rural
dispatch
Published in association with
UNITED DAIRY FARMERS
The Official Magazine of the
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster
Winter/Spring 2013
Inside
YFCU Events
Club News
Andrew joins
United Feeds
Andrew McMordie, from Ballygowan, has been
appointed to the position of Ruminant Nutrition
Advisor with United Feeds, covering the North
Down and Ards area. An active member of
Moneyrea YFC, Andrew is a Business Studies
graduate from the University of Ulster.
Andrew’s family has been associated with the
renowned Solpoll herd of pedigree Herefords for
many years, and their Charolais and Simmental
herds are managed under the Solitude prefix.
With this background, Andrew has a unique
insight into what’s required in order to ensure
that the highest performance standards are
achieved by all classes of cattle and sheep.
He can be contacted on 07920 057327.
environmentAl
AccolAde For
dAle FArm
Dale Farm has received a top ‘green’
accolade from Business in the Community’s
ARENA Network by achieving Quintile One
status in the 14th annual Northern Ireland
Environmental Benchmarking Survey.
“As a leading local food processor,
environmental performance is a key
competitive issue for Dale Farm,” said Eamonn
Donnelly, the Dale Farm Group Technical
Manager. “A total of 129 local businesses and
organisations participated in this year’s Arena
survey and we are delighted to have come in
the top 15.”
“Dale Farm aims to lead the way on best
practice and by reducing our energy and
water consumption, increasing our recycling
and avoiding waste, we are not only improving
our compliance but are also reducing costs,
improving competitiveness and increasing
consumer and customer appeal.”
2
From left, new Northern Ireland Environment Agency Chief
Executive, Terry A’Hern congratulates Geoffrey Bates and
Eamonn Donnelly from Dale Farm for achieving Quintile
One status in the recent Northern Ireland Environmental
Benchmarking Survey, with the ARENA Network Chair
Peter Dixon.
The Arena Survey is widely recognised as
the principal measure of environmental
engagement in Northern Ireland, and is
focused on the leading 200 companies and
local authorities. It aims to ensure environmental
issues are on the board agenda of these
organisations and measures the extent to
which they are managing these issues.
President’s
Foreword
Since our last Rural
Dispatch, the YFCU
has successfully
opened two new clubs in different ends of the
Province. I do wish the members of The Glens in
north Antrim and B.M.W.R. in south Down every
success in opening and running their clubs. There
is a lot of hard work behind the scenes in opening
a club and I would like to thank and encourage all
involved for their efforts so far.
I want to thank all those who attended this year’s comedy night
in the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. Members, friends and
supporters filled the room and were entertained by the ever
popular dual act, Grimes and McKee.
One of the most recent high profile events run by the YFCU was
the Big Debate, sponsored by Danske Bank and held in Parliament
Buildings, Stormont. An invited audience of key Agri industry
figures and YFCU members had the opportunity to listen to guest
speakers argue the motion “this house believes NI agriculture
could survive outside the EU”.
Following the debate the vote showed that the audience was
in favour of the motion by a very small majority. A special
word of thanks must go to Colin Smith, John Henning and
Michael Reid for running such a successful night.
At this time of year many of our over 18 members are starting
to book the rooms for this year’s conference and AGM in the
La Mon House Hotel, sponsored once again by Simple Power,
I want to remind members that over 90% of the rooms are
already away, and there are still some tickets left for the
Dinner Dance on the Saturday evening, so get booking.
I also want to remind members that during the workshops on
Saturday morning and the AGM is open to all members of
our organisation from 12 upwards. I would love to see our
AGM represented by all age groups, as we are an organisation
run by our members for our members.
Finally I want to remind all of our current theme and that is
of course “Life Skills” like the skills many members will pick
up on stage over the Arts Festival heats, members young
and old will be giving the best of their ability on stages
throughout the province, showing the skills picked up as
a young farmer members, skills our members will have for
the rest of their lives.
YFcU HQ news
Rebecca McConnell has recently joined the YFCU team providing PR support for Amy
McGuckian who is on maternity leave. Rebecca graduated with an Economics degree from
Queen’s University, Belfast in 2004 and has worked in the PR industry for over 6 years.
She established her own freelance company, Purple Rain, in February 2011 and became an
accredited practitioner of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in January 2013.
A former Chair of the YFCU Development Committee, and former Club and County Down PRO,
Rebecca is currently Vice-President of Rathfriland YFC having been a member since she was 12.
Contact Details
Rural Dispatch
Editor: Rebecca McConnell
Email: communications@yfcu.org
Telephone: 028 9037 0713
YFCU Headquarters, 475 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 3BD
Designers: Page Setup
Printers: Nicholson & Bass
For all editorial and advertising queries please contact
the editor.
Next issue due out June 2013.
Copy deadline Friday 17th May 2013.
Front Cover: Gillian Wilson, Cappaph YFC, Ruth
Blackburn, Seskinore YFC and Megan Hamill, Donaghadee
YFC took up the Artic Challenge at Nutt’s Corner, in
association with McCulla transport.
3
HQ News
Big Spring Clean 2013 –
Be Part Of Something Big!
TIDY Northern Ireland, an environmental charity,
is currently looking for Young Farmers Clubs to
work with them to promote a campaign they are
running this year called the BIG Spring Clean.
The BIG Spring Clean is their flagship
volunteering and awareness raising
campaign aimed at promoting
volunteering opportunities for
groups, businesses and individuals.
The campaign supports
community clean-ups and other
environmental events across the
whole of Northern Ireland. The
campaign runs from March to May with a
special focus month of April when most of
the promotion and publicity takes place.
The BIG Spring Clean mobilised over 26,000
volunteers in 2012 and TIDY Northern Ireland is
hoping to increase this number to 50,000 in 2013.
To meet this ambitious target they are looking for
YFC clubs across Northern Ireland to get involved. This
campaign is ideal for club meetings in the spring and it is
a great opportunity to help out in your local community.
The BIG Spring Clean website
(www.bigspringcleanni.org)
provides an online network
where volunteers can register
their clean-up events, get useful
information or if clubs don’t want
to run their own event, they can
find out about other events in their
area that they can support.
If you are interested in finding out more,
please visit the BIG Spring Clean website or
contact Patricia Magee at TIDY Northern Ireland
on 028 9073 6920.
Dectomax – delivering effective control
of worms and scab in Co Down flock
John Devlin, from Hilltown, in Co Down runs
an expansive flock of Blackface and Texel cross
sheep. Despite the very challenging grazing
season that was 2012, his April lambing ewes
have wintered well.
“January has been another very wet month, with the
result that the key management objective for the flock
over recent weeks has been that of maximising ewe
condition in the run up to lambing,” John explained.
“It is crucially important for newborn lambs to be
given the best possible start.”
The ewes graze the lowland areas, close to the farm
yard, throughout the winter and early Spring months,”
John explained.
Elanco’s Bill Ferris (left) with Hilltown
sheep producer John Devlin.
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“The overall production target for the flock is to
obtain the maximum growth rates possible from
grazed grass.
Dublin’s fair ladies
YFCU Vice President Roberta Simmons reports
on the recent YFCU ladies trip to Dublin:
On Friday evening, 15th February 2013, a group of ladies
from YFCU Clubs throughout the Province met to travel
to the Republic of Ireland for a study trip.
