Helping to train Devon’s Young Farmers
Young farmers across Devon will be getting a helping hand with their training and activities thanks to a new sponsorship deal announced today by Cornish Mutual.
The rural insurance firm, which has offices in Exeter and seven local inspectors across the county, will be supporting a number of events organised by the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs over the next twelve months.
Cornish Mutuals latest agreement includes its involvement in the Farm Business Competition, Outdoors Activities Day, Skills for Life training courses linked to the rural sector and support for the YFC County Chairman role.
17 year old Jessica Medland from Peter Tavy, near Tavistock and 21 year old Tim French from Gunnislake (both pictured with Mark Davis from Devon Young Farmers and local Cornish Mutual Inspector Terry Nott) will be taking part in the Skills for Life course in Okehampton next month.
Both Jessica and Tim will have their sheep shearing training sessions with the British Wool Marketing Board subsided by the YFC, with assistance being provided by Cornish Mutual. Young farmers in Devon are given the opportunity to learn new skills and take up training for personal or professional development through this scheme.
The company will also give financial support for the Farm Business Competition an event for teams of young farmers between the ages of 17 and 26 to hone their business planning and presentation skills in front of a panel of farmers and estate managers.
Last month, Cornish Mutual was also involved in sponsoring the Outdoor Activities Day held near Tiverton where over 300 of Devons young farmers attended. Competing members took part in a number of events including stock judging and presentation, fence erecting, farm safety, tractor driving and clay pigeon shooting.
The Devon Federation of Young Farmers has 38 clubs across the county, with more than 1,400 members. Each club is joined together by six groups North Devon, Tarka, Exe Valley, East Devon, Haldon and South Dartmoor. The groups organise a number of events each year including county sports and competitions, training, foreign exchanges, entertainment evenings and balls.
Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said: Young farmers are the future of the industry in the region and its so important to support their development. Young Farmers Clubs are a vital part of the rural community – were delighted to be working with them and recognising the good work they do. Its also about ensuring the training and activities they offer can continue.
Mark Davis, County Chairman for Devon Federation of Young Farmers added: The partnership between Cornish Mutual and Devon YFC goes back over 60 years and for that we are very grateful. The continued support from the insurance firm ensures that young people in rural communities are gaining the skills needed to move the industry forward. It furthers their own personal development and opens up and improves job opportunities, for those members not exclusively from farming and agricultural families.
As well as sponsoring Devon Young Farmers, Cornish Mutual is also involved with young farmers across Somerset and Cornwall.
Founded by a group of Westcountry farmers in 1903, Cornish Mutual is the only general insurer based in the South West. Even today, the company is still owned by its Members, and remains at the heart of rural communities throughout Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
Although staying true to its origins in agriculture (around two thirds of Cornwalls farmers are Members), Cornish Mutual now provides household, commercial, events and personal accident insurance to Members of all descriptions, living or working throughout the South West countryside.