On Friday 4th November, Staffordshire County Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) held their County AGM in the Ingestre Suite, County Showground, Stafford. The evening was kindly supported by Pickering and Butters Solicitors, a firm of Staffordshire Solicitors who were founded over a century ago, with offices based in Stafford and Rugeley. The County AGM was attended by over 250 invited guests and members of the Federation and is the most prestigious meeting of the Staffordshire YFC year.
Toby Hall, gave his Chairman’s Report on last year of Staffordshire YFC activities, highlighting his favourite memories and moments along the way including the Annual Rally which hadn’t been held as a face-to-face competition day since 2019 as well as a very successful County Show and many events and activities which members enjoyed. Toby, a member of Uttoxeter JNFU Young Farmers said “It has genuinely been one of the best years of my life after having some truly amazing experiences. It hasn’t always been plain sailing, but it has honestly been one of the most enjoyable years and an absolute sheer delight and honour to be the County Chairman of Staffordshire YFC.”
During Toby’s report, he presented a cheque for £246 raised from the recently held Harvest Festival Service, to Graham Ashford from The Farming Community Network (FCN), who are a voluntary organisation and charity that supports farmers and families within the farming community during challenging times.
This year also saw the inaugural presentation of The FCN / YFC Kindness and Compassion Award, which was introduced to recognise a Staffordshire YFC member who has shown an example of outstanding kindness, compassion and care to others during the last 12 months. The award was presented to Danny Emmott who set up and coordinated a collection point local to his YFC club in Ashley and arranged people to drop off their items which were then taken by Danny and fellow YFC members to a local collection point at A R Richards near Market Drayton.
George Hawley, County President, who announced the award said “This was a fantastic initiative from Danny showing his true colours by helping others with kindness, compassion and also in a practical way, which are all qualities that are strongly encouraged and part of the culture in YFC. He is a great example to his fellow YFC members and to us all.”