Young farmers face critical year, warns leader

Essex arable grower Ed Ford has become the first active farmer in six years to be elected chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

Mr Ford, 26, was elected chairman unanimously by NFYFC members during a council meeting in Coventry on Sunday (19 February).

Together with his father, mother and brother, he manages a 600ha family farm near Brentwood, south Essex, cropping both winter and spring combinable crops.

See also: Young farmers unite to help Somerset flood struggle

Mr Ford said he hoped to ensure the voice of young farmers was heard by the government during a challenging year as the industry prepares for the UK to leave the European Union.

He will be supported in his role by self-employed livestock worker Lynsey Martin, from Ashford and District YFC in Kent, who will serve a second year as vice-chairman.

Katie Hall from Gloucester YFC was elected second vice-chairman alongside her full-time job as a calf nutritionist and regional sales representative for Bonanza Calf Nutrition.

Critical time

The trio take on their roles at a critical time for the industry as negotiations and discussions continue about a future British agricultural policy post-Brexit.

Mr Ford said: “I know how much it means to members to have an active farmer at the helm of the federation during these uncertain times.”

He added: “I will do my best, along with the rest of the officer team, to ensure young farmers’ views are heard at the highest level.”

The team is also keen to raise awareness of the impact that cuts to rural services are having on young people in the countryside.

Mr Ford played a key role setting up the Forage Aid charity following his involvement in supplying forage to the Somerset Levels in February 2014. He remains a Forage Aid trustee.

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

The NFYFC national council comprises 63 members, associate members and co-options from across England and Wales and is elected by YFC members to represent their views.

Steering group officers elected during the weekend included:

• Agriculture and Rural Issues: Harriet Wilson, Staffordshire (chairman); James Hutchinson, Wiltshire (vice-chairman)
• Competitions: Rachel Parker, Lancashire (chairman); Fay Thomas, Herefordshire (vice-chairman)
• Events & Marketing: Katie Hall, Gloucestershire (chairman), Ben Cavill, Cornwall (vice-chairman)
• Personal Development: Laura Sumner, Lancashire (chairman), George Goodwin, Staffordshire (vice-chairman)
• Youth Forum: Thomas Oatey, Cornwall (chairman), Rachel Black (vice-chairman)