Victoria Minford proud to represent YFCU as Vice President

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), are proud to announce that Victoria Minford has joined the 2026 Presidential team as Vice President. 27-year-old Victoria Minford, a long-standing member of Holestone YFC, brings with her a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and extensive experience within the organisation.

Growing up on her family’s beef, sheep and arable farm in Parkgate, County Antrim, Victoria is the fifth generation to farm the land, which was originally purchased for her great-great-grandmother, Jane. “My heart definitely lies with the farm,” Victoria said. “I intend to return home to farm full-time in due course, but at present I work as a Group 4 Senior Portal Inspector for DAERA.”

Having been involved in YFCU for 16 years, Victoria has held a variety of leadership roles throughout her membership. She previously served as Secretary of Holestone YFC during the year the club won the prestigious YFCU Club of the Year title and was recently appointed Chairperson of the YFCU Travel Committee.

Speaking following her election, Victoria said she was honoured to take on the role. “I am delighted to be elected as one of the four Vice Presidents,” she said. “I believe the last member of the presidential team from Holestone YFC was my Dad, which makes this role even more special to me.” Victoria outlined her ambition to encourage greater participation across all aspects of the organisation. “My aim is to encourage members to get involved in everything YFCU has to offer — competitions, exchanges, committees and leadership opportunities,” she said. “These experiences are a fantastic way to gain new skills, meet like-minded people and grow in confidence. I am excited to help lead the organisation forward while ensuring the core values of YFCU remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Reflecting on her own journey within YFCU, Victoria credited the organisation with helping shape the person she is today. “It’s very difficult to pick just one thing I love about being a YFCU member because the organisation has given me so much,” she said. “Without competitions such as Public Speaking and the Arts Festival, I would never have gained the confidence to stand up and address a room full of people.” She added that the travel opportunities offered through YFCU have been among the highlights of her membership.

“I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Australia, Budapest, England and Wales representing YFCU, as well as taking part in club exchanges to Scotland and England,” Victoria said. “Through those experiences, I’ve made some of my closest friends, and I would encourage every member to grasp every opportunity to travel and get involved.”

Victoria now joins the YFCU presidential team as the organisation continues to support and develop young people from rural communities across Northern Ireland. She will work closely with President Krisitina Fleming, Deputy President Joyce Allen and fellow Vice Presidents Karen Walker, Joshua Keys and James Morrison, to promote YFCU.