The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) held their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 20th April 2024 in the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. This event recognised the success and outstanding achievements from members across the province with principal sponsor Hyperfast NI in attendance. There was many prizes presented to members of the organisation at the meeting.
It was Holestone YFC from County Antrim that picked up the prestigious ‘Ann Cameron’ cup for the ‘Club of the Year’ award, which is proudly sponsored by Power NI. This award is granted to the club that expertly maintain their club accounts, are passionate about recruiting members and the retention of members, their participation at events, diversity of their programmes, involvement in the community and promotional efforts for the club.
The ‘YFCU Top Officials’ and “Member of the Year” awards were kindly sponsored by United Feeds. This group of awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of individual members across Northern Ireland who significantly contributed to the growth and success of YFCU in the past year.
Top Official Awards | ||
Prize | Name | Club |
Top Leader | Martin Rodgers | Spa YFC |
Top Treasurer | Ruth Morrow | Lisnamurrican YFC |
Top Secretary | Rebecca Speers | Ahoghill YFC |
Top P.R.O | Sarah Ross | Collone YFC |
Member of the Year Awards | ||
Junior Member of the Year | Joanna Caughey | Donaghadee YFC |
Senior Member of the Year | Sophie Hawthorne | Collone YFC |
One of the most significant competitions in the YFCU calendar is “Ulster Young Farmer of the Year” which is proudly sponsored by Danske Bank. Rodney Brown (Head of Agribusiness at Danske Bank) was present at the AGM to present these awards. This award gives young people the opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism in the agricultural sector.
Ulster Young Farmer | ||
Prize | Name | Club |
Ulster Young Farmer Overall Winner | Helen Laird | Bleary YFC |
Ulster Young Farmer U21 Winner | James Campbell | Curragh YFC |
Ulster Young Farmer Junior Winner | Grace George | Collone YFC |
Ulster Young Farmer Section Winners | ||
Countryside Management | Jack Stewart | Holestone YFC |
Sheep Section | James Campbell | Curragh YFC |
Beef Section | Jack Stewart | Holestone YFC |
Pigs & Poultry Section | Jack Stewart | Holestone YFC |
Grass Section | Jack Stewart | Holestone YFC |
Arable Section | James Campbell | Curragh YFC |
Dairy Section | Jack Stewart | Holestone YFC |
Farm Safety Section | Lowry McCollum | City of Derry YFC |
Innovation Section | James Campbell | Curragh YFC |
Finance Section | Rebecca McBratney | Newtownards YFC |
The top achievers for this year’s ‘President’s Award Scheme’ were presented with plaques by the newly elected President, Richard Beattie (Finvoy YFC). This is a scheme that recognises members for participating in and contributing to competitions, events and activities that are hosted by YFCU. Over 100 members were presented with certificates, with the top achievers in each of the six age categories receiving additional praise at the AGM.
President’s Award Scheme | ||
Prize | Name | Club |
12-14yrs Top Achiever | Grace Ross | Collone YFC |
14-16yrs Top Achiever | Joanna Caughey | Donaghadee YFC |
16-18yrs Top Achiever | Andrea McFarland | Newtownstewart YFC |
18-21yrs Top Achiever | Amy Ritchie | Bleary YFC |
21-25yrs Top Achiever | Rachel Smith and Sarah Spence | Moycraig YFC and Bleary YFC |
25-30yrs Top Achiever | Zoe Maguire | Bleary YFC |
There were also a number of special cups awarded to clubs for their achievements throughout the year.
Special Cup Winners | |
Cup Name | Club |
Ballyvester Cup (18-30 years) | Gleno Valley YFC |
J.K Dobbs Cup (12-18 years) | Collone YFC |
Allen Cup (12-14 years) | Ballywalter YFC |
Limavady Cup (12-14 years) | Ballywalter YFC |
E.T Green Cup (14-18 years) | Glarryford YFC |
Mulholland Cup (18-30 years) | Ballywalter YFC |
Alfa Laval Trophy (awarded for recruitment) | Hillsborough YFC |
The Pam Robinson Cup (awarded to a club for their member retention) | Hillsborough YFC |
Linda Steele Trophy (awarded to a club for their work with the environment) | Clanabogan YFC |
Newly elected Deputy President Kristina Fleming congratulated all of the prize winners on their achievements throughout the year, commenting on their incredible contributions to their clubs and communities.
YFCU Chief Executive Officer Gillian McKeown took the time to thank principal sponsor Hyperfast NI and all competition sponsors for their continued support shown to the organisation. She proceeded to thank the judges for their time and expertise given to make these competitions successful and for encouraging the continued development of their members.