On the way to Dublin, we stopped at the family farm of
David Tiernan in Dunleer, Co. Louth. David has diversified
into cheese making and sells under the brand name
Glebe Brethan Cheese.
Glebe Brethan is an artisan cheese made from
unpasteurised Montbeliarde cows’ milk at the farm. The
pedigree cows graze on lush pastures and are fed cereals
grown on the farm. It is a Gruyere-type cheese made in
45-kilo wheels, which are matured on spruce timbers for
6-18 months. It is carefully hand-turned and salted to
form a natural rind, which enhances its unique flavour.
YFCU Ladies along with David Tiernan of Glebe Brehan Cheese,
part of their weekend trip to the Republic of Ireland.
cheese tasting, our Group presented them both with YFCU
gifts and we headed on down to Dublin.
On the Saturday, after doing a cultural walk of Dublin
visiting Brown Thomas, St. Stephens Green and Trinity
College grounds, we met a group of ladies from a Macra
Club called Treble R Macra. We toured the famous
Guinness Storehouse with them and enjoyed dinner
together, all the while sharing and talking about our
experiences in both organisations. The ladies from this
Club are keen to do a repeat trip with YFCU in the North.
Colm Markey, a former President of Macra na Feirme, our
sister organisation in the South, also met us there and
joined with us on the tour. After the detailed tour and
Hopefully this trip is something that can be replicated in
the future for our female members and it was also a great
way of getting to know members from our sister
organisation.
John also recognises the need to worm his stock effectively.
But rather than blindly treating, he adheres to the SCOPS
(Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) instructions of
obtaining FECs (Faecal Egg Counts) first and acting according
to the results, with good advice from his veterinarian.
“Dectomax continues to grow in popularity,” Bill explained.
“When required, the ewes are treated with Dectomax
injection in the early Spring, prior to going out on to the hill,
and then again in October,” he further explained.
“Dectomax Injection is particularly popular with local
sheep producers, as it provides a single intramuscular
treatment option for both scab and internal worms.”
“Of equal importance to me is the fact that Dectomax also
prevents and treats scab. Dipping for scab is no longer
mandatory and I have found that it can become a problem if
the required preventative measures are not put in place.
“Bought in sheep are a potential source of scab, which is
another reason why I use Dectomax Injection throughout
the flock at the appropriate times of the year.”
Bill concluded:
“Sheep production has been an inherently profitable
enterprise here in Northern Ireland for the past number of
years. However, there is absolutely no room for
complacency. Margins will only be maximised by ensuring
that growth rates and overall performance levels are
secured. This is why it is so important to implement an
effective worming strategy within every flock.”
Elanco’s Bill Ferris was a recent visitor to the Devlin farm. He
confirmed that large numbers of farmers in Northern Ireland
use Dectomax for the treatment and control of Psoroptes
ovis (sheep scab mite) and for the treatment and control of
gastrointesinal roundworms and nasal bots, on the basis that
careful consideration is paid to prevent re-infection by
adhering to the guidelines on the data sheet.
DECTOMAX® Injectable Solution is a ready-to-use, sterile
solution containing 1% w/v doramectin (10 mg/mL). It is
indicated for the treatment and control of gastrointestinal
roundworms, lungworms, eyeworms, grubs, sucking lice
and mange mites. Flockowners should consult their
veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment, and
control of parasitism.
“Large numbers of local livestock farmers use Dectomax
on a regular basis. And we want to build on this for the
future.
5
HQ News
Sean’s Safety Tips
Séan Keogh from the Health and Safety Executive for
Northern Ireland shares some of his top tips for farmers
to help keep themselves and others safe on their farms.
2012 ended with 12 farm fatalities in Northern Ireland and
sadly this year has already seen the death of another
farmer. So, I’d like to remind farmers of a few safety tips
that could keep them safe from the four main dangers on
farms – Slurry, Animals, Falls and Equipment (SAFE).
Slurry
The lethal gases can cause instant death.
• Are all children and all animals kept out of the area?
• Are all doors and windows open?
• Are tank openings properly covered?
Remember! Start the mixer and stay out of the building for
as long as possible, at least 30 minutes.
Animals
Know the hazards of working with animals.
• Are there proper cattle handling facilities which are
regularly maintained?
• Is there a properly designed pen for dairy breed bulls?
YFCU members meet
with MEPs in Brussels
Geoff Thompson from Annaclone & Magherally YFC
recently travelled to Brussels as part of the YFCU
delegation to meet with MEPs. Here’s an account of
his time there:
In January, 20 YFCU members from across Northern
Ireland were given the opportunity to discover first hand
the influence that the European Parliament has on
Northern Ireland Agriculture.
The 3-day study trip began with a tour of a local dairy
farm that has been able to avail of EU funding in recent
years in order for the owner to diversify his business,
allowing him to produce local Gouda cheese that he is
able to sell on to local supermarkets. During the visit, the
participants were given the opportunity to sample some
of the cheeses made on the farm.
On the second day of their trip, the young farmers were
invited for a tour of the British Agricultural Bureau (BAB)
in order to discover how the Ulster Farmers Union is able
6
YFCU members pictured with representatives from the British
Agricultural Bureau in Brussels.
represent Northern Irish farmers within the EU
Parliament and the importance of lobbying MEPs over
the concerns of local farmers.
During the final day of the excursion, the group was
given a tour of the European Parliamentary buildings by
local MEPs, Diane Dodds and Jim Nicholson. During this
time, the members were able to question their MEPs
regarding important issues surrounding the upcoming
vote on CAP reform, and a number of other pressing
local agricultural issues. In all, the trip proved to be
extremely enlightening, and the 20 YFCU members who
were able to participate are indebted to YFCU HQ staff
for organising such an informative and educational trip,
along with Diane Dodds for her invaluable assistance in
sourcing funding.
• Are gates and fences regularly checked and maintained?
• Can I use a vehicle (to act as a refuge) when checking
grazing livestock?
Remember! Some machines have more than one source
of power – isolate any electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic
systems before working on the machine.
Remember! All bulls and any female animal with young
are potentially dangerous.
Together let’s try to make 2013 a better year for health
and safety on farms. And, remember, STOP and THINK SAFE before starting any farm job.
Falls
Check before you climb
• Have I got the right equipment for the job?
• Can I access the area safely?
• Are ladders securely footed and tied?
Remember! Don’t go onto a fragile or corroded roof;
you can fall through as well as off the roof.
Equipment
Is it safe and ready for use?
• Are all guards in place, in good condition and regularly
maintained?
• Do the PTO shaft guards cover the whole shaft?
• Are brakes and steering in good repair?
• Are mirrors clean and in place to ensure all round
visibility?
Séan Keogh, HSENI
You can find out more about farm safety by visiting the
Farm Safe website at: www.hseni.gov.uk/farmsafe
If you want help to assess potential risks and recommend
ways to make your farm safer, why not organise a farm
safety visit for a time that suits you. Just call the HSENI
helpline on 0800 0320 121 to find out more.
Look out for more tips from Séan in the next edition of
Rural Dispatch.
New Club Launched In Co Down
Members of the new BMWR YFC club pictured at their first meeting in Burren Community Centre.
