictured are YFCU members from Co Londonderry with Ulster Bank’s Agri Lending
Manager, Michael Stewart at the 2016 Co Londonderry Dairy Stock Judging Heats.
EVENTS
ROUND UP
APR
DAIRY STOCK
JUDGING COUNTY
HEATS RESULTS
The YFCU’s annual dairy stock judging county and
area heats, run in association with Ulster Bank have
taken place at farms throughout Northern Ireland.
The final will be held on Thursday 7th July at CAFRE,
Greenmount campus.
Pictured are YFCU members from Co Tyrone and Co Fermanagh with Ulster
Bank’s Agri Lending Manager, Michael Stewart at the 2016 Co Tyrone and Co
Fermanagh Dairy Stock Judging Heats.
Co Antrim
Co Londonderry
Co Down
Age Group 12-14
1st Mark McNeill, Kilraughts YFC
2nd Robbie McNeill, Kilraughts YFC
3rd Brian Weatherup, Straid YFC
4th Gareth Arbuckle, Lylehill YFC
Age Group 12-14
1st Andrew Gordon, Garvagh YFC
2nd Rachel Boyce, Garvagh YFC
3rd Lewis Gregg, Garvagh YFC
4th Sarah Smyth, Coleraine YFC
Age Group 12 -14
1st Leanne McKeag, Ballywalter YFC
2nd Stuart Kennedy, Ballywalter YFC
3rd Ben Stephens, Moneyrea YFC
4th Hugh Kirkpatrick, Artana YFC
Age Group 14- 16
1st Jonny McCammond, Lylehill YFC
2nd Jack Nevin, Moycraig YFC
3rd Stephen Speers, Ahoghill YFC
4th Lauren Greer, Ahoghill YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Claire Young, Dungiven YFC
2nd Zara Fulton, Dungiven YFC
3rd Lauren McFarlane, Dungiven YFC
4th Alastair Black, Garvagh YFC
Age Group 14-16 (Split groups)
1st James Stephens, Moneyrea YFC
2nd Ewan McCracken, Ballymiscaw YFC
1st Jill Stewart, Ballywalter
2nd Martin Rodgers, Spa YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Philip Beattie, Finvoy YFC
2nd Gareth Baird, Straid YFC
3rd Steven Wilson, Gleno Valley YFC
4th David Jamison, Kilraughts YFC
Age Group 16-18 (Split Groups)
1st Robert Mullan, Dungiven YFC
2nd Lewis Crockett, City of Derry YFC
1st Chloe Millar, Dungiven YFC
2nd Jordan McCafferty, Garvagh YFC
Age Group 16-18 (Split Groups)
1st Emma Rodgers, Spa YFC
2nd Lisa Burrows, Spa YFC
1st Grace Morrow, Moneyrea YFC
2nd Joanne Rankin, Newtownards YFC
Age Group 18 - 21
1st Heather Currie, Straid YFC
2nd Mark McConnell, Straid YFC
3rd Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC
4th Mark Johnston, Randalstown YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Rodger Milligan, Curragh YFC
2nd Ruth Adams, Coleraine YFC
3rd Ryan Adams, Coleraine YFC
4th Matthew Gault, Dungiven YFC
Age Group 18 -21
1st Ryan Telford, Donaghadee YFC
2nd Amy Presho, Killinchy YFC
3rd Stuart Hanna, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
4th Robert Stewart, Newtownards YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Richard Coleman, Ahoghill YFC
2nd Jonathan Bristow, Ahoghill YFC
3rd William Beattie, Finvoy YFC
4th Jonathan Watson, Ahoghill YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st James Purcell, Dungiven YFC
2nd David Oliver, Dungiven YFC
3rd Sam Patterson, Dungiven YFC
4th Joanne Smyth, Coleraine YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st John Porter, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
2nd Andrew Patton, Newtownards YFC
3rd Noel Savage, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
4th David Young, Spa YFC
Age Group 25 - 30
1st David Dunlop, Finvoy YFC
2nd Christina McCollom, Lylehill YFC
3rd Joe Adams, Lisnamurrican YFC
4th Peter Alexander, Glarryford YFC
Age Group 25 - 30
1st David McNaughter, Garvagh YFC
2nd William Hazlett, Garvagh YFC
3rd Alfred Clyde, Garvagh YFC
4th John Cochrane, Coleraine YFC
Age Group 25-30
1st Stephen Cowan, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
2nd David Dodd, Spa YFC
Joint 3rd George Shaw, Spa YFC
and Samuel McConnell, Spa YFC
18
MARTYN BLAIR
RECOGNISED BY COUNCIL
FOR AWARDS OF ROYAL
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
At the recent Balmoral Show a number of individuals were
recognised by CARAS including YFCU Past President Martyn
Blair (Finvoy YFC) who was awarded Associateship of Royal
Agricultural Societies for his work on farm sucession. Another
past president Ian Buchanan (Dungiven YFC) was advanced
to Fellowship of Royal Agricultural Societies. Other recipients
included Dr Christine Kennedy FRAgS (Donaghadee YFC) and
Maurice McHenry ARAgS (Glens YFC).
The Council for Awards of Royal Agricultural
Societies was established in 1983 by the United
Kingdom’s four national Royal Agricultural Societies
– The Royal Agricultural Society of England, The
Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland,
The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society and The Royal
Welsh Agricultural Society – to recognise, through
an Awards scheme, distinguished achievement
in agriculture and related land-based industries
embracing practical farming, the development of
new husbandry practices, research, technology,
economics, education, communication and
administration.
Councillor Thomas Beckett, Mayor of Lisburn
& Castlereagh City Council; Martyn Blair;
Professor John Wibberley, Hon Secretary of the
Council of Awards of Royal Agricultural Societies
and Rosie Carne, Chairman of CARAS.
There are two awards within the scheme –
Associateship (ARAgS) being a recognition of
an outstanding contribution by an individual to
the understanding, efficiency and well-being of
agriculture and the Council’s senior Award of
Fellowship (FRAgS).
So far over 1,200 individuals have been
recognised by the awards of Associateship and
there are now around 800 Fellows and 400
Associates in the UK.
Co Fermanagh
Co Armagh
Co Tyrone
Age Group 12 -14
1st Adam Doonan, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Andrew Elliott, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Adam Lee, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Taylor Simpson, Kesh YFC
Age Group 12-14
1st Rachel Belshaw, Newtownhamilton YFC
2nd Nathan Nesbitt, Newtownhamilton YFC
3rd Gareth Knight, Newtownhamilton YFC
4th Samual Phillips, Collone YFC
Age Group 12 - 14
1st Niall Alexander, Clanabogan YFC
2nd Jemma Lynn, Cappagh YFC
3rd Alex Colhoun, Cappagh YFC
4th Jack Sterrit, Cappagh YFC
Age Group 14 - 16
1st Saffron Mulligan, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Annabel Stewart, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Aimee Lee, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Ellen Armstrong, West Fermanagh YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Lauren McRoberts, Bleary YFC
2nd Sarah Spence, Bleary YFC
3rd Courtney Halliday, Bleary YFC
4th Emma Greer, Bleary YFC
Age Group 14 - 16
1st Jack Henderson, Trillick YFC
2nd James McKelvey, Newtownstewart YFC
3rd Kirsten Henry, Cookstown YFC
4th Jack Clarke, Seskinore YFC
Age Group 16 - 18
1st Daniel Dunne, Kesh YFC
2nd Megan Gardiner, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Philip Elliott, West Fermanagh YFC
4th Hannah Birney, Kesh YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Claire McAnearney, Bleary YFC
2nd Josh McCartney, Collone YFC
3rd Samuel King, Collone YFC
4th Laura Halliday, Bleary YFC
Age Group 16 - 18
1st Alan Fleming, Cappagh YFC
2nd Emma Gibson, Trillick YFC
3rd Charles Key, Clogher YFC
4th William Smyth, Trillick YFC
Age Group 18 - 21
1st Craig Cowan, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Alan Burleigh, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Glen McKeown, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Laura Mayers, Lisbellaw YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Amy Knight, Newtownhamilton YFC
2nd Emma Malcolmson, Bleary YFC
3rd Zoe Maguire, Bleary YFC
4th Rebecca McNiece, Newtownhamilton YFC
Age Group 18 - 21
1st Kerry Rea, Cappagh YFC
2nd Adam Smyth, Clanabogan YFC
3rd William McKelvey, Newtownstewart YFC
4th Graeme Walker, Cappagh YFC
Age Group 21 - 25
1st Glenn Gregg, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Graeme Crawford, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Ross McElhinney, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Jamie Johnstone, Lisbellaw YFC
Age Group 21 – 25
1st Zara Montgomery, Newtownhamilton YFC
2nd Ian McCullough, Mountnorris YFC
3rd Stuart Williamson, Mountnorris YFC
4th Brooks Allen, Collone YFC
Age Group 21 -25
1st Jordan Ross, Newtownstewart YFC
2nd Stephen Rogers, Castlecaulfield YFC
3rd Stuart McIvor, Castlecaulfield YFC
4th Gillian Wilson, Cappagh YFC
Age Group 25 - 30
1st Ashley Johnston, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Beverly Henderson, Kesh YFC
3rd Gillian Henderson, Kesh YFC
Age Group 25 - 30
1st Joseph Black, Collone YFC
2nd Benjamin Allen, Collone YFC
Age Group 25 - 30
1st Ruth Blackburn, Clogher Valley
2nd Emma Baxter, Clanabogan YFC
3rd Adam Crockett, Derg Valley YFC
4th Gareth Young, Derg Valley YFC
19
YFCU SILAGE ASSESSMENT
COUNTY RESULTS 2016
YFCU’s silage assessment competition which is sponsored by John
Thompson & Sons Ltd took place recently across Northern Ireland.
