the Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) are looking back on an incredibly successful year, which has seen record-breaking membership numbers and a staggering £135,000 raised for charity.

In the past year, 1,861 members have joined Devon YFC, which gives members aged 10 to 28 the opportunity to develop life skills, work with the local community and enjoy a dynamic social life.

This is the highest membership the federation has seen for over 20 years, meaning that Devon YFC is now the largest Young Farmers’ federation in England and Wales.

The federation has seen an increase in popularity across all aspects of their programme of activities.

From a record number of entries at Devon County Show and their annual Livestock Show and Sale at Exeter Market, to the highest number of members taking the opportunity to travel abroad though county and national scholarships.

Devon YFC’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 24th November, where they will be celebrating the past year, as well as welcoming a new County Officer team.

Vicki Gilbert, outgoing Devon YFC County Chairman, says: ‘I have been incredibly proud to see our membership achieve so much over the past year and it has been such a privilege having the role of County Chairman.

‘Our 37 clubs have put on such a brilliant and diverse programme for our members, and it’s great to see so many young people realising the benefits of becoming a member. I can’t wait to see the federation continue to grow for years to come.’

Charity fundraising plays a large role in club programmes across the county, with many local and national charities benefiting from fundraisers organised by young farmers.

Newton Abbot YFC did their bit, organising a whole host of fundraising events.

Dartmoor Search and Rescue Ashburton received £2000, raised from big breakfasts, tractor runs and pig racing to mention a few.

After receiving the cheque at a YFC meeting, Dartmoor Search and Rescue took members of Newton Abbot YFC to be ‘casualties’ for one of their training exercises.

Dan Grist, incoming County Chairman, says: ‘We are so proud of the whopping £135,701 raised for charity last year.

From spending hours rehearsing for charity entertainments performances, to days outside in the rain running charity dung sales, the sheer quantity and diversity of YFC fundraisers each year is staggering.

‘As well as raising external funds for charities, this figure doesn’t include the money raised to keep our own clubs and the Devon federation running, which are charities in themselves.

‘I owe so much to YFC - my social life, personal development and career wouldn’t be the same without it. I want as many people as possible to have the opportunities I have had.

‘It’s going to be a busy year, but I’m so excited to go out and support our 37 clubs, whilst also supporting our county officer team to deliver a brilliant Devon YFC programme.’