YFCU has launched a new club which goes by the name
of Burren, Mayobridge, Warrenpoint and Rostrevor
(BMWR) YFC.
YFCU deputy president Martyn Blair attended their first
club meeting and told the members to “Get the best out
of the YFCU and the YFCU will get the best out of you”.
BMWR YFC is open to all young people who live in the local
area and who are aged 12-25 years of age. The club will
meet at Burren Community Centre.
Also in attendance that night was John McCallister,
local MLA and past YFCU president. John welcomed
the club to the association and encouraged the
members to partake in all activities to the best of their
ability as this is the greatest way to get the most from
the organisation.
The central office bearers are Sean Garrivan (Club Leader),
Francis King (Club Secretary), Kieran Knapton (Club
Treasurer) and Terry Treanor (Club PRO).
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HQ News
Is your farm business online yet?
DARD Mobile Apps
If you are a smartphone user (iPhone, Android or
Windows phone) you can now download the APHIS
Mobile* or NCalc app free of charge. The apps are
available to download from your smartphone’s app store.
APHIS mobile will give you access to your current DARD herd
list, including information such as movement history and
calving history. To make registration simpler you can send
details of all new calves to DARD using APHIS mobile so
removing the need to send in a paper registration. It will help
you by checking the registration information and send you
an email to let you know the calves have been registered
successfully.
APHIS Online Training
CAFRE provide free training courses for APHIS Online,
and are willing to train your club at a local venue.
Alternatively any members of a farming family may
attend a course locally. The training is tailored for both
people who would like to use APHIS Online but have not
yet registered and current users who would like to find
out how to use more of its features.
NCalc will help you determine your Nitrogen
Loading value. The user simply needs to enter
their animal numbers (available from APHIS Online),
available land and any slurry imported/exported.
The complex calculations are carried out by the app
and it will report your N loading value and also guide
you to how much slurry you could import/export to
ensure you do not exceed 170kgN/Ha.
*APHIS Mobile is currently only available to iPhone
users, the Android and Windows phone versions will
be available shortly.
The classes take place all over Northern Ireland. Trainees
come along for two 2 hour evening sessions and are
given access to a PC and an APHIS Online training herd.
The instructor will demonstrate all the features and
trainees get the opportunity to try various tasks such as
registering twins, moving animals between herds and
downloading herd lists, plus much more.
The following courses are available this spring:
Venue
Day
Date
Time
Loughry Campus, Cookstown
Wednesday
27 Mar & 03 Apr
8 -10pm
Ballymoney, Acorn Centre
Thursday
28 Mar & 04 Apr
8 -10pm
Enniskillen Campus
Tuesday
09 & 16 April
8 -10pm
Greenmount Campus, Antrim
Tuesday
26 March
8 -10pm
Monday
08 & 15 April
8 -10pm
Newry - Southern Regional College
Thursday
21 March
7.30-9.30pm
Armagh - Southern Regional College
Thursday
11 & 18 April
7.30-9.30pm
Ballynahinch - Assumption Grammar
Tuesday
26 March
7.30-9.30pm
Limavady - North West Regional College
Thursday
21 March
7.30-9.30pm
If you would like to attend an APHIS Online training
course please contact the APHIS Online support
team with your details or self-enroll at
www.ruralni.gov.uk/aphis.
8
More information
If you have any questions about APHIS Online or any other
DARD Online service please contact the APHIS support desk:
Phone: (028) 9442 6699
Email: aphis@ruralni.gov.uk
Oxford Conference Report
The conference delegates David Dunlop from Finvoy YFC (left) and David Hall from Coleraine YFC (far right) pictured with sponsor,
James Campbell, editor, Irish Farmers Journal and Amy McGuckian, YFCU PR, Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator before
their trip to the 2013 Oxford Conference.
David Hall, Coleraine YFC and David Dunlop, Finvoy YFC
reflect on their trip to the 2013 Oxford Farming
Conference:
2012 was a year everyone at the 2013 Oxford Farming
Conference was keen to forget. The countryside around
Oxford offered evidence of poor autumnal weather, with
many fields flooded and recently planted arable crops
struggling to cope with the conditions.
However, the attitudes of delegates attending, was one of
positivity and ambition for the agricultural industry. It is
predicted that by 2050, the world’s population will need
100% more food than today’s levels. According to the UN
Food and Agriculture Organisation, 70% of it must come
from efficiency enhancing technology. Farmers must rise
to this challenge, but maintain sustainable intensification
in managing their environment.
This challenge set the tone for the conference, which was
themed, “Confident farmers delivering for society”.
One of the highlights of the conference every year is the
Oxford debate, held on the Thursday evening in the grand
surroundings of the Oxford Union. This years motion,
“This house believes economies of scale in agriculture are
overstated- size is not important”, provided much
difference in opinion, with the motion being heavily
defeated almost 2 to 1.
The take home message from the conference was to
encourage farmers to look much further than the farm
gate. The farming community provides the best value in
caring and managing the countryside, and in meeting the
challenges connected with increased production, we must
be mindful of our impact on nature. Environmental
development should be seen as being a part of the farm
business, not a directive from the EU which we must
comply to. The conference was a great opportunity to
gain insight on how the industry plans to move forward.
For young people, the options for career development are
increasing all the time in what is proving to be an exciting
and challenging industry.
We would like to thank the Irish Farmers Journal and
YFCU for providing us with this opportunity, and would
encourage other young farmers to attend if they are
offered the chance.
9
Q&A
5 minutes with...
William Wilson
In this new feature, Rural Dispatch catches
up with a YFCU member for a quick chat.
This issue, we talk to none other than YFCU
President, William Wilson...
Willie, this will be your last Rural
Dispatch as President. As you look
over your time in this role, what have
been your highlights as President
of YFCU?
That’s a tough question, there have
been so many! Ultimately, it has been
a privilege working with our members,
at all levels, and having the craic out
and about and meeting people from all
walks of life. To be able to say you’ve sat
down beside the Duchess of Cambridge
at Greenmount for a chat, well, not
everyone gets that opportunity!
Speaking of opportunity, the scope
for travel within YFCU is tremendous.
As President, I got to lead two European
Rally Teams; to Slovenia in 2011
and Poland in 2012. Over the years,
I have clocked up a LOT of air miles
representing YFCU and members
should make the most of travelling
when they get the chance.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed being
President. I’ve had the honour of working
with the same Presidential team for the
two years of my Presidency which was
great for consistency and building
relationships. Everyone brought
something different to the table,
different viewpoints and talents,
and I think that worked really well.
Your time as President was preceded
by two years as Deputy President
and four years as a Vice President.
What achievement are you most
proud of within your time on the
Presidential Team?
Again, it’s hard to pinpoint just one.
Looking back, helping to re-instate the
NI Rally Day which led to a great surge in
membership and participation rates was
something I was really encouraged by.
I can’t take the credit for it as the
members and HQ staff team have been
so supportive in all of our activities,
I’m just a small clog in a big wheel.
10
I also enjoyed putting together the
comedy nights and giving something to
our over 18s members who do so much to
encourage younger members in their clubs.
If you were to do it all again as
President, would you do anything
differently?
(Laughter) I wouldn’t do it! Only joking,
come back and ask me in a few months!
I always try to learn from my mistakes.
