About Us
Led by young people, for young people. Young Farmers Clubs are voluntary organisations providing anyone aged 10 to 29 with opportunities to meet lifelong friends, learn new skills, and make a difference to their local community.
Young Farmers' Clubs where originally formed to provide a type of agricultural apprenticeship, focussing on the keeping and growing living things. This included cows, sheep, pigs, poultry, bees, crops and plants.
The formation of Young Farmers' Clubs in Lancashire dates back to the 1920's. With the number of clubs growing rapidly, the County Federation was formed in 1938, just before World Ward II, as a way of bringing the clubs together. There are now 15 local Young Farmers' clubs across 4 regions, providing opportunities for over 600 young people.
As a member led organisation, we have a democratic structure in place across club and county levels. Our management committees are elected each year during an annual general meeting, whereby club members come together to chose who they would like to represent their club. These management committees then decide who they would like to represent their county.
Young Farmers is one of the only youth organisations to allow young people to develop under their own management through this democratic structure.
The County structure provides a large range of services to the Clubs including competitions, events, education, training, promotion and development. All these things instil skills like leadership, team building and life skills needed for a successful future. Above all giving the members the confidence to air their views, make a change and be a strong individual.
Over the past 80 plus years, local clubs and the county federation have successfully adapted to a changing environment and the changing needs of young people in rural communities.
During this time we have had many notable achievements, not least surviving throughout arguably some of the most challenging periods in history, including World War II, a global pandemic, massive changes in the agricultural industry, a number of recessions, foot and mouth and a reduction in government and council funding.
Agriculture, the countryside and rural affairs remain central to the life of YFCs, however, the social aspect of clubs and county are equally important. Club and county events provide opportunities for young people in rural areas, who may otherwise have limited contact with people of their own age, the chance to meet others with similar life experiences and make (often lifelong) friends.
" Without young farmers, I couldn't see anyone outside of school. I live approximately five miles from any other young people and so young farmers is an essential part of my life"
Despite changes over time, a number of characteristics remain at the core of the YFC movement
1.
YFCs and LFYFC are democratically run, led and managed by and for members
2.
Members are given opportunities to develop as individuals, giving them valuable skills and a sense of responsibility that prepares them for life and work
3.
There is a calendar of traditional and modern events and activities that promote healthy and supportive competition, often linking with Northern Area and National competitions