Gloucester young farmer takes on leading role to steer rural youth organisation

GLOUCESTER young farmer Katie Hall is the new Vice Chairman of The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and will help lead the rural youth organisation during a challenging year in the industry post-Brexit.

Katie, 28, from Tewkesbury has been a member of Gloucester Young Farmers’ Clubs for 10 years and was elected as the national Vice Chairman of the Federation at the Council meeting on February 19, at the Quality Hotel in Coventry. She has previously held local positions in the organisation, including Club and County Chairman and a position as Chair of NFYFC’s Events and Marketing Steering Group.

Katie, who is a calf nutritionist and Regional Sales Representative for Bonanza Calf Nutrition, takes on the role of Vice Chairman of NFYFC at a critical time for the industry as negotiations and discussions continue about a future British Agricultural Policy. Katie has also experienced the cuts to rural services over recent years and is keen to raise awareness of the impact this has on rural young people and promote the benefits of YFC membership.

During her year as Vice Chairman, Katie plans to be the voice for rural young people and to champion agriculture and Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Katie Hall, Vice Chairman of NFYFC said: “I am so excited to be taking on this role as part of The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs leadership team. I will be supporting the Chairman Edward Ford and the rest of the officer team in ensuring young farmers’ voices are heard as part of the discussions around a future British Agricultural Policy.

“The slogan ‘You don’t have to be a Farmer to be a Young Farmer’ is appropriate to me because when I joined Gloucester YFC, I had no farming knowledge! The organisation gave me an insight into agriculture and the confidence to pursue my career in the industry. I am looking forward to promoting the benefits of YFC membership to show how we are a valuable resource for young people in the countryside offering fun, learning and achievement.”

More than 100 members gathered in Coventry over the weekend to pass motions that affect the running of the organisation and elect the new Council.

The National Council is made up of 63 members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.

Through steering groups, the National Council also decide and shape the programmes of work at NFYFC - planning events, competitions, campaigns and training for members.