When you are President, it’s just go go go.
Perhaps when I hand over at the AGM and
get more time off the road, I will be able to
reflect better on things. The Past President
gets to sit on the Executive so I can pass
on my thoughts and learning experience
through that committee.
partake of travel opportunities.
I’ll admit to trying Floral Art once in
my competition years, and once was
enough! It wasn’t my forte but at least
I gave it a go and got my proficiency.
I would encourage young members
and even clubs, to try competitions
they haven’t tried before. Arts Festival
and Drama are great competitions to
get the whole club involved.
The YFCU pledge really says it all,
so I’d say to all members – keep it!
When you hand over the Presidential
chain and get a bit more time off the
road, how will you spend your extra
time relaxing?
Ultimately, it has been a privilege
working with our members, at all
levels, and having the craic out and about and
meeting people from all walks of life.
What advice would you pass on to your
successor come the AGM & Conference?
I have to say Martyn Blair has been a great
Deputy to me. We work closely together
and through that have become great
friends. It’s highly important for the
President and their Deputy to have a close
relationship for two reasons. Firstly, for the
Deputy to help the President in what is a
busy and demanding role, and secondly to
train the Deputy to become President in
due course.
What advice would you give a young
member, reading Rural Dispatch, as
they start their journey with YFCU?
Try everything once! Winning competitions
is a bonus, but taking part is the most
important thing. YFCU has so many
opportunities to learn new skills and
In a way I’m not looking forward to it!
I’m sure my father will have a long list of
things for me to do. I have to say, given the
commitment President requires, it does
put a strain on time with friends and family.
It will be nice to have more opportunity
and flexibility to catch up with them –
they’ll not have to work to my busy
schedule anymore!
I am lucky to have had great support from
my home club, Cappagh, and County
(Tyrone), through all my roles on the
Presidential Team and I would like to take
the opportunity here to thank them both
sincerely. With the extra time off the road
as President, I am looking forward to being
a driver for club meetings and competitions
and helping to encourage them to make
the most out of the organisation.
SEPTEMBER
YFCU Making Waves at Swimming Gala
THE YFCU’s annual swimming gala took place on
Saturday 29th September 2012 at the Seven Towers
Leisure Centre in Ballymena.
Sponsored by David Dunlop from Dunhill Cottage B&B,
Hillsborough, the gala proved to be a popular and
exciting competition.
Competitors took part in a series of heats with
members divided into categories according to age and
gender – under 16 male and female and over 16 male
and female. The top six times in each category won a
place in the finals.
Sponsor David Dunlop, a past member of Hillsborough
YFC, and winner of numerous swimming gala medals
himself, presented the winners with their prizes.
David also presented the David Dunlop cup for best
overall performance by a club to Moneymore YFC.
The team relay was also won by members from
Moneymore YFC who received the Flamingo cup for their
impressive efforts.
YFCU President, William Wilson, said; “The swimming gala
is the first competition in the YFCU’s calendar of events
and I am very pleased to see such a large turnout for the
event. Well done to all the competitors who took part.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank David Dunlop
for sponsoring the competition and presenting the prizes,
the Seven Towers Leisure Centre for the use of its facilities,
Ballymena Amateur Swimming Club for all their assistance
during the evening and the stewards and time-keepers for
their assistance at the pool side.”
RESULTS:
Under 16 female
1st Abbie Hunter, Moneymore YFC
2nd Bronagh Cush, Castlecaulfield YFC
3rd Emma Marshall, Curragh YFC
Under 16 male
1st Aaron Hall, Holestone YFC
2nd Richard Johnston, Randalstown YFC
3rd Aaron McKelvey, Derg Valley YFC
Over 16 female
1st Jade Hunter, Moneymore YFC
(JOINT)
Kendal Hunter, Moneymore YFC
3rd Zara Leslie, Kilrea YFC
Over 16 male
1st Mark McBride, Lylehill YFC
2nd John Porter, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
3rd Geoff Thompson, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
Team Relay
1st
Moneymore YFC
2nd Annaclone & Magherally YFC
3rd
Holestone/Straid YFC
12
OCTOBER
Season of floral art creativity
THE heats of the YFCU’s annual floral art competition,
sponsored by Electricity Saver Ireland, recently took
place in venues throughout Northern Ireland with over
300 members competing.
RESULTS:
At each heat competitors were divided into two age groups,
12-16 years and 16-25 years. They were then given just
one hour to complete a floral decoration depicting the
theme “season of”. Artificial, fresh or dried material could
be used in the decoration and all arrangements had to be
constructed on the evening. The arrangements were
marked out of 100 in the following categories: choice of
materials (30); presentation (30) and finally technical skills
displayed (40).
12-16
1st
Peter Graham, Trillick YFC
2nd Megan Birney, Trillick YFC
The judges congratulated everyone on their imaginative and
interesting interpretations of the theme. They had a
difficult task marking the entries, allowing just the top two
in each age group of each area through to the final, which
will be held at the Balmoral Show in May 2013.
YFCU would like to thank all of the judges, Alan Beatty,
Barbara Megarry, Joan Magee, Anne Marie Grant and Sherry
Suett for giving up their time to come along and judge the
creations and also to all the schools for the use of their
facilities.
Co Tyrone and Fermanagh
Fivemiletown High School – Judge: Alan Beatty
16 – 25
1st
Rachel Gibson, Trillick YFC
2nd Lynsey Hawkes, Seskinore YFC
Co Down and Armagh
Ballynahinch Community Centre –
Judges: Barbara Megarry, Joan Magee
12-16
1st
Gillian Gourley, Ballywalter YFC
2nd Rebecca Gourley, Ballywalter YFC
16-25
1st
Amy Hanna, Donaghadee YFC
2nd Andrew Lawton, Killinchy YFC
Co Antrim and Londonderry
Coleraine College – Judges: Anne Marie Grant, Sherry
Suett
12-16
1st
Erinn Ramsey, Kilraughts YFC
2nd Chelsea Gordon, Finvoy YFC
(JOINT)
Stacey Millar, Lisnamurrican YFC
16-25
1st
Stephanie McCollam, Lylehill YFC
2nd Catherine Armstrong, Glarryford YFC
(JOINT)
Michael Stewart, Kilrea YFC
13
OCTOBER
YFCU Fencing Event at NI
Ploughing Championship
YFCU’s annual fencing competition took place at the
Northern Ireland Ploughing Championships with Spa YFC
winning the senior section and Gleno Valley YFC coming
first in the novice section.
The competition was run in association with long term
sponsor AH Ward and Boyd Limited who represent
Betafence in Northern Ireland.
Competition judges Crosby Cleland
and Robert Morrison from Crosby
Cleland Fencing gave their expertise
and time to judge the finished fences.
Paul Bennington from sponsor AH Ward and Boyd Limited
presented the prizes. In the novice section Gleno Valley YFC
(Drew Mills, Stephen Crawford and James Buchannan) came
first and received the perpetual plate, medals and a cheque
courtesy of AH Ward and Boyd Limited. Spa YFC (Alastair
Gordon, Adrian Dodd and Laurence Annet) came second and
Castlecaulfield YFC (Gary Heslip,
Ashleigh McIvor and Christopher
Robinson) came third.