APR
Over 600 members took part in
the silage assessment and the top
four competitors from each County will
now go through to the grand final which
will be held on Thursday 7th July at CAFRE
Greenmount campus. YFCU would like
to take this opportunity to thanks John
Thompson & Sons Ltd for their continued
support of this event.
Co Antrim
Co Londonderry
Co Down
Age Group 12-14
1st Georgia Nicholl, Randalstown YFC
2nd Danielle Foster, Randalstown YFC
2nd Jack Irvine, Straid YFC
4th James McCormick, Moycraig YFC
Age Group 12-14
1st Lewis Gregg, Garvagh YFC
2nd Jack Killen, City of Derry YFC
3rd Gareth Ritchie, City of Derry YFC
3rd Shannon Conn, Coleraine YFC
Age Group 12-14
1st Amy Breeze, Killinchy YFC
1st Joel McKee, Ballywalter YFC
3rd Emma McLenaghan, Killinchy YFC
4th Gareth Miskimmin, Ballywalter YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Sarah Reid, Crumlin YFC
2nd Aimee Davis, Lylehill YFC
3rd Rachel McNeilly, Randalstown YFC
4th Stephen Speers, Ahoghill YFC
4th Gavin Finney, Finvoy YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Iain Connell, City of Derry YFC
2nd Claire Young, Dungiven YFC
3rd Lauren McFarlane, Dungive YFC
4th Zara Fulton, Dungiven YFC
4th Joanna Mullan, Dungiven YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Glyn Surgenor, Hillsborough YFC
2nd Ewan McCracken, Ballymiscaw YFC
2nd Brooke Johnston, Hillhall YFC
4th Louise McAnea, Killinchy YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Laura Galloway, Randalstown YFC
2nd Susanna Gawn, Straid YFC
3rd Philip Beattie, Finvoy YFC
4th Gareth Baird, Straid YFC
4th Megan Kernohan YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Matthew Gordon, Kilrea YFC
1st Adam Alexander, Kilrea YFC
1st Dean Wiley, City of Derry YFC
4th David Linton Kilrea YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Heather Currie, Straid YFC
2nd Emily Lyle, Gleno Valley YFC
3rd Iain Wilson, Gleno Valley YFC
4th Hannah McLarnin YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Ben Scott, Finvoy YFC
2nd Stephanie McCollam, Lylehill YFC
3rd Harry Thomspon, Randalstown YFC
3rd Jonathan Bristow, Ahoghill YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Ryan Adams, Coleraine YFC
2nd Jordan Gregg, Garvagh YFC
3rd Thomas McSparron, City of Derry YFC
4th Lauren McIlroy, Kilrea YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Alastair Craig, City of Derry YFC
3rd Russell Smyth, Coleraine YFC
4th Mark Connell, Dungiven YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Callum Neeson, Ballywalter YFC
2nd Anne Brown, Newtownards YFC
3rd David McClenaghan, Killinchy YFC
4th Jonathan McKee, Killinchy YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Amy Presho, Killinchy YFC
2nd Cheryl Presho, Killinchy YFC
3rd Andrew Sleator, A&M
3rd Mark Thomspon, Killinchy YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Nicola Annett, Spa YFC
2nd John Porter, A&M
3rd Philip Donadlson, Donaghadee YFC
3rd Stuart Cromie, A&M
Age Group 25-30
1st Alfred Clyde, Garvagh YFC
2nd Emma Laughlin, Kilrea YFC
3rd Ian Brown, Moneymore YFC
3rd Sara Mulholland, Kilrea YFC
Age Group 25-30
1st Jonathan Sleator, A&M
2nd Stephen Cowan, A&M
3rd James Gilpin, Moneyrea YFC
4th George Shaw, Spa YFC
4th Michael Woodrow, Spa YFC
Co Fermanagh
Co Armagh
Co Tyrone
Age Group 12-14
1st Lucy Dunne, Kesh YFC
2nd Adam Doonan, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Robbie Wilson, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Rebecca Nicholl, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Jane Noble, Lisbellaw YFC
Age Group 12-14
1st Karen Walker, Collone YFC
2nd Amber Lucas, Collone YFC
2nd Nathan Nesbitt, Newtownhamilton YFC
4th Jake McCartney, Collone YFC
Age Group 12-14
1st Niall Alexander, Clanabogan YFC
2nd Charlie Oliver, Clanabogan YFC
3rd Lewis Bratton, Clanabogan YFC
4th Jamie McKelvey, Clanabogan YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Jonathan Cairns, Collone YFC
2nd Andrew Porter, Mountnorris YFC
3rd Courtney Halliday, Bleary YFC
4th Ryan Rees, Bleary YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Adam Kee, Strabane YFC
2nd Scott Ross, Strabane YFC
2nd Richard Armstrong, Seskinore YFC
4th Adam Hawkes, Seskinore YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Ashleigh Johnston, Collone YFC
2nd Leah Crozier, Collone YFC
2nd Laura Halliday, Bleary YFC
4th Ryan Hamilton, Mountnorris YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Samuel Hunter, Derg Valley YFC
2nd Jordan Carruth, Clogher Valley YFC
3rd Graeme Monteith, Seskinore YFC
3rd Jonny Keys, Clogher Valley YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Christopher Fletcher, Collone YFC
2nd David Scott, Collone YFC
3rd Amy Knight, Newtownhamilton YFC
3rd Sonia Mills, Collone YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Jan Allen, Clogher Valley YFC
2nd Adam Smyth, Clanabogan YFC
3rd Ryan McFarland, Clanabogan YFC
4th John Armstrong, Trillick YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Zara Montgomery, Newtownhamilton YFC
2nd Brooks Allen, Collone YFC
3rd Ian McCullogh, Mountnorris YFC
4th Stuart Williamson, Mountnorris YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Stephen Beggs, Castlecaufield YFC
2nd Stuart McIvor, Castlecaufield YFC
3rd Gary McClelland, Derg Valley YFC
4th Kyle Smyth, Clanabogan YFC
Age Group 25-30
1st Benjamin Allen, Collone YFC
2nd Joseph Black, Collone YFC
Age Group 25-30
1st Emma Baxter, Clanabogan YFC
2nd Victoria Ross, Newtownstewart YFC
3rd Ruth Blacburn, Clogher Valley YFC
4th Adam Crockett, Derg Valley YFC
Age Group 25-30
1st David Dunlop, Finvoy YFC
2nd Gillian Hunter, Straid YFC
Alexander Currie, Kells & Connor YFC
4th Joe Adams, Lisnamurrican YFC
Age Group 14-16
1st Tom Rooney, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Richard Armstrong, West Fermanagh YFC
3rd Alice Dunne, Kesh YFC
4th Lauren Armstrong, Lisbellaw YFC
Age Group 16-18
1st Philip Elliott, West Fermanagh YFC
2nd Hannah Birney, Kesh YFC
2nd Emma Hoey, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Rodney Phair, West Fermanagh YFC
Age Group 18-21
1st Alan Burleigh, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Craig Cowan, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Rebecca Ryan, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Laura Mayers, Lisbellaw YFC
Age Group 21-25
1st Glen Gregg, Lisbellaw YFC
2nd Jamie Johnston, Lisbellaw YFC
3rd Ross McElhinney, Lisbellaw YFC
4th Graeme Crawford, Lisbellaw YFC
Age Group 25-30
1st Ashley Johnston, Lisbellaw YFC
20
YFCU CELEBRATE
DRAMA ACCOLADES
AT ANNUAL DINNER
The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) drama dinner recently
took place at the Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena to celebrate
the success of the Association’s 2016 drama season.
