Joyce Allen is enthusiastic about her role as Deputy President

Joyce Allen (Moneymore YFC) has taken on the role of Deputy President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) following her election at the AGM on Saturday 25^th April 2026 in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. Having been brought up on the family farm that houses dairy and beef cattle, sheep and pigs, Joyce needed no introduction to agriculture when she stepped up into the role as Deputy President of YFCU.

Born and bred in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Joyce has been a dedicated YFCU member since she was just twelve years old. “I joined Cookstown Young Farmers Club and stayed there for a year before moving to Moneymore YFC, as that is where my friends were. Throughout my time as a member, I have had so many opportunities at different levels. I have held the roles of Catering Officer at club level and Public Relations Officer and Secretary at both club and county level”. An active member of the organisation, Joyce has sat on the Programme & Development Committee, Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs Committee, Travel Committee and has sat on the Executive Committee for the last five years. Joyce currently holds the role of County Chairperson for Londonderry YFC, as well as her newly elected role of Deputy President. “I suppose you could say that Young Farmers takes up a lot of my time, but I absolutely love it and wouldn’t have it any other way”, she remarked.

Outside of her Young Farmer roles, Joyce takes pride in her work life, where she is a full-time trading graduate with Barnett-Hall animal feed importers. She graduated from Queen’s University, Belfast with a degree in Agricultural Technology, which led her to work at the Northern Counties Co-Operative Enterprises Ltd in Swatragh, where she still works part-time at the marts' weekly sheep sales. “A project that I started during my time at University was Joyce’s Pantry, a little side business where I enjoy baking desserts, traybakes and other sweet treats for all occasions”, she commented.

Derek Lough, Chief Executive Officer for the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster wishes Joyce all the best in her new role as Deputy President of the YFCU. He said, “I am confident that Joyce will actively get involved and work to progress YFCU for future generations as Deputy President”.

As Deputy President, Joyce will support Kristina Fleming in her role as President and the wider Presidential Team as they work to lead the organisation and support young people living in rural communities within Northern Ireland. “I want to support fellow members in growing confidence to get involved in competitions and take up roles at different levels within our organisation. I especially want to target our younger members, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to take part in more competitions, which will help to spark new friendships between clubs. If we can nurture our junior members, they will grow up to become the best young leaders of our future”, Joyce recalled.

Speaking about her plans for the role, Joyce said, “I would like to offer office bearers the opportunity to take part in training and access resources that will help them in their roles. Taking on leadership roles within club or county level is no easy task, but it’s rewarding, and I want more members to experience that”.

“To conclude, I absolutely love Young Farmers, but my favourite thing is the people. I’m talking about the people that consistently turn up, get involved, bring the laughs, offer new ideas and help to make our organisation the very best it can be. It’s a great community to be part of, and I can easily say that joining was one of the best decisions I ever made”.

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster offer over thirty different competitions to their members and give young people living in rural communities the opportunity to have their voices heard and make an impact on Northern Ireland agriculture.