"The future of our rural communities depends on young people who are resilient and supported", says Kristina Fleming.

Born and bred in County Down, twenty-nine year old Kristina Fleming has accepted the role of President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, following their recent AGM on Saturday 25^th April 2026 at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh, County Tyrone.

A proud Mum to Maddison, wife to Dairy Farmer Lindsay and Manager at the NFU Mutual Mourneview Agency, Kristina leads a busy life outside her YFCU role. “Between family life, farm life, work and YFCU, I don’t have much more time for hobbies!”, she remarked.

Kristina grew up in a rural community and has been a loyal member of Ballywalter YFC since she was 18 years old. Speaking about how she got involved, she said, “I owe it all to my Parents because it was they who encouraged me to go along to Ballywalter Young Farmers’ Hall one Friday evening in September 2008. It was the first night back after the Summer break, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made”.

YFCU is the largest rural youth organisation in Northern Ireland with over 3500 members, and Kristina has officially stepped into the leading role, with a passion to help members grab every opportunity with both hands. “I have so many ideas that I can’t wait to share with the Presidential team and central committees. I love many aspects of our organisation, but what stands out the most is the people. You wouldn't want to be somewhere if you didn't connect with the people. To me, it's the members who truly hold our organisation together, and everything else it offers is a bonus”, she explained.

Upon accepting the role, Kristina laid out her theme to fellow members. “My theme is Fit For The Future, and this is about preparing ourselves as individuals, as clubs, and as a movement for the challenges and opportunities ahead because the future of our rural communities depends on young people who are ready, resilient, and supported”, she said.

The Theme is broken down into 4 different areas: Fit Financially, Fit Physically, Fit Mentally and Fit For Purpose. Fit Financially focuses on building practical skills that help members navigate the realities of modern life, including budgeting, business planning, managing a farm and managing personal finances. A strong future starts with strong foundations.

Fit Physically looks at the demands of life, where members must champion activities and events that keep them active, healthy, and energised. Whether it’s sport, outdoor challenges, or simply encouraging healthier habits, it’s about making physical wellbeing a priority.

Fit Mentally is about making sure no one in a rural community feels alone. Kristina aims to promote open conversations and ensure each members knows where to turn for support. “Mental resilience is just as important as physical strength”, she says.

Fit For Purpose celebrates skills, leadership qualities and a member’s ability to adapt. This theme is about showing the wider world that young people in agriculture are innovative, ambitious, and ready to shape the future of their industry and our communities.

Kristina Fleming officially took up the role of President on Saturday 25^th April 2026. She will work closely with Deputy President Joyce Allen and Vice Presidents Karen Walker, Victoria Minford, Joshua Keys and James Morrison, to promote YFCU and recruit new members.