The National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs' (NFYFC) has elected a new officer team and Board of Management Chair to lead the organisation and represent 23,000 members across England and Wales.
Membership numbers have risen each year since the pandemic, with current figures reaching their highest point in five years.
Derbyshire young farmer Drew Bailey, who manages a farming enterprise breeding sheep and a suckler herd of native breeds, was elected as the new Chair of Council during NFYFC's Council elections on 25 February 2024 in Warwickshire.
Drew has been a Vice Chair for NFYFC Council for the past two years and has also held positions as NFYFC Competitions Chair, Chair of the East Midlands Area of Young Farmers' Clubs and County Chair for Derbyshire County Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (FYFC).
Drew will be supported in his role by Vice Chairs James Nixey from Buckinghamshire and Jessica Rose from Nottinghamshire.
Drew, 32, first joined Belper YFC when he was 15 years old and wants to ensure YFCs are accessible and available to all young people aged 10-28. During his year in office, he will be actively promoting the inclusive message: YFC is for Everyone.
He said: "I am excited to be elected as the new Chair of NFYFC's Council and I am looking forward to working with the clubs and county federations to help them share the message that YFC is for everyone.
"I am not from a farming background but my passion for the industry has grown by being part of a YFC. It is true that you do not have to be a farmer to be a Young Farmer. I want to ensure that all young people, volunteers and supporters - regardless of their background - feel they are welcome to join YFC and be a member of this amazing organisation.
"Working together with YFCs, I want us to be an organisation where everyone feels like they can belong, which in turn should also encourage more inclusivity in our rural communities and the agricultural industry."
NFYFC will be sharing more support materials and guidance for YFCs under the YFC is for Everyone banner.
The elections followed on from the organisation's annual summit, which involved discussion and planning for the year ahead on key topics, including climate change, diversity and the responsibilities of charity trustees.
See also: YFC news: Scottish member secures HYB presidents medal
NFYFC Council also elected a new Chair of the Board of Management, Natalie McGinn, following the conclusion of Delme Harries' term of office. Delme from Pembrokeshire, who has been at the helm for the past five years, received a standing ovation from the Council for his services to NFYFC.
Natalie, who was a member of Wick YFC in Glamorgan more than 11 years ago, is a business change management and transformation consultant, based in London, with experience of working with companies such as ITV and Pearson. Natalie is looking forward to supporting the federation to develop a strategic plan.
Chair of NFYFC's Board of Management Natalie McGinn said:
"I'm delighted to be the new Chair of NFYFC's Board of Management. I can't wait to work with the officer team and staff, who have got some great ideas. I'm looking forward to driving positive change throughout the organisation with the support of the membership.
"Coming back to YFC has reminded me about the wide range of activities and opportunities that are available for rural young people by being part of a club. I am not from a farming background, and I still gained so much from the organisation. Proving you don't have to be a farmer to be a Young Farmer. I wouldn't be in the career I am today without the experience I gained through YFC."
More than 80 members gathered in Warwickshire to elect the new officer team and pass motions that affect the running of the organisation.
The NFYFC Council is made up of YFC members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.
Through steering groups, the NFYFC Council also shape the programmes of work at NFYFC - planning events, competitions, projects and training for members.
NFYFC's five steering groups also elected new Chairs:
YFC AGRI: Luke Cox, Wiltshire
Competitions: William Longmire, Cumbria,
Membership and Marketing: James Nixey, Buckinghamshire
Personal Development: Megan Bailey, Warwickshire
Youth Forum: Michael Wilkinson, Nottinghamshire
