Wales YFC News

On 16^th September 2023, Mrs Sarah Lewis from Llanrhaedr Ym Mochnant in Montgomeryshire was elected as the new President for Wales Young Farmers Clubs at their Annual General Meeting in Cardiff.

Alun Tudor-Thomas, Montgomery YFC County Chair proposed Sarah Lewis and Ella Harris, Radnor YFC County Chair supported Alun by seconding the proposal. Members from across Wales voted between three nominees, where Sarah was successfully elected as the new President of Wales YFC! 

Sarah Lewis said: “I am in awe of the fact that members have voted for me. I am YFC through and through and truly believe that members can achieve so much with this organisation. I will do my best for Wales YFC, and very much looking forward to working with members, officers and staff.” 

Who is Sarah Lewis? 

Over the past 44 years, Sarah has given her absolute all to the Young Farmers movement in Montgomeryshire, as a member, official, parent, judge, club leader, trainer, chairperson, Vice President, Board of Management Chair and County President, to name just a few!

Sarah joined Dolfor Young Farmers Club in 1979 at the age of 11 and during her years as a member she took on various roles within the club and entered a wide range of competitions. Later on, Sarah held roles within Montgomery YFC, including County Chairman in 1994, and in 1996, she held the title of Wales YFC Chairman. She was also nominated as National YFC Chairman having served on National Councils and competitions committees for many years.

It is safe to say that as a member of YFC, Sarah took advantage of every opportunity presented to her within the movement and from these experiences, she has gained a plethora of knowledge and skills which she continues to pass down to the hundreds of members that have been through the movement.

Since 1996, Sarah has been a Club Leader of Dyffryn Tanat YFC and during this time, she has supported the club in a vast number of ways. She has produced many Dramas, Half Hour Entertainments, Pantomimes and Sketches, supported and mentored club officials with their roles and generally supported the club with their governance, club nights, events and fundraising. 

Sarah’s knowledge of the YFC organisation, not only at a county level, but also nationally, is invaluable. In her various County roles, she has supported individual members and clubs across the county with her many areas of expertise. This includes preparing members for competitions, including Public Speaking training, Stock Judging and Floral Art. 

During her time as Wales YFC Chair, Sarah visited every county and has continued to support them over the years by judging stage competitions such as the One Plus and Mime to Music, and Public Speaking and Floral Art at Wales and National level. Sarah wholeheartedly believes in the YFC movement, and in supporting young people in rural areas to achieve their full potential. She works hard to ensure that all members, no matter their background, have equal opportunities and will always go above and beyond to make that happen.

Alun Tudor-Thomas, Chair of Montgomery YFC said: “Sarah commenced her role as Montgomery YFC County President in 2020 and led us all through the pandemic, keeping us motivated, making us laugh and guiding members with their decision making along the way. The following year, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but not even that life changing news could get between Sarah and her passion for YFC! She continued with her Presidency and was determined to not let cancer win. She has a habit of taking a challenging situation and turning it into something positive, and following her journey, Sarah has played a pivotal role in setting up the new Montgomeryshire branch of the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, of which she has been appointed secretary.”

Outside of YFC, Sarah has been heavily involved in her local community as the Chair of School Governors and through secretarial roles at COBRA Rugby Club. Working for Barclays for 23 years has given Sarah a solid understanding of finances and is a current member of the Wales YFC Fundraising Committee.

Sarah is an ambassador for Welsh learners and for women in agriculture. She promotes the use of the Welsh language at every opportunity and as a farmer herself, she truly understands the challenges that young people face looking for a career within a male-dominated sector. Sarah will understand the members, understand the YFC roots and understand the input of the YFC into Welsh Agriculture.

Alun added: “We are incredibly proud to call Sarah a Life Member of Montgomery YFC and with your support today, we would like to honour her incredible volunteering journey with YFC by beginning this new chapter. I am proud to propose Mrs Sarah Lewis, for the role of Wales YFC President.”

Chair of Radnor YFC, Ella Harris seconded Aluns proposal and said “In the world of YFC, Sarah has taken up every opportunity presented and ultimately gained a wealth of knowledge and skills. However, she has also given an invaluable amount back to the movement, sharing her plethora of skills and knowledge with the hundreds of members who have been through the movement. Members of Radnor YFC sincerely believe that the best leaders and ambassadors come from within. Sarah is a wonderful product of Dolfor, Montgomershire and Wales YFC who exceeds the qualities and characteristics required of a President.”

Wales YFC would like to congratulate Sarah on her election as President. We look forward to working with Sarah over the next 2 years.