Sponsored by the NFU Mutual Insurance
Society Limited, the YFCU One Act and
Three Act drama festivals took place in
venues throughout Northern Ireland and
showcased the talent that exists within the
association.
EVENTS
ROUND UP
MAY
Each of the evenings were a great success
and well supported by the public.
At the drama dinner, the results of the
adjudication of all the plays were revealed
and the prizes were read out by YFCU
President Roberta Simmons.
▲ Paul Bennington, Adjudicator is pictured with YFCU
President Roberta Simmons and David Cairns from NFU Mutual,
sponsor of the One Act and Three Act Drama Festival.
One Act Awards & certificates
Certificates of Merit (Acting)
Hannah Kirkpatrick, Kilraughts YFC
Rachel Campbell, Finvoy YFC
Charlotte Taylor, Finvoy YFC
Alison Rea, Donaghadee YFC
Lewis Crockett, City of Derry YFC
Most Promising Actor
Ross Lorimer, Lisnamurrican YFC in ‘More Tea Vicar’
Most Promising Actress
Sara Townley, Newtownards YFC in ‘Nearly Departed’
Certificate of Merit for Production
Kilraughts YFC for ‘A.K.A Charlie’
Best Set
Best Moment of Theatre
Cappagh YFC for ‘Baby Birth’ in ‘Cappagh Care
Centre’
Best Producer
Stephanie Fulton & Karena Shaw, Finvoy YFC
for ‘Whose line was it anyway?’
1st place - Perpetual Challenge Cup & plaque
Finvoy YFC for ‘Whose line was it anyway?’
2nd place
3rd place
Newtownards YFC for ‘Nearly Departed’
▲ David Cairns from sponsor NFU Mutual and YFCU
President Roberta Simmons are pictured with members
of Finvoy YFC who were awarded first place in the One
Act Drama Festival for their production of ‘Whose line
was it anyway?’ Also pictured, Rachel Campbell, Finvoy
YFC and Charlotte Taylor, Finvoy YFC who were given
Certificates of Merit for Acting. Best Producer was
awarded to Stephanie Fulton and Karena Shaw from
Finvoy YFC for ‘Whose line was it anyway?’
Three Act Awards and Certificates
Certificates of Merit for Acting
Lorraine Lyons - Moycraig YFC for playing Lily
Rebecca Stewart - Moycraig YFC for playing
Mrs Monteith
Mark McAllister - Moycraig YFC for playing Herbie
Adam McAuley - Glarryford YFC for playing Mickey
Certificate of Merit for Production
Moycraig YFC for ‘Removal of motor cycle helmet’
scene in Act 1
Best Set
Moycraig YFC
Most Promising Actress
Cathy Knowles - Glarryford YFC for playing Sarah
Best Producer
Mrs Alison Caldwell & Mr Kenneth Rock,
Glarryford YFC
Most Promising Actor
John McIllrath - Glarryford YFC for playing Badger
1st place
Glarryford YFC for ‘Anyone could rob a bank’
▲ Pictured are members from Glarryford YFC who were
awarded first place in the Three Act Drama Festival for their
performance of ‘Anyone could rob a bank’. Best Producer
in the Three Act Drama Festival was awarded to Mrs Alison
Caldwell & Mr Kenneth Rock, Glarryford YFC; Most Promising
Actress Cathy Knowles, Glarryford YFC for playing Sarah
and Most Promising Actor John McIllrath, Glarryford YFC for
playing Badger. Adam McAuley, Glarryford YFC was awarded
a Certificate of Merit for playing Mickey. Also pictured is
David Cairns from sponsor NFU Mutual and YFCU President
Roberta Simmons.
21
EVENTS
BALMORAL
ROUND UP SHOW
MAY
YFCU Floral Art Final
Pictured are team members from Curragh YFC who were
crowned junior champions at the YFCU’s girls’ football final
held at Balmoral Show 2016. Congratulating the girls on their
achievement is YFCU President Roberta Simmons.
YFCU Girls’ Football
Final at Balmoral
The YFCU’s popular girls’ five-a-side
junior and senior football final,
supported by platinum sponsor
Elanco, took place at Balmoral Show.
Senior teams and junior teams
enthusiastically took to the cattle rings to
battle it out for a place in the final. Both
junior and senior teams played in their
own league with each team playing each
other. At the end of each league, the top
two teams from the junior and senior
tournaments played against each other.
In the junior competition, Curragh YFC
and Cappagh YFC played against each
other in the final. Curragh YFC then
triumphed to take home the junior title.
Randalstown YFC and Kilraughts YFC
finished top in the senior tournament and
played against each other in the final.
Following a tense match, Kilraughts YFC
defended their title coming in first place
with Randalstown YFC being awarded
second place. The Fair Play Award was
presented to Collone YFC.
The YFCU would like to extend a note
of thanks to Elanco for their continued
support of the event and to all the
stewards for their help in coordinating
and refereeing the matches.
22
Pictured are the 12-14 age category winners in the YFCU Floral
Art Competition. From left-right: 3rd place winner, Emily Harris
from Killinchy YFC; YFCU President Roberta Simmons; 1st place
winner, Christina McConnell from Holestone YFC; Sean Largey,
Commercial Manager from sponsor, Tesco NI and 2nd place
winner, Cara Millar from Coleraine YFC.
The finals of the YFCU 2015-2016 floral
art competition, supported by Tesco,
took place at Balmoral Show on the
Wednesday morning. Competitors put
together a display with the theme of
‘Inspired By’.
In the 14-16 age category, 1st place was
awarded to Gillian Gourley from Ballywalter,
2nd place was awarded to Suzanne Reid
from Glarryford YFC and 3rd place was
awarded to Sarah Cunningham from
Coleraine YFC.
Under the watchful eye of Judge Alan
Beattie, competitors showed off their
creativity and flair as they delicately placed
flowers, foliage and other accessories to
craft stunning arrangements.
In the 16-18 age category, 1st place
was awarded to Claire Adams from
Lisnamurrican YFC, 2nd place was awarded
to Katie Lemon from Ballywalter YFC and
3rd place was awarded to Thomas Gordon
from Kilrea YFC.
Over 400 competitors had taken part in
the floral art heats and it was a remarkable
achievement for the finalists to showcase
their artistic ability at the premiere
agricultural event.
YFCU President, Roberta Simmons, was on
hand to announce those that placed and
Sean Largey, Commercial Manager, Tesco
NI presented the awards to the winners.
Sean commented, “Tesco NI is delighted
to sponsor the increasingly popular
YFCU Floral Art competition. The quality
of displays this year was truly amazing.
Floral Art is one of four YFCU events we
sponsor, and we’re really looking forward
to the YFCU ‘built it’ event on June 8th
which will take place in the car parks of our
stores at Cookstown, Antrim, Limavady and
Banbridge Extra.”
awarded to Christina McConnell from
Holestone YFC, 2nd place was awarded
to Cara Millar from Coleraine YFC and 3rd
place was awarded to Emily Harris from
Killinchy YFC.
awarded to Julie Young from Finvoy YFC,
2nd place was awarded to Kerry Rea from
Cappagh YFC and 3rd place was awarded
to Ruth Adams from Coleraine YFC.
awarded to Ruth Steele from Straid YFC,
2nd place was awarded to Heather Martin
from Newtownards YFC and 3rd place
was awarded to Holly Vance from Trillick &
District YFC.
In the 25-30 age category, 1st place
was awarded to Sarah Thompson from
Randalstown YFC, 2nd place was awarded
to Joy Balance from Moneyrea YFC, 3rd
place was awarded to Bev Henderson from
Kesh YFC and 4th place was awarded to
Stuart Mills from Moneymore YFC.
The floral arrangements were then exhibited
at the garden village for the duration of the
show. The Association would like to take this
opportunity to thank Alan Beattie for judging
the competition and Tesco NI for supporting
the event.
competition. Competitors sweated it out in a
tough contest with the top scorers making it
through to the final.
