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.
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.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Cotswold Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Cotswold Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gloucestershire After The War
Discovering the county’s Arts and Crafts memorials of the First World War
THE WILD SIDE OF Moreton-in-Marsh
The days are getting shorter but there’s plenty of reasons to be cheerful, says Sue Bradley, who discovers how a Cotswolds town is becoming more wildlife-friendly and pots up some bulbs for an insect-friendly spring display
Mr Ashbee would approve
In the true spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement, creativity has kept the Chipping Campden community ticking over during lockdown
The Cotswolds at war
These might be peaceful hills and vales, but our contribution to the war effort was considerable
Trust in good, local food
‘I’ve been following The Country Food Trust’s activities with admiration since it was founded’
Why Cath is an open book
Cath Kidston has opened up almost every nook and cranny of her Cotswold idyll in a new book, A Place Called Home. Katie Jarvis spoke to Cath ahead of her appearance at this year’s Stroud Book Festival STROUD BOOK FESTIVAL – THIS YEAR FREE AND ONLINE: NOVEMBER 4-8
From the Cotswolds to the world
Most people know that the Cotswolds have featured in a fair few Hollywood movies and TV series.
The Wild Hunt
In search of the legendary King Herla in the Malvern Hills
Fighting spirit amid the flowers
Tracy Spiers visits Warwick, a beautiful town that is open for business and ready to welcome visitors
Final journey
Cheltenham author and volunteer on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), Nicolas Wheatley, recounts the fascinating story of funeral trains
