The Cultivating Young Leaders programme is running for its fourth year in 2026. This exciting and unique leadership programme is designed to empower and educate YFCU members aged between 18 and 30. Having been modelled on the highly successful programme run by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, this opportunity is aimed at helping young farmers with farm succession, career development and daily life. It marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the growth and development of our 3,500+ members.
Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster
Cultivating Young Leaders Programme 2026/27
Heather Wildman (Programme Leader)
Heather Wildman has successfully led the programme for the past three years and has agreed to facilitate the 2026/27 course. Brought up on a family sheep and beef farm in the Lake District, England, Heather now lives in Scotland but works throughout the UK and overseas. Using her entrepreneurial skills to build her business, she offers a fun and unique approach combined with an ability to keep up with industry challenges. Heather provides a comprehensive network of industry contacts, from political to grassroots level and has a reputation for helping individuals to collaborate with others to achieve stronger impressions and long lasting results.
This programme is kindly supported by The Thomas Henry Foundation, which was established in 1847 under the terms of the will of Thomas Henry, a merchant in Downpatrick. The principal objective of the Foundation is to promote agricultural science, innovation and good farming practice in Northern Ireland.
Session Dates
Session 1: Thursday 21st - Friday 22nd January 2027 (La Mon Hotel, Carryduff)
Session 2: Thursday 25th - Friday 26th February 2027 (La Mon Hotel, Carryduff)
Session 3: Friday 12th or Saturday 13th March 2027 (venue to be confirmed)
Session 4: Friday 2nd April 2027 (La Mon Hotel, Carryduff)
Participants will be required to pay a holding deposit of £100.00. Once the programme has been successfully completed and all sessions attended, the deposit will be refunded.
Terms & Conditions
Participants must be fully paid members of the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster and be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of applying. Participants must also be able to attend all four sessions listed above.
