New team elected to represent Young Farmers

A new Council has been elected to represent Young Farmers’ voices in England and Wales and guide the direction of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

The elections, which took place at the Quality Hotel Coventry on Sunday 28 October, saw three female members elected to the top positions of Chairman and two Vice Chairmen.

Milly Wastie, from Northamptonshire YFC, was voted in as the new national Chairman and Claire Worden, from Cornwall YFC, and Hannah Talbot, from Worcestershire YFC, were both elected as the two Vice Chairmen.

The trio will be charged with leading on the overall policy for the Federation, continuing the development and leadership of YFCs to meet the needs of its members and developing the status and image of YFC to the outside world.

During her year as Chairman, Milly plans to launch a rural road safety campaign to educate members on the risks of driving in rural areas. Milly, who works for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, is also focused on bringing the clubs and counties of the 80-year-old organisation closer together and attracting new members.

Milly Wastie, National Chairman of NFYFC, said:

“I am thoroughly looking forward to representing the 25,000 members throughout England and Wales. I want to be able to give back what I have already achieved within YFC.

“It is a huge honour to be elected and something I never thought I could achieve from my humble upbringings. I am incredibly proud and will do all that I can to provide opportunities for the membership.”

More than 100 members gathered in Coventry over the weekend to pass motions that affect the running of the organisation and to elect the new Council. Four steering groups represent the views of the members and include: Competitions; Communications, Events and Marketing; Personal Development and Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The National Council is made up of 63 members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.

Through steering groups, the National Council also decide and shape the programmes of work at NFYFC – planning events, competitions, campaigns and training for members.

The organisation also elected three new members to the Board of Management – Chairman Frank Chester, Vice Chairman Dr Julia Pointon and Youthwork/Safeguarding Adviser Jane Henderson.