In the senior section Spa YFC (David
Dodd, David Young and Alex Hanna)
came first and received the ‘Green
Rylock Trophy’, medals, a cheque
and a visit to a Green Rylock
factory in Sheffield. City of Derry
YFC (David Devine, Colin Devine
and Ian Parke) came second and
Ballywalter YFC (Andrew Garrett,
Joe Brown and Philip Warnock)
came third.
Crosby Cleland Fencing has supported
this competition throughout the
years and judges have given expert
guidance and training which has
enabled many of the fencing teams
to develop their fencing skills and to
transfer these skills onto their farms
and also as a career.
The novice section were asked to
erect a 20 metre straight stock proof
fence with each fence having the
sheep wire and barbed wire joined by
traditional methods at some point in the fence. Meanwhile in
the senior section the participants completed a 27m stock
proof fence with a corner/ bend at a predetermined point.
Both the sheep wire and the barbed wire were joined at the
centre of the smaller section using traditional methods. Both
sections were given three hours to complete the task.
YFCU President William Wilson
closed the presentation of prizes
with a word of thanks, “On behalf
of the YFCU, I would like to extend a note of thanks to our
long term sponsors Colin Boyd and Paul Bennington from
AH Ward and Boyd Limited for their continued support of
the competition. Thanks must also go to Crosby Cleland
and Robert Morrison from Crosby Cleland for judging the
event. Finally, thanks must be given to all at the Northern
Ireland Ploughing Association for their assistance.”
Eamon’s in the driving seat
after McCulla Artic Challenge
Eamon McGarry from Crumlin YFC won the YFCU 2012
Artic Challenge, in association with McCulla Ireland.
YFCU teamed up once again with McCulla Transport Ireland
to hold the Artic Challenge on Saturday 13th October 2012
at Nutt’s Corner in Antrim.
Up to fifty YFCU members aged 20 and over, participated in
the challenge which involved members having the opportunity
to drive a heavy good vehicle around a designated course with
a trainer who will be assessing their driving skills.
vagh YFC , congratulates
ner Stephen O’Kane, Gar
2011 Artic Challenge win
2 Artic Challenge. Also
201
YFC for winning the
r,
Eamon McGarry, Crumlin
sport Ireland, Martyn Blai
Tran
ulla
McC
from
ulla
pictured is Ashleigh McC
instructor.
ing
driv
n,
Irwi
Ken
and
YFCU Deputy President
Eamon will now be trained and put through his HGV class
1 licence and given 35 hours of CPC training (certificate of
professional competence) and offered a job within McCulla
Transport Ireland. Hillhall YFC provided a BBQ and there were demonstrations
from the NI Fire & Rescue Service and others while the challenge took place.
14
Members Speak out in style
at Public Speaking Final
MEMBERS of the YFCU displayed the talent that
exists within the association during the final of the
YFCU public speaking competition that took place on
Monday 5th November 2012 at Ballee High School,
Ballymena.
Over 90 finalists from throughout Northern Ireland took
part in the final of the contest which has been supported
for a number of years by the NFU Mutual Insurance Society.
Members had the opportunity to compete in two different
categories: prepared and impromptu and impressed the
judges with a range of varied and entertaining speeches.
After the competition, YFCU President William Wilson
welcomed guest speaker Martin Malone, Regional
Director at NFU Mutual to the stage.
Martin congratulated the competitors on the high
standard of their speeches and told the competitors that
he was very impressed with the speeches that he heard.
At the close of the evening Victoria Herron, delivered a
note of thanks to the guest speaker Martin Malone and
extended the Association’s gratitude for the continued
support and sponsorship of NFU Mutual Insurance Society;
to all the chairpersons and stewards whose help was
indispensable in ensuring the smooth running of the
evening; to the judges whose input and expertise is
invaluable; to Ballee High School for providing the venue
and to all the competitors who took part in the contest.
NOVEMBER
The results of the competition were as follows:
Class A: 12-14 Years Prepared
1st
Thomas McNeill, Kilraughts YFC
2nd
Laura Stewart, Ballywalter YFC
3rd
Hannah Collins, Garvagh YFC
Class B: 14-16 Years Prepared
1st
Emma Martin, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
2nd
Samuel Beattie, Finvoy YFC
3rd
Marie Richmond, Coleraine YFC
Class C: 16-18 Years Prepared
1st
Charlotte Collins, Garvagh YFC
2nd
Caitlin Topping, Garvagh YFC
joint
Joy Dalzell, Newtownards YFC
Class D: 16-18 Years Impromptu
1st
Jane Buckley, Straid YFC
2nd
Holly Walker, Kesh YFC
3rd
Anna Borland, Kilraughts YFC
Class E: 18-21 Years Prepared
1st
Mark McAuley, Glarryford YFC
2nd
Chantelle Murdoch, Coleraine YFC
joint
Kate McCormick, Donaghadee YFC
Class F: 18-21 Years Impromptu
1st
Rachel Johnston, Donaghadee YFC
2nd
Chantelle Murdoch, Coleraine YFC
3rd
Margaret Dunlop, Glarryford YFC
Class G: 21-25 Years Prepared
1st
Zita Blair, Moneymore YFC
2nd
Megan Hamill, Donaghadee YFC
3rd
Andrew McAuley, Glarryford YFC
Class H: 21-25 Years Impromptu
1st
Megan Hamill, Donaghadee YFC
2nd Zita Blair, Moneymore YFC
3rd
Kathryn McCormick, Coleraine YFC
Thomas McNeill,
petition from front left
2012 Public Speaking com
the
, Regional Director
of
one
s
ner
Mal
tin
win
e
Mar
h
plac
h YFC wit
Pictured are all the 1st
Charlotte Collins, Garvag
,
Magherally YFC ,
&
YFC
ne
ore
aclo
eym
Ann
Mon
r,
tin,
a Mar
Kilraughts YFC , Zita Blai
Donaghadee YFC , Emm
ill,
YFC .
Ham
ord
an
rryf
Meg
Gla
,
left
k
uley
bac
k McA
at NFU Mutual and from
Donaghadee YFC and Mar
ident, Rachel Johnston,
Pres
U
YFC
,
son
Wil
liam
Wil
15
NOVEMBER
Teams Debate It Out
Members of the YFCU travelled
to Omagh Academy to participate
in the NI final of the association’s
annual group debating competition,
sponsored by Elanco.
Guest speaker Arlene Foster, MLA
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and
Investment attended the final and
had the opportunity to listen to the
junior members debating on the
topic ‘charity begins at home’ and to
the senior members who debated on
whether ‘it’s better to buy locally
produced food’.
Senior members were given 30
minutes to prepare their debates
and junior members had 40
minutes in which to form their
Pictured is the winning
debates. During that time they
21-25 category group deb
ating team, Lylehill YFC
Christine McCollam bein
Stephanie McCollam, Joh
g congratulated by Arle
used personal opinion and a
n Wallace and
ne Foster MLA, Minister
on behalf of Elanco and
of Enterprise, Trade and
William Wilson YFCU Pres
Investment, Joe Crawfo
ident.
comprehensive fact sheet provided
rd
to each team. This format means
that the debating in the contest is more
spontaneous and encourages members to work
The results were as follows:
together as a team. It also means that no one is
disadvantaged by having more time to practice
Results Class A: 12-14
and prepare than others.
