Young farmer culture report sparks huge reaction

Farmers Weekly readers have responded in droves to a recent article which detailed instances of sexual assault at young farmers’ events.

Many women shared their own experiences, or their family members’ experiences, of Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) on social media following publication of the young farmer report.

See also: Editor’s view: Facing hard truths about young farmer culture

Holly Vickery, now a Harper Adams lecturer, wrote a thread on X (formerly Twitter), explaining how she had only lasted a few months at her local club, as she was “ostracised” for not leaning into the heavy drinking and casual sex culture.

“I made the mistake of falling asleep on a bus – I woke up having my top undone and hands up my skirt. That wasn’t even ‘that bad’,” she said.

“Every night out came with unwelcome touching, and you were labelled ‘frigid’ and ‘boring’ if you said anything.

“I have been out in many places, university cities and with different societies. None have been like YFC.”

Another woman, a mother of a YFC member, said her 18-year-old daughter would not go back to her club after hearing a man say he would “happily rape four women” on the bus back from an event.

Farmers Weekly has also received a series of private messages detailing allegations including spiking at young farmers’ events and the non-consensual recording and subsequent sharing of sexual acts.

Many of those responding to the article on social media welcomed it, but said the behaviour in the article was being carried out by a minority.

Charles Anyan, for example, wrote on X: “Outrageous behaviour which needed calling out. However, we can’t judge YFC because of the actions of a minority.

“They remain a very good organisation and teach youngsters remarkable life skills and give them a sense of belonging.”

There were many other responses on social media, however, which were critical of the report and described it as “woke”.

As well as telling how girls at young farmers’ events would frequently have their tops pulled down, skirts pulled up or be groped, the piece also highlighted some of the slogans on display at this year’s DIY AGM – an event run by the Young Farmers Community.

The event was set up to replace the official AGM, run by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC), which was cancelled in 2018 following reports of anti-social behaviour.

Slogans included: “I can run faster horny than you can scared” and “For the sporting birds, I can tighten the choke”.

On Facebook, Danie Adendorff commented: “No problem at all. Only place where men are men and women are women.”

Graham Conner said: “Farmers Weekly, you’re turning out to be about as interesting and as woke as Countryfile.

“Give it a rest and start supporting farming and especially the new generation coming into it.”

Meanwhile, on X, farming influencer Olly Harrison said: “This is a generational issue not exclusive to YFC.

“Please don’t damage YFC’s reputation, I’d like it still to be there in the future for my kids.”