Network of 260 clubs

Press, 29 May 1985, Page 23

Network of 260 clubs

The New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, organiser of the Skellerup Young Farmer of the Year contest, has an almost equal membership of men and women.

The organisation has a network of 260 clubs throughout New Zealand, and a total of about 7500 members.

The first young farmers club was formed in 1927 at the Feilding Agricultural School. The young farmers organisation amalgamated with the Country Girls’ Clubs in 1973.

The aims of the organisation include assisting in the education of members and training them in leadership skills and meeting procedure as well as covering aspects of farming. Its objectives also include fostering the welfare of the rural community and rural activities.

Anyone between 15 and 30 years of age can join a young farmers club. Members come from all walks of life and are not necessarily involved in farming.

Clubs organise a wide range of activities and social functions including debating, stock judging, shearing, and wool handling competitions to programming and leadership seminars. There is scope for virtually everyone with an association or interest in farming or the land. As well as the Young Farmer of the Year contest, the organisation has awards for agricultural service, Outstanding farmers, community participation, and many tests of skill in practical and theoretical tasks.

Leadership training plays an important part and members are allowed to hold office for only a oneyear term. This means that 900 members have the opportunity each year of holding an official position. Many community leaders and prominent directors of national committees and marketing boards gained leadership experience at Y.F.C. club level.

Members have the opportunity of travelling overseas through exchange schemes to Australia, United Kingdom and the United States.

Those who would like to work and live in another country for six to 12 months can do so through the Work Experience Abroad or International Agricultural exchange Abroad programmes. In return, the Y.F.C. hosts youth exhangees from other countries, helping to create a better knowledge and understanding between nations.

This year, the Y.F.C. is hosting the fifth World Congress of Young farmers at Lincoln College from November 11 to 16.