1st
Glarryford YFC – Joshua Park, Shakeel
Mohammed, Suzanne Reid
After the judges totted up the scores, competitors
2nd
Newtownards YFC – Sarah Townley, Anna
gathered to hear the results. YFCU President William
Browne, Emily Moore
Wilson introduced Minister Arlene Foster, MLA who
spoke to the audience before presenting the prizes.
Results Class B: 14-16
Minister Foster told the members she was hugely
1st
Moneymore YFC – Abbie Hunter, Alison
impressed with the array of talent displayed in the
Davis, John Sheppard
debates that she had the pleasure of observing and
2nd
Newtownards YFC – Ewan Dalzell, Matthew
congratulated all those who took part in the
Patton, Ian Lemon
competition.
Results Class C: 16-18
Following the presentation of prizes, YFCU President,
1st
Ballywalter YFC – Chloe Ferris, Nikita Bailie,
William Wilson said:
Kerry Angus
2nd
Annaclone & Magherally YFC – Jenny
“The YFCU group debating competition continues
Cromie, Ellen Woods, Emma Martin
to be one of the most popular in our calendar and
we were delighted to have the continued support
Results Class D: 18-21
of Elanco. On behalf of the association I would also
1st
Donaghadee YFC – Kate McCormick, Hannah
like to extend a note of thanks to our guest speaker
Spratt, Rachel Johnston
Minister Foster and to Joe Crawford, who attended
2nd
Coleraine YFC – Danielle Black, Claire Adams,
on behalf of Elanco, for his help at the heats and this
Chantelle Murdoch
evening and Elanco’s continued support of YFCU.”
Results Class E: 21-25
David Hall, chair of YFCU Agri and Rural Affairs
1st
Lylehill YFC – Stephanie McCollam, John
Committee, concluded the evening with his vote
Wallace, Christina McCollam
of thanks to all involved in the event.
2nd
Glarryford YFC – Rachael Frew, Cathy
Knowles, Robyn McCormick
16
NOVEMBER
Soil Assessment
Final
Richard Kane from Spa YFC took the top spot in the
final of the YFCU’s soil assessment competition,
sponsored by Tesco, at this year’s Northern Ireland
Ploughing Championships in Drumahoe.
The contest saw twelve contestants assess a selected soil
profile that tested their ability to distinguish important soil
qualities such as texture and type. Competitors then had to
present to the judges the expected performance of the soils
regarding drainage, cultivation, cropping, and fertilization
practice.
Demonstration /
Presentation
Competition Results
FIFTY-FOUR YFCU members took part in the
Association’s annual demonstration / presentation
competition at CAFRE, Greenmount Campus.
The competition provides members with the opportunity to
employ a combination of different skills that they use in
other YFCU contests including prepared and impromptu
public speaking. It then incorporates these with the use of
practical aids and presentation equipment which then serves
to enable members to further develop their communication
and presentation skills.
Competitors were given a maximum of 10 minutes to speak
about or demonstrate a topic of their choices. Some
examples on the night were dog grooming, clay pigeon
shooting, karate, Irish dancing and wheaten bread making.
At the event, judges Trevor Woods, Jane McCollam, Stephanie
Fulton, Maura Ellis, Rosalind Ellis and Karena Shaw had a
diverse range of presentations to judge.
The soil profiles were selected by expert judges, Robin
Bolton and Gerard McDaid from CAFRE. In addition to
overseeing the adjudication of the event, the judges also
offered guidance to the competitors.
YFCU President William Wilson announced the results of
the competition and the top three competitors were
presented with their prizes. Richard Kane, Spa YFC took first
place and was presented with the prestigious BP Trophy and
a cheque. In second place was Alex Lyttle, Newtownards
YFC who received a cheque and in third place was James
Purcell, Dungiven YFC who also received a cheque prize.
William Wilson brought the contest to a close with a word
of thanks;
“We are delighted that Tesco have supported this event and
I would like to thank Lesley England for attending today. I
would also like to extend a note of thanks to Robin Bolton
and Gerard McDaid from CAFRE for giving up their time to
judge the competition. To the stewards for their help and
lastly to all the competitors, congratulations and well done
for getting to the final of the contest,” said William.
After careful deliberation, the judges made their decision and
the results were as follows:
12-13 Years
1st
Philip Beattie, Finvoy YFC
2nd
William Girvin, Newtowards YFC
3rd
Sarah Cunningham, Coleraine YFC
14 Years
1st
James Bates, Moneymore YFC
2nd
John Sheppard, Moneymore YFC
3rd
Rebecca Pyper, Finvoy YFC
15-16 Years
1st
Ellen Woods, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
2nd
Jessica Byers, Glarryford YFC
3rd
Amy Mackin, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
17 Years
1st
David Reid, Coleraine YFC
2nd
Nicola Clyde, Finvoy YFC
3rd
Charlotte Collins, Garvagh YFC
18-21 Years
1st
Charlotte Taylor, Finvoy YFC
2nd
Andrew Sleator, Annaclone & Magherally YFC
3rd
Russell Smyth, Coleraine YFC
22-25 Years
1st
Elizabeth Coffey, Spa YFC
2nd
Andrew Patton, Newtownards YFC
3rd
Sarah Lamont, Moneymore YFC
17
Young Farmers Annual
Choir Festival
DECEMBER
MEMBERS of the YFCU recently showcased a range of
musical pieces at the association’s annual choir festival
that took place at CAFRE Greenmount campus.
Adjudicator on the night was Brian Lynas and compere was
YFCU deputy president, Martyn Blair who introduced the choirs.
At the end of the evening Mr Lynas gave the participating choirs
the benefit of his expertise by relating some constructive and
encouraging advice on each of their performances.
The audience had the opportunity to enjoy some fine
singing with a wide range of song choices from the eleven
participating choirs. YFCU deputy president, Martyn Blair said;
“The choir festival is a very popular evening in the YFCU events
calendar. All the choirs who took part have worked very hard on
their performances and the evening was very enjoyable.”
The results were as follows:
1st prize - Lylehill YFC
2nd prize - Kilrea YFC
Pictured are members of Lyle
hill YFC who won the YFCU’s
annual choir
festival which was held at Gree
nmount campus, CAFRE with
YFCU’s
deputy president, Martyn Blair
and adjudicator Brian Lynas.
3rd prize - Gleno Valley / Straid YFC
Best solo - Finvoy YFC
Best choral piece - Gleno Valley / Straid YFC
Best accompaniment - Thomas Wilson, Lylehill YFC
Best new comer - Spa YFC
The YFCU would like to thank John Fay, director of the CAFRE
for the use of the facilities and YFCU deputy president Martyn
Blair for leading the evening. Special thanks must also go to
Brian Lynas for giving up his time and expertise to adjudicate
the event and for the invaluable advice which he made freely
available to the participating choirs and accompanists.
YFCU Big Debate
OVER 80 people recently attended the
Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU)
big debate which was held in the Senate
Chamber, Stormont.
Supported by Danske Bank, the invited
audience of key agri industry figures and YFCU
members had the opportunity to listen to
guest speakers argue the motion “this house
believes NI agriculture could survive outside
the EU”.
