Focus On...Young Farmers

With 630 clubs and 25,000 members, the National Federation of Young Farmers is one of the largest youth organisations in the UK. And there are 15 clubs in Gloucestershire.

- Vicki Hewlett

This year Westbury-on-Severn Young Farmers’ Club will celebrate its 90th anniversary. It’s are the longest continuously running club in the country. Today, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ supports 630 clubs with 25,000 members and is one of the largest youth organisations in the UK. Within our county, there are 15 clubs across the length and breadth of Gloucestershire with around 400 members.

Young Farmers originated in the 1920s with the backing of United Dairies and Lord Northcliffe from the Daily Mail who had witnessed a similar organisation in the USA. The first club started in Hemyock in Devon in 1921 with the goal of encouraging youngsters in calf rearing, with prizes for the highest standards achieved. New clubs developed over the next few years with the aim of providing agricultural education in animal husbandry. By the time the war started there were 412 clubs and 22 county federations including Gloucestershire, which was formed in 1937. World War Two caused many clubs to fold as their members and support were called to back the war effort and membership fell to less than 7,000. Post-war however, the movement gathered pace in terms of membership numbers and an expanding programme.

Today, the Young Farmers’ Federation is thriving and always welcomes new members. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a farmer to be a member, but just have an interest in the countryside and enjoy being involved.