In the final, Thomas Perry from Strabane YFC,
secured the top place and was presented with
the Lister hand piece trophy by David John
from Lister Shearing. Second place went to
Stephen Morgan from Spa YFC and third place
went to Russell Smyth from Coleraine YFC.
YFCU Tug of War Finals
Co Down club BMWR YFC proved their
strength to win the Advanced Tug Of
War competition sponsored by John
Thompson & Sons Ltd at this year’s
Balmoral Show. Second place in the
Advanced Tug of War section was
awarded to Spa YFC.
YFCU sheep shearing
winners display talents
at Balmoral Show 2016
New to this year was the introduction of a
female Tug Of War competition which saw
the female BMWR team being awarded
first place after pulling against the YFCU Co
Armagh female team.
Members of the YFCU displayed
their skills at the association’s annual
sheep shearing competition that took
place on the Wednesday morning at
Balmoral Show.
In the novice section, Straid YFC 1 were
awarded first place after battling it out
against Randalstown YFC 1.
The competition was held in association with
the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB),
The Northern Ireland Sheep Shearers
Association (NISSA) and Lister Shearing
Equipment Limited and consisted of two
sections – novice and advanced.
The build up to the Tug Of War began at
the YFCU stand on Thursday afternoon
when the draw took place to decide
which teams pulled against one another
in round one.
The YFCU would like to thank everyone
who helped with the tug of war, including
Barrie Barr for all his help and advice and
all those who helped to steward the event.
In the novice competition, judges named Iain
Wilson from Gleno Valley YFC as the YFCU
sheep shearing novice winner for 2016
and he received a glass trophy from David
John, Lister Shearing. Second place went to
Patrick Quinn from The Glens YFC and third
place went to David Scott from Collone YFC.
Special thanks must also be paid to John
Thompson & Sons Ltd for their continued
support of this highly popular contest.
It was then the turn of the experienced
shearers to show their craft at its best
in the YFCU advanced sheep shearing
County Down Secure
YFCU Machinery
Handling Title
County Down members Keith Dixon
from Spa YFC and Jonny Crawford
from Newtownards YFC, were
celebrating at this year’s Balmoral
Show after winning the YFCU
machinery handling competition.
The competition, held in association with
long term sponsor Johnston Gilpin & Co,
saw a large crowd of spectators at the Cattle
Lawn, where they cheered on the teams.
Johnston Gilpin & Co have supported the
YFCU machinery handling competition for
many years and provide the machinery for
the young farmers to use during the event.
Working closely with the Health and Safety
Stephen Morgan from Spa YFC was also
awarded the prize for best shorn pen of sheep
and received a cash prize from Patrick Allen,
Moira Equestrian Centre.
The Association would like to thank The
Northern Ireland Sheep Shearers Association
(NISSA), British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB)
and Lister Shearing Equipment Limited for
their ongoing support of the YFCU sheep
shearing competition. The YFCU would like
to extend their thanks to the sheep shearing
committee at the Royal Ulster Agricultural
Society for ensuring the smooth running of the
competition on the day.
Sheep Shearing Advanced
Thomas Perry from Strabane YFC is presented
with his trophy from David John, from sponsor
Lister Shearing for coming first in the YFCU
Advanced Sheep Shearing Competition.
Russell Smyth from Coleraine YFC (pictured
back left) was awarded 3rd place and Stephen
Morgan from Spa YFC (pictured far right) was
awarded second place. Also pictured is YFCU
President Roberta Simmons and Patrick Allen
from Moira Equestrian Centre who provided
a cash prize for the best shorn pen of sheep
with Stephen Morgan from Spa YFC (who
also came 2nd in the advanced section)
taking the prize.
up the teams and the team who completed the
course with the most points won the competition.
Second place was awarded to County Armagh
which included members Benjamin Allen and
Thomas Chambers, both from Collone YFC.
Pictured receiving their first place prize in the YFCU
Machinery Handling competition are County Down members
Keith Dixon from Spa YFC and Jonny Crawford from
Newtownards YFC with YFCU President, Roberta Simmons;
Paul Kelly, HSENI and Gethin Jones from Sponsor Johnston
Gilpin & Co. Also pictured are representatives from Johnston
Gilpin & Co and HSENI.
Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI), Johnston
Gilpin & Co assist with the planning of the
designated course to test the competitors’
tractor skills and safety knowledge.
Two members from clubs in each of the six
counties, selected from county heats, made
Points were awarded for successfully making
it through the course and driving through the
posts, however teams were penalised for a
variety of reasons including if they did not
comply with safety regulations, touching markers
and unnecessary damage to the ground. This
competition was designed to test both the
drivers’ tractor skills and safety knowledge.
YFCU would like to thank Johnston Gilpin & Co
for their continued sponsorship and support
of this event. The Association also extend their
gratitude to Paul Kelly from HSENI. YFCU would
also like to thank Neill Patterson from Spa YFC
and Lowry Dunn from City of Derry YFC who
helped design the course.
23
FARM PLANNING IN
The First Trust Bank Farm Business
Management Competition
This issue we talk with Orla Kelly, a 20 year old student studying for
a Foundation Degree in Agriculture with
Rural Studies at the College of Agriculture,
Northern Ireland’s agri sector is vast with a breath of different
Food and Rural Enterprise’s Greenmount
fields in which you can specialise. This can make it confusing
when planning for the future, so the course has also been
Campus. Orla was named winner of
great for helping me to familiarise myself with the various
the First Trust Bank Farm Business
career options available.
Management Competition.
Tell us more about taking part in the Farm Business
As part of our course we had to analyse the performance of
a farm with which we were familiar –looking in detail at the
business of that farm, including its financial performance. We
then had to devise a development plan to help improve its
profits.
The whole class individually submitted a farm management
project but only six of us were selected to take part in the
Farm Business Management Competition. This involved
presenting our plans to a panel of judges from First Trust Bank.
Farm Business Management Competition Winner Orla Kelly
from Downpatrick with judges from First Trust Bank, Karen Kidd
and Eoin Donnelly.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up on our family farm just outside Downpatrick. My
father oversees the day to day running of the business with
myself and the rest of the family helping out when we can. I
love farming and always knew I wanted to work in agriculture,
so I was delighted when I was accepted to study at CAFRE. I
can’t believe it’s already my final year - time has flown by!
What do you enjoy about your degree course at
CAFRE?
Having grown up on a beef suckler and sheep farm, I have
particularly enjoyed studying animal science such as the
digestive processes of ruminants, but I have also been
fascinated to discover more about animal husbandry for pigs
and poultry.
It has also been brilliant getting to know my fellow students.
Going from a school in Ballynahinch where I was one of only
a handful of students from a farming family to a place where
everyone is familiar with agriculture was a big change. But
the course has given me the chance to share my experiences
with like-minded people my own age who have a passion for
farming – I have made a lot of good friends.
My plan centred around a possible switch from working with
continental beef breeds to Aberdeen Angus on my home farm.
Whilst Angus is a lighter breed, my plan’s central argument
discussed how less food concentrates would be required and
prices could reach a higher premium – boosting profitability.
“
The whole competition has been
a great experience and a brilliant
opportunity to meet and learn
from people in the industry.
”
THE SPOTLIGHT
This was a change that we had been considering for the
farm for some time, however, the case study allowed me
and my father to analyse in detail the possible benefits and
drawbacks. The projections made a good case for change! I’m
glad to say that we recently acquired an Aberdeen Angus Bull
and that we are adjusting our operations to help us manage
this new breed. It is a steady process but we’re pleased with
how it is going so far and we are looking forward to seeing
what results we achieve. It will be interesting to see how well
the figures match up to the projections in my project!
How did it feel when you found out you had won?
I was taken completely by surprise when I heard the news!
I knew how strong my fellow students’ projects were, so I
went into the process focussing on the learning experience I
would gain from taking part in the competition. The feedback
I received from the panel gave me the confidence to put the
plan I had devised into practice at our family farm. It’s great to
know that all the hard work spent researching has resulted in
real life benefits on the farm.
Are you looking forward to representing CAFRE in
the all-Ireland stage of the Competition in July?
Yes, I’m very excited. I will once again be presenting my plan
to a judging panel, so I will be busy going over the project
ahead of time to ensure I have all the details at the forefront of
my mind on the big day.
What are your plans for the future once you finish
your degree?
I am currently weighing up career options for after I complete
my studies, but animal nutrition is one area to which I’m giving
strong consideration. It’s an area that fascinates me.
