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Between Wednesday the 18^th and Sunday the 22^nd of October 2023, the first ever Five Nations Conference was held in Gorebridge near Edinburgh. This Conference (hosted by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs) was created with the intention to provide members with the opportunity to develop as individuals while strengthening connections with other young farmer organisations. We caught up with our Senior Member of the Year, Endaf Griffiths to hear all about his experience at the Five Nations Conference.

What is the difference between a ‘Twmpath Dawns’ and a Cèilidh? Very little really. Although a few of the dance moves are different – and although some prefer to wear kilts in the latter – they are more or less the same. And that’s the impression four Wales YFC members, myself included, had when we travelled to Scotland for the first ever YFC Five Nations Conference in October this year.

While there are some differences between the Young Farmers’ movements in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland – in terms of structure, age of membership and competitions – they are all essentially the same. We’re all seeking the same goal as well: to give rural young people a platform to be able to develop and strengthen themselves both professionally and personally.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that the first conference was a success. The theme of the five-day event was ‘Rural Leadership’, and we had several talks and team building sessions led by renowned individuals including Sarah Millar of Quality Meat Scotland, and Finlay Carson MSP – to name but a few.

Business and farm visits were also an important part of the conference programme. We visited Craigie’s café and farm shop near Edinburgh on the first full day, and then on the second day travelled to the Kinross area to visit three different businesses: Mawmill arable farm, which has diversified and opened a dog park; The Christmas Tree Company, which specialises in growing and selling Christmas trees and wreaths; and Cuthill Towers dairy farm. Despite the weather – with a red warning for rain in some parts of the country – we managed to have a great time visiting businesses that are leaders in their field.

Now, it says in the Young Farmers’ Bible: “Where there are two or three Young Farmers gathered, there’s fun to be had.” And we certainly had plenty of fun as we all got a taste of some Scottish culture. On one evening we had a Burns Supper, a tradition that commemorates Robert Burns – the 18th-century farmer poet who composed ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – and includes readings and speeches and eating haggis. The haggis was very tasty, by the way, but don’t ask what was in it! We also got the opportunity to use our folk dancing skills at a Cèilidh in Edinburgh, and the fact that our legs were very stiff the next day is proof that it was a very good night!

Young Farmers from Britain and Ireland each year have the opportunity to represent their countries at the European Rally, alongside other European countries. I must admit, some elements of the Five Nations Conference programme seemed to have come directly from that event – for example, one evening, each country was required to wear their traditional dress and present a five-minute showcase promoting themselves – but for me, the strength of the conference was the fact that there was only about 20 of us present, giving us all a chance to mix and get to know each other and our organisations better. And as the event continues next year, with Northern Ireland taking the reins, my hope is that the conference will go from strength to strength and develop its own distinctive character. In my opinion, there is a place for the European Rally and the Five Nations Conference.

All in all, it was an incredibly inspiring and enjoyable five days as Rhys, Cathrin, Deryn and myself flew the flag for Wales and forged new connections with our neighbours. One of the best things about the Young Farmers’ movement is the opportunity it gives you to make memories and lifelong friends from all around the world. And that was certainly done in Scotland this year. Long live the YFC Five Nations Conference, I say.

Any other highlights? Yes – I won a raffle prize at the Cèilidh!