Opinion: Event reminds me how special young farmers clubs are
Scottish young farmers celebrating after a Tug of War win at Scottish Association of Young Farmers Club© SAYFC Agriculture has had a turbulent year, with every farming business in the spotlight in relation to its environmental credentials and carbon management, all compounded by increased costs and staffing challenges.
Brexit, trade negotiations and post-CAP farm policy has, and continues to, affect how and where we supply our produce.
And while market prices are rising for most sectors, we are all concerned less by short-term windfalls and more about long-term stability.
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These events are out of our control, but still rest heavily on our shoulders as we hold control of our variables and are faced with decisions that may not be best for our farming businesses, but are driven by financial and political pressure.
It is important therefore to take time out from the farm, switch off and seek counsel from our peers and friends alike.
Celebratory events and gatherings provide an opportunity to do just that, while also acknowledging those who are leading our sector or inspiring others to do so.
Just last week I attended the first Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs (SAYFC) Five Star Awards, coinciding with the agri and rural affairs conference during the day.
It’s only after you leave Young Farmers that you realise the huge void
The event brought together members from across Scotland to reward those who are contributing significantly to their club, from farm safety ambassador and club ambassador to the unsung hero and young farmer of the year.
It was a real privilege to be invited to share my experiences and meet old friends.
It was an evening that reminded me just how special the young farmers’ movement is. I am now too old to be part of SAYFC, but SAYFC will always be a part of me.
From speechmaking training and office bearer roles, to being part of the team that helped launch the first agri and rural affairs conference, and international travel to New Zealand (which resulted in me meeting my “better” half), Young Farmers has contributed to my life invaluably.
What I took away from the event was enthusiasm, and a focus less on the industry’s woes and more on what the future could hold, inspired by the opportunities that a disruptive market will provide.
I strongly believe every young person located in a rural or agricultural area should attend at least one YFC meeting, to see for themselves how it can positively affect their own lives.
But equally, clubs need to ensure they are not so cliquey that young people outwith the “family and friends” groups are not deterred before they even have the chance to appreciate the benefits.
For those of us who are too old to be part of a youth organisation, it is more important than ever to look for your own “time out”. It’s only after you leave Young Farmers that you realise the huge void.
Some people continue within other organisations, such as NFU Scotland, as I have.
But policy and politics is not for everyone, so I would implore organisations who have the ability through their networks to do more to fill this void, and for Young Farmers to also signpost members at the end of their term.
This can all be easily summed up in the words of Scotland’s most famed farmer and national bard, Rabbie Burns:
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere
And gie’s a hand o’ thine
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught
For auld lang syne