Outside of farming, what are your interests /
hobbies?
I enjoy playing Gaelic football - although travelling to and from
the Greenmount campus and my studies has meant that I
haven’t had the chance to play too much of late. I always try
and find time to relax with a good book, and I enjoy spending
time with friends and socialising.
“Being part of the First
Trust Bank Farm Business
judging panel was a fantastic
experience. It’s good to be
reminded that Northern Ireland
has a talented and passionate
pool of young people, especially
in the agriculture sector with
world-class institutions like
CAFRE supporting their
development.
The standard of entries for this year’s Farm
Management Competition was incredibly high
and we had a tough job picking an overall winner.
Orla’s showcased an in-depth understanding of the
implications of her proposed plan – this is reinforced
all the more by the fact these plans have now been
put into practice at her family farm. We are looking
forward to seeing how Orla performs at the all-Ireland
stage of the competition and hope her enthusiasm
and commitment shines through as it did in the earlier
stages of the competition.
It’s no secret that Northern Ireland’s agri-food industry
as a whole is blossoming. It employs more people than
any other area of manufacturing in Northern Ireland,
and aims to grow into a £7 billion industry by 2020.
Of course it has its challenges, but by having young
farmers come through the ranks, we can safe-guard
the sector and help it reach its full potential by injecting
added innovation and creativity that comes with a new
generation of workers.
This year, we have been celebrating the NI Year
of Food and Drink but it’s also important to have
competitions like this to celebrate the driving force
tasked with taking agri-food growth forward in the
future – our young people. At First Trust Bank, we are
committed to supporting the agri-food sector and this
includes specific services for our young, progressive
farmers and agri-businesses across Northern Ireland
to help them expand and modernise their operations.
Our Agri-Food team – chosen due to their background
and knowledge in the area – are very familiar with the
importance of the farming community as the primary
producers in that food chain and we are here to help
them take advantage of market opportunities.”
CLUB NEWS
COLERAINE YFC
2016 saw Coleraine YFC reach their 85th year. A celebratory 85th anniversary dinner was held in
the Royal Court Hotel at the end of February. It was great to see a turnout of over 200 people from
past members to current members and even some future members. The club welcomed a very
distinguished and well known past member of Coleraine YFC as their guest speaker - Mr John
Johnston, who gave a very entertaining speech, filling members in on some stories of Coleraine
YFC in its younger years. It looks like 2016 is going to be one to remember for Coleraine YFC who
lifted five out of the six Special Cups at the Annual AGM & Conference. Four of the clubs members
were recognised for their proficiency, two receiving their 10th badges and the other two members
receiving their 12th and their 13th badges.
Throughout April and May, a total of eight members qualified for the NI finals in Dairy and Silage
Judging and numerous places were obtained by members at Balmoral show in Sheep Shearing
and Floral Art. Let’s hope this success contains for the remainder of 2016.
TRILLICK & DISTRICT YFC
CITY OF DERRY YFC
City of Derry YFC have been busy over the
recent months with Emma Montgomery
gaining Co Londonderry Junior Member
of the year at the AGM & Conference. Two
City of Derry members, Lynne Montgomery
and Lauren Griffith also took part in the ‘86
miles for 86 years’ cycle which was a great
achievement for both to complete the 86
miles inside two days.
In April, City of Derry YFC had two teams
who performed an outstanding One Act
drama held in Ballymoney High School.
18 members got suited and booted and
attended the One Act Drama Dinner in the
Tullyglass Hotel Ballymena with Lewis
Crockett being awarded a Certificate of
Merit of acting.
City of Derry YFC has a very busy and
enjoyable summer ahead of them, with
preparations underway for tug of war
competitions and the annual Londonderry &
Limavady Agricultural Show approaching as
well as various sports nights.
26
Trillick and District YFC began the YFCU’s
‘Innov8’ season by holding a ‘Dyno Day’ and
‘Show and Shine’ for local tractor drivers at
Brian Keys Tractors, Dromore, Co Tyrone.
The event was run in support of five
members of the club who are taking part in
the YFCU Short Term exchange programme
– Holly Vance and Jack Campbell are going
to Scotland, Shannen and Lauren Vance to
England and Bryan McKinley to Wales.
The five members will also be involved in
hosting the incoming exchangees from 8th - 22nd May – Paige and Emily from England, Zoe and
Hannah from Scotland and Lestyn from Wales. In the brilliant sunshine, approximately 45 tractors of
varying makes and vintages were in attendance making the judging of the ‘Show and Shine’ extremely
difficult for the adjudicators. After much deliberation the results were: Dylan Crawford, Best Overall;
Daryl Monteith, Best Classic Tractor; Henry Giles (Seskinore YFC) Best Kept Modern Tractor and the
Keys Family, Best Fleet. The club is very grateful to Brian Keys for allowing the use of his premises and
equipment and to the Keys staff, Gavin and Simon, who carried out the testing. Thanks are also due
to TAD Valeting, Brian Keys and A & J Mills Oil, Trillick who sponsored the prizes, to McCarneys Nisa,
Trillick for the BBQ and to all the tractor owners, drivers and spectators for their support on the night.
LISNAMURRICAN YFC
Lisnamurrican YFC began 2016 by celebrating their 75th year in style with a club dinner and prize
giving night in the Wild Duck Inn, Portglenone with YFCU President Roberta Simmons as quest
speaker. In February, Lisnamurrican YFC enjoyed a night of bowling at their club exchange with City
Of Derry YFC in the Jet Centre, Coleraine. Next up was the Arts Festival which the members had been
practising throughout the winter for but unfortunately this wasn’t to be their year. Towards the end
of February, the club presented a cheque to MacMillan Cancer for £1,195.30 after raising funds by
holding a raffle at the club dinner. Four members from Lisnamurrican YFC also took part in ‘The Cube’
evening held by County Antrim at their County Big Night. The club also took part in the YFCU NI Quiz
entering three teams. Lisnamurrican member Thomas McNabney was also announced as 1st place
winner in the photography competition at the quiz.
The One Act Drama Festival in April named member Ross Lorimer as Most Promising Actor and
Claire Adams was placed 1st in the 16-18 age category at Balmoral Show for the finals of Floral Art.
The club looks forward to their BBQ to be held in the coming months and promise that it will
be bigger than ever!
DONAGHADEE YFC
COLLONE YFC
Donaghadee Young Farmers rounded up the
year with their annual Parents and Supporter
Evening at the end of April. Janette Stirling,
representing the European Rally came to give
a few words about how Donaghadee Young
Farmers’ donation to the Rally, which is being
held in Northern Ireland this year, would help.
Many prizes were distributed on the night,
including County and Northern Ireland awards
for the club’s efforts in everything from choir
performances to dairy assessment. Kimberly
Hill from Tiny Life, the club’s charity from the
outgoing year, also came to say a few words and
accept a cheque for £1,500 from the club.
Over the past few months, Collone
young farmers have been busy
attending information evenings, club
exchanges and annual YFC competitions
such as, Public Speaking, Arts Festival,
Stock Judging and Girls Football.
Most recently many Collone members
participated at Balmoral Show in Girls
football, Tug Of War, Tractor handling
and Sheep Shearing competitions.
A great night of entertainment was enjoyed from
the club’s One Act Drama performance, hilarious
sketches and poems read by Jordan Gunning,
Jodie McMilan and Rachel Murray. Thanks must
go to all of the friends and supporters of the club
for all of their help and support this year. The
club looks forward to seeing other members at
their summer barbeques.
STRAID YFC
Starid YFC’s novice Tug Of War team pulled their
way to victory, being placed first in the novice
competition at Balmoral Show. Congratulations
to both teams who took part, all the hard work
put into training paid off. Ruth Steele from Straid
YFC also represented the club in the Floral Arts
competition and was placed first in her age
category. These are brilliant results for the club,
who seem to be on a winning streak.
Straid YFC recently presented Marie Curie Cancer
Care with a cheque for £450 and made a donation
to the SANDS charity which supports anyone who
has been affected by the death of a baby before,
during or shortly after birth. The club also decided
to help out the local school, by presenting a cheque
for £500 to Straid Primary School PTA. The money
was used to go towards new play equipment for
the children. This money was raised from various
events, including an ASDA bag pack, members
taking part in the Belfast Marathon relay team and
prize money the club received.
Collone YFC also recently held their
Annual Club Dinner which was
supported well. Many thanks go to guest
speaker David Oliver for attending the
dinner and a great night was had by all.
