News

Over 150 members came together virtually to compete in the 2020 Virtual Winter Fair displaying not only skills and talent in their competitive fields but their technological ability. 

On Monday 30th November and Tuesday 1st December, entries from all 12 county federations of Wales YFC came together across Facebook and Instagram as part of this year’s Winter Fair festivities with Brecknock YFC coming out on top, winning the two day event. 

From stockjudging virtually over Zoom to presenting pre-recorded hedge laying displays, Wales YFC members demonstrated that they are not fazed by the inevitable prospect of a few technological glitches.  

Commenting on the Senior Christmas Table Centre Piece competition, judge Non Thorne commended all 11 competitors on their video recording and editing skills stating that  “a large proportion of the marks were allocated to the video clip submitted demonstrating the table centerpiece the competitor had created. I can see future floral art demonstrators amongst these videos, it is not always easy to speak and arrange at the same time so well done.” 

With feedback like this, it’s possible that we may see the next big YouTube start rising up from amongst the Wales YFC ranks!

Members were also challenged to put their video editing skills to the test as part of this year’s ATV Challenge. To be in with the chance of winning a brand new quad bike for a year, courtesy of Quad Bikes Wales, competitors were tasked with creating a one minute advert promoting ATV On Farm Safety. 

Dewi Davies, Ceredigion YFC was the lucky member to bag himself a set of new wheels having also scored full marks on the ATV Safety Quiz. Also receiving a new helmet for their second and third place efforts is Harri Griffiths, Montgomery YFC and  Jack and Harry Thomas, Glamorgan YFC. 

Also unveiled during the two day online event was the winner of the £1,000 Wales YFC Agricultural Bursary in association with The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales. Ethan Williams, Llantristant YFC of Glamorgan was announced the winning candidate chosen from a competitive shortlist of 10 Wales YFC candidates having impressed the judges with his detailed plans and presentation to establish an on-farm butchery on the family farm he and his brother run. 

Upon awarding Ethan the 2020 bursary winner by way of a Zoom presentation, Master of the Livery Company of Wales spoke of their task to “nurture new talent” and commended Ethan as an “outstanding winner of this year’s competition”. 

Coleman went on to say “the Livery Company is Pan-Wales and we very much focus on helping young people and we think you will certainly do well in the future”. 

Ceredigion young farmer, Teleri Evans, was also named as winner of the Menter Moch Cymru & Wales YFC Pig Finishing Initiative 2020 a keenly contested competition. 

The competition is an annual joint venture between Wales YFC and Menter Moch Cymru and aims to encourage the next generation of pig keepers and to get farmers thinking about pigs as a viable diversification option. 

Upon reflection, Wales YFC Competitions Sub-committee Chairman Katie Court said:

“This year’s winter fair brought new challenges for us as a movement but again the talent of our members shone through! I would like to thank Wynnstay (Agri Supplies Ltd.) for supporting the event. If you missed anything or wish to look back on the competitions, take a look at our social media channels.”