The debate was expertly chaired by Matt
Dempsey, editor of the Irish Farmers’ Journal
and the proposer for the motion was Stuart
Agnew, UKIP MEP and his seconder was David
Hall from Coleraine YFC. The opposer was
Campbell Tweed OBE and his seconder was
Kathryn McCormick, also from Coleraine YFC.
seconder),
hryn McCormick (YFCU
Debate are from left Kat
Agnew MEP (proposer)
art
Stu
Pictured at the YFCU Big
on,
Patr
U
YFC
t,
poser), Rory Bes
Campbell Tweed OBE (op
nder).
and David Hall (YFCU seco
Audience members had the opportunity to join
in the debate from the floor and the evening
proved to be both lively and informative.
Following the debate the vote showed that
the audience was in favour of the motion
by a very small majority. William Wilson,
YFCU President announced the results and
thanked all the guest speakers, chairman and
John Henning from Danske Bank for making
the evening such a success.
18
Pictured at the YFCU Big
Debate are from left Cam
pbell Tweed OBE (oppos
MEP (proposer), John McC
er), Stuart Agnew
allister MLA, Colin Smith
YFCU vice president, Joh
of Agri Relations, Danske
n Henning, Head
Bank, Elaine Alderdice, Dan
ske Bank, Ann Armstrong,
David Hall (YFCU seconde
Danske Bank,
r), William Wilson, YFCU
president, Michael Reid
McCormick (YFCU seco
YFCU CEO, Kathryn
nder), Jonathan Leathem,
Danske Bank and Matt Dem
psey (chairman).
JANUARY
Moycraig Yfc Strike At Ten Pin Bowling
THE YFCU’s annual ten pin bowling
competition took place at Dundonald
Ice Bowl. Twenty teams competed in
this popular and fun event.
Teams had the chance to play two
games and the team with the highest
overall pinfall won. This year’s winning
team was Moycraig YFC – Paul
Morrison, Sam Jamison, Mark McAlister,
David Henderson and Niall McCracken who picked up the trophy.
ing team Moycraig
The 2013 ten pin bowling winn
rdinator.
YFCU Events & Activities Coo
YFCU Gala Heading
To 2013 City Of Culture
THE YFCU’s arts festival took place in venues
throughout Northern Ireland in February.
Sponsored for a number of years by NFU Mutual Insurance
Society Limited, the arts festival saw fourteen performances
take to the stage to perform a short drama piece which the
members wrote and produced themselves.
The top five clubs who have made it through to perform
at the arts festival gala evening on Saturday 23rd March
2013 are: Coleraine YFC, Finvoy YFC, Glarryford YFC,
Holestone/Lylehill YFC and Kilraughts YFC. The Gala,
which normally rotates between Belfast and Londonderry,
will be held in the Millennium Forum in Londonderry,
the UK City of Culture 2013.
YFCU members taking part
YFC receiving their trophy from
Victoria Ross,
FEBRUARY
Prizes presented at this year’s Gala will include most
amusing moment, most imaginative theme, best choral
piece, best choreography, best newcomer and
outstanding performance of the night.
City of Derry YFC were announced winners of the best
newcomer at the end of the arts festival week of
performances and will receive their prize at the Gala.
Tickets for the Gala evening are priced at £15 and are
available from the Millennium Forum. Contact the
ticket office directly on 028 7126 4455.
in this year’s arts festival.
19
C
F
Y
d
n
a
l
i
r
f
Rath
to
l
l
e
w
e
r
a
f
say
all
H
t
e
e
r
t
S
y
Newr
Rathfriland YFC posed
In February, members of
ether in their Newry
for their last picture tog
re to move premises.
Street hall as they prepa
‘The Last Supper’ members
At their meeting entitled
co in the main hall before
enjoyed a rollerblading dis
ion to holding young
dining on pizzas. In addit
ent evenings, plays and
farmers club meetings, par
opened in 1950, the hall
dances since it was first
range of community
has also played host to a
, UFU, Happy Hours Club
associations including WI
p. The hall had also been
and Rathfriland Playgrou
ary dinners, aerobics and
used for concerts, annivers
local venue for NI Blood
dance classes and was the
the 1990s.
Transfusion donations in
pter in their history with
The club starts a fresh cha
on Downpatrick Street in
plans to build a new hall
the town.
20
FC
Y
t
r
a
w
e
t
s
Newtown ight
Exchange N
2012
On Tuesday 27th November
club exchange
a
d
Newtownstewart YFC hel
from Raphoe.
,
cra
night with Proper Job Ma
rting with finding
There were many fun games sta
e crazy food
som
h
wit
out who was the bravest
see who could
to
ing
rac
challenges. Members were
a tub of jelly without
eat crackers the fastest, down
with a cocktail stick.
a spoon and eat baked beans
d by all and
It was a night thoroughly enjoye
el to Raphoe for
trav
go
Newtownstewart plans to
3.
201
in
the return meeting later
sary
r
e
v
i
n
n
A
h
t
5
7
y
Happ
Garvagh YFC
in
niversary was celebrated
Garvagh YFC’s 75th An
tel
Ho
e
dg
Lo
ruary in the
style on Saturday 2nd Feb
, past members, parents
ers
mb
me
Coleraine. Current
a
all gathering together for
friends and supporters
est
gu
l
cia
spe
e
Th
d nostalgia.
night of celebration an
son.
bin
Ro
speaker was Pam
lub
C
s
t
n
e
r
a
P
C
F
Y
Kesh
way through its winter
Garvagh YFC is now half
ed
sting members have enjoy
programme. New and exi
een
llow
Ha
m
fro
b meetings;
varied programmes of clu
e
Casey creature’, an ‘insid
m
fro
it
ghost talks to a ‘vis
trip
g
tin
ska
ice
an
rmont, and
politics’ with a visit to Sto
to Dundonald Ice Bowl.
has
many members. The club
It has been a busy year for
ition
pet
com
ng
aki
the public spe
proved to be a success in
mbers
heat in October, four me
once again. In the County
t
rrie
Ha
s,
llin
Co
als; Hannah
got through to the NI Fin
ey
Th
s.
llin
Co
e
and Charlott
McLean, Caitlin Topping
ber
ool on Tuesday 6th Novem
Sch
h
Hig
travelled to Ballee
go
st
mu
ns
tio
ula
rat
phies. Cong
to compete for the top tro
,
up
gro
age
-14
12
the
e 3rd in
to Hannah Collins who cam
g
e 1st and to Caitlin Toppin
Charlotte Collins won cam
.
up
-18 age gro
who came 2nd in the 16
their parents evening
Kesh YFC recently held
a very successful
which turned out to be
evening.
the club gathered for
On Friday 26th October
it salad’ which relaxed
an entertaining drama ‘fru
n Carter sing song.
everyone in time for Natha
during the evening
All members participated
e dancers and some
with talented singers, lin
y Achson, a past
even recited poems. Wesle
n presented the
member of Kesh YFC, the
phies and awards
members with many tro
oughout the year.
that were well earned thr
with a cup of tea
The night was rounded up
club was pleased to
and supper. This year the
by Erne Insurance
accept a new cup donated
Beef Judging was
Services. The cup for 21-25
. The Owens Crystal
awarded to Ruth Graham
and co-operative
Bowl for the most useful
Walker.