The club has also had major success
this year as they got to the final stage
for Club of the Year. The success of
Collone was highlighted at the AGM &
Conference in April where they won the
Best Video, Best Environment Impact
award and Community Involvement
award. The success then continued
for Collone with senior member Judith
McCombe receiving top treasurer out of
all YFCU and Vice President Brooks Allen
in the top three for Club Leader. Collone
YFC look forward to a busy summer
schedule involving a new Sheep
Shearing Competition at Armagh County
Show on 11th June and their annual
Charity Tractor run in August.
MOYCRAIG YFC
Moycraig YFC spent the first couple of months
of 2016 putting their acting skills into practice
during rehearsals for their One Act play (The
Meeting) and their Three Act play. The Three
Act cast performed their production in various
locations throughout the Province before being
adjudicated in their own club hall where their
play ‘Strictly For The Birds’ was awarded ‘Best
Set’ and a merit for production. Lorraine Lyons,
Rebecca Stewart and Mark McAlister were
also awarded merits for acting.
The club also held its Club Dinner in April at
the Royal Court Hotel in Portrush, during which
various club trophies were awarded. The
annual club BBQ will take place on the 9th July
at Armoy Rugby Club at 9pm. Moycraig YFC
hope to see you all there!
27
CLUB NEWS
AHOGHILL YFC
Ahoghill YFC are celebrating their 85th
anniversary this year and the charity they have
chosen is Turning Point NI. This is a charity that
supports people with mental health problems
and helps with suicide prevention.
The first event the club held was a charity
car wash in Cullybackey in April and they
raised a fantastic total of £702.48 for Turning
Point. Ahoghill YFC are looking forward to all
their other planned events such as their 85th
Anniversary Dinner which is to be held on the
19th of November at the Leighinmohr house
hotel in Ballymena. Tickets will be on sale
shortly and everyone is welcome to attend.
The club also began the year with the
planning and producing of new club tops with
sponsorship from United Feeds and Stephen
Gibson Hard Landscaping Specialist, and the
club would like to extend their thanks to them
for their sponsorship.
NEWTOWNARDS YFC
CAPPAGH YFC
Newtownards YFC have had an action packed
year, and rounded it off in May with their
annual ‘Newtownards YFC’s Got Talent’ night.
The audience enjoyed performances of the
club’s Arts Festival, ‘The Big Issue’ and the
One Act Play, ‘Nearly Departed’. Members
would like to say a big thank you to everyone
who came along and supported the night.
Club awards for acting were awarded to
Sara Townley and Ewan Dalzell for the One
Act Drama and to Emily Moore and Dylan
Robinson for the Arts Festival.
Cappagh YFC have been very successful over
the past number of months and are feeling very
proud of all their dedicated members. At the
YFCU AGM & Conference, the club were placed
in the top nine clubs in the Club of the Year
Competition and member Matthew Wilson was
crowned YFCU Junior member of the year. Also
James McCay had outstanding results in the
Ulster Young Farmer competition, picking up 1st
place in the sheep section, getting placed in a
number of other sections and being placed 2nd
overall in Northern Ireland.
In May, the club had a very successful night
at the Drama Dinner in Tullyglass House
Hotel. The One Act Play, ‘Nearly Departed’
was placed 3rd in Northern Ireland, and
member Sara Townley was awarded the ‘Most
Promising Actress’. Members all had a very
enjoyable night.
At the Ken Russell Rosebowl and One Act
Drama competition, Cappagh YFC brought
home impressive amount of silverware. Many
Congratulations to Ella Hawkes who won ‘Best
Junior Actress’. The club also got the awards for
‘Best Use of Props’, ‘Most Memorable Moment’
and of course not forgetting being awarded
overall winners of the 2016 Ken Russell
Rosebowl! Thanks and congratulations to
everyone who helped and also to Adam Wilson,
Natalie Burrows, Nathan Moore and William
Wilson for working on the script.
Upcoming events in the Newtownards YFC
calendar include the annual Tractor Run.
This year it will be held on Friday 5th August,
meeting at 7.15pm at Ballyblack Presbyterian
Church. The cost will be £10 per tractor with
supper included. The club hopes to see you
all there! For any more details please contact
club leader Andrew Patton on 07789285272 or
contact the club via the Facebook page.
Overall, the club has had a very successful year
with their Secretary Kathryn Thompson getting
placed 3rd in all of Northern Ireland. At the
Dairy Stock Judging heats, five members got
placed. Well done to Richard Coleman placing
1st, Jonathan Bristow placing 2nd and Jonathan
Watson placing 4th in the 21-25 category and
Stephen Speers placing 3rd in the 14-16 age
group, and Lauren Greer placing 4th. The club
are looking forward to the rest of the year and
taking part in all the summer events.
SPA YFC
Spa Young Farmers held their annual parents night at the end of April. The club would like to thank
and congratulate all the members that took part and all those that won prizes. The night consisted
of a junior sketch, a junior poem, the club gossip and their Arts Festival Performance. This was
followed by a lovely supper and then the club prize giving. Spa Young Farmers would like to thank
all friends and family members that came along to show their support for parents night and for all
the support they gave the club as they got to the Arts Festival Gala for the first time in the club’s
history, with their play ‘From the Downlands to the Highlands’. The club members put in a lot of hard
work both on stage and behind the scenes but they all loved performing at the Millennium Forum
and winning the Best Choral Piece.
28
Cappagh YFC members have also celebrated
their recent successes at their annual parents
and supporter’s night and they thank Andrew
Little for being guest speaker.
Cappagh YFC Annual Steak BBQ and Barn Dance
is being held on Saturday 18th June 2016 at
Kenny Prestons Farm with music by Johnny
Brady. BBQ tickets are £15 and dance tickets
are £8. Proceeds from the BBQ are going to the
‘Friends of the cancer centre’ charity. For more
information, contact any of Cappagh YFCs office
bearers or committee members.
BLEARY YFC
Bleary YFC’s new season started with their
new member’s night that saw many new faces
taking part in the ice breaker games. The club
have competed in a variety of competitions
throughout the year with their most successful
coming 1st in the Soapbox Derby which was
held during the Hillsborough Oyster Festival.
Their success continued at the Dairy Stock
Judging heats with lots of members getting
through to the final. Over the summer the club
will continue their busy programme which
includes their annual tractor run in August. For
further information about upcoming events
visit Bleary YFC on Facebook.
DUNGIVEN YFC
SESKINORE YFC
Dungiven were very proud to present a cheque for
£1,100 to Marie Curie. The club is grateful to all of
its members who helped raise this money from a
fundraising bag pack in Tesco’s, a 5K colour run in
Belfast and all the proceeds from the sale of their
50th anniversary club books.
Seskinore Young Farmers’ Annual Charity
Tractor Run took place for the fifth
consecutive year on Sunday, 1st May. There
was a fantastic turn out with 140 tractors
in total taking part to raise money for Marie
Curie. The tractors left Omagh Showgrounds
and travelled through the local area via
Beragh, Sixmilecross, Seskinore, Fintona,
returning to Omagh and finished with a BBQ.
There were large numbers of people who
turned out to watch the tractors along the
way and donated to a very worthy cause.
The evening was finished off by the donated
prizes being awarded for categories such as
‘Best Presented’, ‘Best Fleet’, ‘Best Vintage’
and many more! Approximately £3,500
has been raised for Marie Curie. The event
was once again, very well supported and
Seskinore Young Farmers’ Club would like
to say a huge thanks to all who participated,
helped out or donated in anyway, making the
day such a great success. Finally, the club
would like to thank Tyrone Farming Society
for the use of the premises, the PSNI, the
marshals, their kind sponsors of the prizes
and Sawyers Transport and Giles Contracts
for sponsoring their hoodies.
Dungiven YFC’s are holding their very first Tractor
run on Saturday 6th August. Tractors, vintage cars
and lorries are all welcome. For more details find
the club on Facebook or contact 07708524250.
CLOGHER YFC
Clogher Valley YFC held their
annual club dinner at the
start of May in the Valley
Hotel, Fivemiletown. Many
awards were received by
members during the night
from achievements in the past
year. This event marked the
end of the clubs 2015/2016
programme and a fun night
was had by all. The club look
forward to their summer
events and next year’s agenda!
KESH YFC
In the middle of May, Kesh YFC held their annual, award winning charity event, ‘How Fit is your Tractor?’
