THE youthful face of Cheshire’s farming community kicked off the agricultural show season with a bang.
All 11 groups which make up the Cheshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (CFYF) took over the site on Flittogate Lane in Tabley for its Rally Day on Sunday, May 26.
More than 700 members and friends took part in this annual event, which sees clubs compete in contests showcasing the best of British farming skills, including silage and cereal judging, tractor and mini-digger driving, welding, and woodworking.
There were also competitions for bakers, scrap artists, crafters, photographers, and flower arrangers, as well as sports including Tug o’ War, cross country running, rounders, and the infamous ball-bobbing content.
The event also marks the end of the incumbency of the Federation’s joint chairmen for the year, Thomas Oulton and Emily Hamand, as well as welcoming the new Dairy Queen team, who act as the clubs’ official public-facing ambassadors for the year.
As evening drew in, the shed was transformed into a glitzy entertaining space for speeches and an award ceremony, including the presentation of the Moody Bowl to the club which has best distinguished itself throughout the year, which this year went to Congleton.
Outgoing chairman of CFYFC, Thomas Oulton, said: “It was an amazing event and, as ever, Rally Day showcases what young farmers’ clubs do best - bringing everyone together from across the clubs and the county.
“It’s been a great year for fundraising, with the Diary Queen team raising £7,000 through their events including the Hawaiian-themed ball, and a further £10,000 was raised at the Chairperson's Charity Concert.
“This year’s beneficiaries include the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), a charity at the heart of farming, providing wellbeing support, as well as financial, emotional, and practical help to those belonging to the farming community.
“Emily and I have loved being chairmen, and to see young farmers' clubs support the continued work of fantastic charities like RABI, and also the MPS Society and the Christie this year, is a great reminder of what we can achieve together.”
Thomas and Emily were thrilled to announce the new Dairy Queen Team for 2024/25 as Anna Welland of Malpas YFC, Emma Hodgson of Beeston YFC, and Chloe Bradley-Boffey of Congleton YFC.
The new team will be preparing now for their first outing on behalf of Cheshire YFC at the Royal Cheshire County Show, where they will meet and thank just some of the many sponsors who helped make the Rally Day possible.
Thomas added: “Remember - you don't have to be a farmer to be a Cheshire Young Farmer.
“Check out our website and social media pages to gain an insight to our busy calendar of competitions and events, and to find your nearest club.”
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