member went to Morgan
21
ops
t
e
r
a
C
F
Y
Collone
gh
a
m
r
A
y
t
n
in Cou
Members of Collone Young Farmers
of the Year Cup
receiving County Armagh Club
ntly held at
County Armagh YFC Dinner was rece
members
of
out
Halls Mills, Gilford. A great turn
a night
for
d
nde
from Collone Young Farmers atte
st
Gue
ing.
of dining, prize giving and socialis
t
iden
Pres
speaker Trevor Wilson, YFCU Vice
ing talk.
gave a very informative and interest
Allen on winning
Congratulations are due to Benjamin
Judging and
ep
21-25 year old Soil Assessment, She
ent and
ssm
Asse
Beef Judging; Steven Reid - Silage
Speaking;
lic
Pub
Machinery Handling; Dora Nesbitt
Sheep
and
y
Dair
Josh McCartney - 12-14 year olds
Zara
Judging; Sarah-Jane Allen - Floral Art;
Gillian Graham Montgomery - Secretary of the Year;
r of the Year
sure
PRO of the Year; James Speers - Trea
joint winners
e
cam
and to the Girls Football Team who
with Newtownhamilton.
Collone Young
In addition to these individual prizes,
Year in County
the
Farmers Club was awarded Club of
due to all
are
ks
Armagh. Congratulations and than
ication
ded
and
club members for their hard work
this
to
throughout the year which has led
esses will
achievement. We trust that these succ
continue for the incoming year.
C
F
Y
s
i
r
r
o
n
t
Moun
Mountnorris Young
Farmers’ Club members
Jim
wish to sincerely thank
g
Henning, the Managin
Director of Fane Valley
n
Dairies and Craig Acheso
m
fro
Electrical Contractor
d
ADC Electrics for the kin
w
ne
sponsorship of their
club rugby-shirts.
22
FC
Y
n
a
c
i
r
r
u
Lisnam
this
Lisnamurrican YFC would like to take
ported
sup
who
e
ryon
eve
k
opportunity to than
ed
rais
club
The
er.
emb
Nov
their Lamb Sale in
.
LIFT
and
Sim
s
ritie
£1,400 for two cha
this year’s
The club is preparing to participate in
money for
raise
to
May
in
n
Belfast City Maratho
in a
part
n
take
be
will
bers
club funds. All mem
now
is
ing
train
us
nuo
stre
variety of ways and
keep up to
underway. Rural Dispatch readers can
on their
ts
even
ng
raisi
fund
g
date with upcomin
m
s.co
.web
nyfc
rrica
website: www.lisnamu
t
c
i
r
t
s
i
D
&
Trillick
one
r
y
T
d
e
m
a
YFC n
12
0
2
b
u
l
c
r
e
Sup
ner Dance, Trillick and
At the County Tyrone Din
hted to be awarded the
District YFC were delig
rclub title. The award,
prestigious Tyrone Supe
rch Hotel, is awarded for
sponsored by the Silverbi
d County competitions.
participation in YFCU an
ng
u
o
Y
a
e
r
y
e
Mon
rate
b
e
l
e
C
s
r
e
Farm
80 years
rs club was formed
Moneyrea Young Farme
ebrates 80 years
in 1933 and this year cel
of success.
, the club held an
To celebrate the occasion
on Saturday 16th
Anniversary Dinner Dance
nt will follow in the
March. Pictures of the eve
next edition.
s received by Club leader
The Superclub trophy wa
David
Rachel Gibson, Treasurer
Shannen Vance, Secretary
Crawford.
Henderson and PRO Kyra
n in
od record of participatio
Trillick members have a go
ns but this year the
a wide range of competitio
from
ded Fencing, Something
enthusiastic members ad
oir
Ch
/Demonstration and the
Farm scrap, Presentation
ts.
their list of achievemen
Festival competitions to
our Annual Friends and
At present we are planning
27th
ps and Robbers Disco on
Supporters Night, our Co
to our 50th Anniversary
April and looking forward
minate with an anniversary
Celebrations. This will cul
nor
October 2013 in the Ma
Dinner Dance on Friday 4th
House Hotel in Killeadeas.
s always know how to
Moneyrea YFC member
dress in style.
23
d
e
t
n
a
w
I
e
e
thr
s
a
w
I
n
e
h
W
n
w
o
D
y
t
n
u
o
to be… a C er!
Young Farm
mittee proudly announce
County Down Young Farmers’ Com
o at this year’s YFCU AGM
the theme for the Friday Night Disc
e decided upon the
and Conference. The committee hav
to be…!”
theme “When I was Three I wanted
to welcoming all nurses,
County Down Committee look forward
t stars, police officers and
movie stars, lumberjacks, explorers, spor
ntry Club on Friday 19th
many more to La Mon Hotel and Cou
For more information
April. This event is strictly over 18s.
irman Andrew Garrett on
contact County Down YFC Deputy Cha
07517434881.
County Down YFC members
24
24
James Gilpin, Rachel Martin
and Geoff Thompson prepare
FC
Moycraig Y
e
hit the stag
stage once
Moycraig YFC is taking to the
n of Sam
sio
ver
ir
again this time with the
Beds.
te
ara
Sep
Cree’s three act drama
cessful business
Set in the living room of a suc
Beds sees the
te
ara
man, Arthur Marshall, Sep
of Arthur’s
ge
rria
family prepare for the ma
and turns
sts
twi
only daughter, Judy. With
a family
h
wit
es
and the drama that com
s and laughs.
gle
gig
of
wedding this play is full
on Friday 5th
The performances will be held
aig’s own club
ycr
Mo
and Saturday 6th April in
ered via
ord
be
hall in Mosside. Tickets can
075 1300 8057.
for this year’s Friday night Disc
o at the Annual YFCU Confere
nce.
r
o
F
s
dAtediArY
tHe
APRIL
w/c 1st
16th
20th
24th - 30th
Dairy stockjudging heats begin at venues across NI
Women’s Diversification Workshop at Greenmount College, focusing on craft and canvas painting,
book via Jane at YFCU HQ
YFCU AGM & Conference, Armagh City Hotel (tickets on sale from YFCU HQ)
One Act Drama Festival, at venues across NI
MAY
10th
11th - 12th
15th - 17th
15th
16th
16th
16th
17th
Drama Dinner, Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim
Executive Residential, Gortin, Co. Tyrone
Balmoral Show, Balmoral Park, Maze
Sheep Shearing, Balmoral Show
Floral Art Finals, Balmoral Show
Girls Football, Balmoral Show
Tug O War, Balmoral Show
Rural Dispatch Copy Deadline for PROs
JUNE
4th
17th
28th
Build It Heats
Home Management NI Final
John Bradley Challenge
Check out www.yfcu.org for more information on all forthcoming HQ, County & club events
l
BAlmo2r0A13
sHow
26
DATE
TIME
ACTIVITY
VENUE
Wednesday 15th May
10.00am
Sheep Shearing Competition
Sheep Shearing Marquee
Thursday 16th May
11.00am
4.00pm
6.00pm
Floral Art Competition
Girls’ Five-a-Side Football Competition
Tug of War Competition
Garden Village
Cattle Rings
Cattle Rings
Wednesday 15th Friday 17th May
Ongoing
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