The charity this year was the Bridge Water Cancer Suite at the City Hospital. There was a great turnout
of tractors ranging from modern to vintage to toy tractors. Mr Ronnie McElwaine was the judge for the
evening. Mr McElwaine has supported the club over the years and the club are grateful for the efficient
and fair manner in which he carries out his role. The winner in the modern category was Ryan Lucy,
Vintage section Zack Havers and children section Alife, Dylan and Samuel Thompson. Mr McElwaine
put all the numbers of the tractors in a hat and the winner was Ethan Bleakley. Thanks go to everyone
who brought tractors, donated prizes for the event, Tulla Restaurant, Sizzling stone and Walter Beacom
Financial Services. The evening came to a close with BBQ kindly prepared by Sarah McClaughery & Megan
Thompson. The total amount raised will be confirmed at a later date as donations are still coming in.
GLENO VALLEY YFC
Gleno Valley YFC held a charity tractor run on the 24th April, with the
support of 115 vintage and non-vintage tractors from far and near. The
route covered 22 miles of roads and lanes of the surrounding countryside,
ending in McKee’s yard, Glynn. While the tractors were out on their run the
catering committee were busy setting up a BBQ for both spectators and
drivers. A big thanks goes to Jenkins Butchers for supplying the club with
the burgers and sausages.
An astonishing amount of £1,500 was raised for Leukaemia and Lymphoma
NI. For this the club would like to thank everyone who kindly donated to and
supported the tractor run. An enjoyable day was had by all.
29
CLUB NEWS
GLARRYFORD YFC
The YFCU Arts Gala was held in April at the Millennium Forum, Londonderry. Members
put on a brilliant performance of the production entitled ‘Give a Ship’ which saw the club
picking up awards for Most Innovative Musical Moment, Best Choreography and also
winning the Best Performance of the Night! This couldn’t have been possible without
our producers Jimmy and Judy King and Melissa McCombe who the club are extremely
thankful to. Thanks must also go to our sound man Peter Stewart and finally, as a club,
they would like to express thanks to all of the family and friends that came out to support
the club on the night.
At the YFCU AGM & Conference, member Peter Alexander gained 2nd place as Top Club
Leader in and Ruth McCloy who gained 2nd place in Top Treasurer. The club were also
crowned ‘Club of The Year’ in Northern Ireland. This is an immense achievement which
couldn’t have been possible without the hard work from each individual club member.
Glarryford have two key dates for your diary heading in to the summer months. First up
is their Annual Treasurer Hunt on the 10th of June at Glarryford YFC Hall. The following
week (17th June) is their Sports Night. More details to follow on both events.
RANDALSTOWN YFC
Randalstown YFC have kickstarted a busy summer with great success at the recent Balmoral
Show with many members taking part in a range of competitions. Michael Rodgers and Harry
Thompson tried their hands at this year’s tractor handling competition while Sarah Thompson
took top prize in the 25-30 age category at the Floral Art competition. This year the senior girl’s
football team reached the finals and were placed 2nd overall. The sporting success continued for
the club with three teams taking part in this year’s Tug-of-War competition, including for the first
time, a ladies team. Congratulations to Randalstown 1 team who gained 2nd place in the novice
section of the competition. Thanks must go to the coaches for all three teams and to Wilson Mills
for kindly sponsoring the clubs new Tug-of-War shirts. Neon paint and glow sticks were in high
demand at this year’s Boogie in the Barn which was held on 14th May. The night was a great
success with over 800 people attending and getting involved in the neon themed BBQ. Thanks
must go to committee members, past and present club members for making the night such a
success. Preparations are underway for the club sports night and the upcoming family fun night
in July, to keep up to date with information of events see the club Facebook page.
30
ANNACLONE &
MAGHERALLY YFC
Annaclone & Magherally YFC have had a busy few
months, with the annual Parents Night, dairy stockjudging heats and girls 5-a-side football. The annual
‘Parents’ Night’ took place in March and marked
the end of the winter programme, highlighting the
success of the club and its members, whilst providing
entertainment to the audience in the form of short
sketches. The guest speaker was Dr Geoff Thompson,
a long-standing member, who shared some of his
most memorable experiences of the YFCU. Many
laughs were had, and lots of buns were eaten, in what
proved to be a very enjoyable night. The Co. Down heat
of the Dairy Stock Judging and Silage assessment
took place on Tuesday 12th April at Drayne’s Farm,
Lisburn. Congratulations to members Stuart Hanna,
Noel Savage, John Porter and Stephen Cowan who
progressed to the Northern Ireland Finals. A number
of juniors took part in the girls’ 5-a-side football
competition, and showed their skills to progress to the
final at Balmoral Show. For more information about
the club please contact Club Leader Jane Cowan on
07821 442252.
KILRAUGHTS YFC
MONEYMORE YFC
Kilraughts YFC members Emma Millar
and Hannah Kirkpatrick have both been
chosen to participate in international
exchanges with the YFCU who offer
more than 13 exchanges, both national
and international, to various sister
organisations across the world. Emma
will be working within the Rural Youth
programme in Tasmania. Emma would like to thank sponsors BCM security, Kilraughts YFC and
Memento for their generous donations to her exchange. She would also like to thank everyone
who donated towards her trip on her fundraising evening in the Scenic Inn, which was a great
success. Also a massive thanks goes to her friends, family and especially her parents for their
donations.
Another Easter Monday was well spent by all who
attended the annual Moneymore Young Farmers’ Club
tractor run. This year the total number of tractors was
greater than ever, with a very pleasing turnout of 217
tractors of all makes and models. The route began at
the Castledawson roundabout with plenty of sunshine
all day. The total proceeds, which will be revealed at
the club treasure hunt in June, will be split between
Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice an d club funds.
On behalf of the club, they would like to thank all who
attended and supported in any way. Moneymore YFC
hope to see you all at their treasure hunt for another
fun packed evening. Date is still to be confirmed.
Hannah Kirkpatrick will be travelling to Canada also working on the Rural Youth programme.
Hannah would like to thank everyone who attended her fundraiser coffee morning in April as
well as a massive thank you to her friends and family for helping with the event; and finally the
Ulster Farmers Union for their sponsorship towards her trip.
Kilraughts YFC would also like to congratulate members Emma Millar, Erinn Ramsay and James
who took part in the ’86 Miles for 86 Years’ charity cycle raising money for the Association’s
90th Anniversary Fund and Diabetes UK NI.
TYRONE YFC ROSEBOWL
The Ken Russell Rosebowl took place for County Tyrone’s clubs, Seskinore YFC, Castlecaulfield
YFC, Cappagh YFC, Derg Valley YFC and Trillick & District YFC on Friday 22nd April with a
fantastic crowd at the 2000 Centre, Newtownstewart. The results are as follows: Junior actor,
Glenn Sproule, Derg Valley YFC. Junior actress,
Ella Hawkes, Cappagh YFC. Senior actor, Henry
Giles, Seskinore YFC. Senior actress, Lauren
Vance, Trillick and District YFC. Cappagh YFC and
Castlecaulfield YFC were awarded Best use of
Props and staging and Kerry Rea from Cappagh
YFC was awarded Best Memorial moment. Finally
the Rosebowl was awarded to Cappagh YFC for
their play entitled, ‘Cappagh Care Centre’. Thanks
go to the judges Don Campbell, Paul Bennington.
GARVAGH YFC
Laura Smith from Garvagh YFC has been chosen to
represent County Londonderry at the 45th Annual
International Miss Macra Competition. This competition
will take place at the beginning of August in County
Tipperary and will most definitely be a weekend to
remember for the “Pinta Princess” herself. Laura is
eighteen years old and currently taking a break from
life as a Law and Politics student. As a relatively new
member to YFCU, Laura is still in shock but excited for
the experience and challenges it will bring. The club
would like to wish Laura all the best as Pinta Princess
for County Londonderry and can’t wait to hear the
results! For more information on the International Miss
Macra Competition please visit www.macra.ie/events
DERG VALLEY YFC
Both past and present members of Derg Valley Young
Farmers Club gathered together at the Silver Birches
Hotel in April to celebrate their 70th Anniversary.
A highlight of the evening was the cutting of the
anniversary cake by the oldest Derg Valley member
Ual Carson, youngest member Craig Keatley and YFCU
President Roberta Simmons.
Derg Valley YFC have been a successful club
throughout the years, and on the lead up to our 70th
Anniversary the club done the double, not only being
awarded ‘Tyrone’s Super Club ‘ but were also awarded
top club in Tyrone at the Efficiency Awards. In addition
to this, the club had great success at this year’s AGM
conference with Robert Keatley being crowned winner
of the Ulster Young Farmer competition once again,
Peter Smith being awarded Top Club Secretary, Adam
Crockett winning 2nd place within the 25-30 age
category of the Ulster Young Farmer Competition and
also Mark Hamilton winning the farm safety section of
Ulster Young Farmer. Another worthy accolade for the
club was winning 2nd place in this year’s ‘Club of the
Year’ competition, being narrowly piped to the post.
The success of Derg Valley YFC can also be seen at
a county level and this year Peter Smith was recently
elected as the new county chair and Robert Keatley as
new County Treasurer. Derg Valley’s 70th Anniversary
celebrations continue with a tractor run on 22nd May in
support of MS Society Northern Ireland.
31
SPOTLIGHT
ON OUR MEMBERS
We speak to newly elected
Vice President David Oliver
from Dungiven YFC about
how he is finding his new
role, how he got involved
in YFCU and what advice
he would give to any
members to get the most
out of the organisation.
32
Tell us a bit about your club, what role
you have and how you got involved in
YFCU?
How would you describe YF to
about us?
I have been a member of Dungiven Young
Farmers for nine years; it’s a super club and
has been going from strength to strength.
Most recently we got through to the final of
Club of the Year Competition at the AGM &
Conference which is a great achievement
for the club. In Dungiven YFC I have been
a Club Committee Member, Assistant Club
Treasurer, Club Treasurer, Club UFU Rep
and I am currently Assistant Club Secretary.
Being an active member has allowed me
to get involved in young farmers at county
level, taking up the role of PRO, sitting on
the County Sub-Committee and currently
as County Treasurer. I first joined Dungiven
YFC because my family were members
but I wasn’t long in realising the fantastic
opportunities and experiences the YFCU
has to offer.
The YFCU is a great organisation which
is youth led and takes young people from
rural areas and challenges them to learn
new skills and realise their full potential.
There is no requirement to be a farmer
or come from a farming background to
join. The YFCU provide young people
the opportunity to meet and make new
friends and participate in a vast range of
events and competitions. The opportunity
is also available to enjoy a wide range
of social and travel opportunities. The
organisation structure allows members to
develop their leadership skills by taking on
positions of responsibility at club, county
and central levels which has continued to
be the source of the YFCU’s strength and
success over the years.
How would you describe YFCU to
about us?
I was extremely honoured to take up a
position in the presidential team. I have
been thoroughly enjoying my time so
far, getting out around the clubs and
competitions. I have gained a lot from my
experiences in this organisation and I want
to help and encourage others to achieve
the same so I am looking forward to the
year ahead representing the YFCU out and
about.
What are your favourite events to get
involved in within YFCU?
I think all the YFC events and competitions
are great to get involved in. I have always
been told you will get more out of the
Young Farmers from the more you put in,
and I can’t support this statement enough.
All the competitions provide some form of
valuable life skill without you even realising
it as well as allowing you to get out and
mingle and socialise with other members
around the country. I have been known
to be a bit of a public speaker because
of my thick country accent and this is a
competition I think all members should get
involved in as it complements the majority
of the other competitions and is a great way
to build self-confidence.
Tell us about your day job?
Last year I graduated from Queens
University with a Degree in Agriculture.
I was in the Ulster Farmers’ Union during
my work placement and I have been
fortunate enough to receive a full time
position in the UFU as a Membership/
Technical Officer. It is my role to provide
assistance to the group offices around the
country as well as one to one member
assistant on farm related problems. I grew
up on a suckler cow and sheep farm
in Limavady which recently my brother
diversified into dairying and I also have
a newly started sheep flock of Suffolk
Cheviot ewes which allows me to get
back to some manual work when I am
out of the office.
What are your aspirations for your
future in YFCU?
I want to continue to promote the YFCU
as a whole and see the organisation
grow from strength to strength. I am
enthusiastic about taking an active role in
growing the YFCU for the next generation
of rural young people and its position as a
voice in the future of the agri-food industry
in Northern Ireland.
Rebecca (7) and Jamie (5) from Ballygawley, Co Tyrone tried
their hand at Moy Park’s ‘Putt, Spin and Win’ competition.
MOY PARK
‘SWOOPS’ INTO
BALMORAL SHOW
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs, Elizabeth Truss MP, (R) is pictured with Moy
Park Chief Executive Janet McCollum (L) visiting
Moy Park’s stand at the Balmoral Show.
Leading food company Moy Park
was delighted to take part in Northern
Ireland’s largest agriculture and food
event, the Balmoral Show
With more than 90,000 visitors ‘flocking’ to
Balmoral Park across the three day event
which ran from 11th – 13th May, Moy Park
welcomed many of its key farming partners
and their family and friends to celebrate
Northern Ireland’s diverse agriculture, food
and drink industry.
As well as enjoying Moy Park food samples,
visitors to the company’s stand had the
opportunity to win prizes in honour of Moy
Park’s sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free
Irish Open. A special ‘Putt, Spin and Win’
competition saw competitors awarded
a range of prizes including goodie bags,
vouchers, recipe books and tickets to the
Irish Open itself.
The Northern Ireland Food Pavilion proved
to be a popular attraction at this year’s
Balmoral Show, attracting tens of thousands
of visitors. Here, Moy Park’s Executive Chef
Moy Park Executive Chef Aaron Dixon hosted a
series of cooking demonstrations throughout the
show in the Northern Ireland Food Pavilion.
Aaron Dixon was on hand to entertain the
crowds with a special USA themed cooking
demonstration in the Cookery Theatre.
We were delighted to speak with visitors
about our agricultural operations and
our commitment to rural communities.”
Mike Mullan, Moy Park Executive Director
said: “As the key event in Northern Ireland’s
agricultural calendar, we always look forward
to participating in the Balmoral Show. It’s a
great opportunity to engage with our farming
partners. The Balmoral Show gives people
of all ages and backgrounds the chance to
find out more about one of Northern Ireland’s
most important industries.
As well as welcoming farming partners,
families and friends, First Minister
Arlene Foster MLA, Secretary of State
for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers
MP and UK Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Elizabeth Truss MP also visited Moy
Park’s stand at the Show.
33
THE FARM SAFETY
FOUNDATION
SUPPORTING
NORTHERN IRELAND’S
YOUNG FARMERS
The Farm Safety Foundation took the opportunity at the recent
Balmoral Show to renew its partnership with the Young Farmers’
Clubs of Ulster.
The award-winning charity was established by NFU
Mutual in 2014 to raise awareness of farm safety
among young farmers and challenge and change
the behaviours that continue to give farming the
poorest safety record of any occupation in the UK.
The YFCU, which has now over 3,000
members from over 55 clubs, is led by young
people, for young people and this partnership
underpins the Foundation’s ongoing commitment
to engage young farmers and encourage the next
generation to challenge poor or unsafe practices
on their own farms as well as through peer
pressure.
Speaking at the recent Balmoral Show where
the Farm Safety Foundation shared the stand
with YFCU, Stephanie Berkeley, Farm Safety
Campaign Specialist commented: “We continue to
be impressed with the work of YFCU to enhance
the skill sets of young people in the agricultural
industries and with their commitment to farm safety.
This is an exciting and worthy partnership for us.
YFCU are avid supporters of our Yellow Wellies
campaign which asks young farmers to seriously
think “who would fill your boots” in the event of
34
a life-changing injury? We love working with
YFCU President Roberta Simmons, her Vice
President James Speers and all the YFCU team
and want to ensure every Young Farmers’ Club
across the province is aware of the training and
support available from the Foundation.”
As well as supporting the YFCU, the Foundation
will also return to CAFRE Greenmount Campus at
the start of September to deliver their innovative
Introduction to Farm Safety training course for
every new agriculture student. This unique
training will ensure that health and safety is
embedded in the mind of each new student
before they even step foot in a classroom. The
team are also working closely with the Northern
Ireland Farm Safety Partnership on this year’s
Farm Safety Week UK & Ireland which will take
place from 4th - 8th July and will offer five days
of themed practical advice and guidance for
farmers and highlight survivor stories from each of
the five countries taking part.
For more information on the Farm Safety
Foundation or Farm Safety Week please visit:
www.yellowwellies.org
PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR
FARMERS OF THE FUTURE
W W W . M A S S E Y F E R G U S O N . C O . U K
FROM MASSEY FERGUSON

Summer 2016 - Young Farmers` Clubs of Ulster

Transcription

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