Essex Young Farmers’ monthly column

HOW quickly time flies since our last report! May becomes Essex Young Farmers’ busiest month as preparations in full swing for the annual Country Show on Sunday, May 20, at Boyton Hall Roxwell.

Essex Young Farmers took a brief break from the busy plans when over 200 members headed to Torquay for the Annual Convention. Here, Young Farmers from across the UK convene for the AGM with numerous activities to watch and get involved in including watching the finalists from across the country compete in ballroom dancing and public speaking.

There were also topical debates and discussions to attend with our national president and Countryfile presenter Matt Baker. It was an excellent weekend and a great opportunity for members to make friends with other clubs and federations.

Brentwood Young Farmers celebrated their 70th anniversary this year with a ball very well attended by members past and present. Balls and events such as this are a great place for subscribers to meet up with old friends and see how clubs are thriving now.

We also held our Farm Valuation competition in Witham by the kind permission of Strutt and Parker Farms.

This was another very successful day with all members learning and teaching each other with the help of professionals from local agricultural businesses. Thank you to all those who helped and made the day run so successfully.

Members have already been helping out with the Essex Young Farmers’ Show, preparing the site for set up week beginning May 14. The show attracts on average 14,000 people each year and is unique in the fact that it is organised and run solely by the County’s Young Farmer members.

Tickets are available at a reduced rate from our website www.essexyoungfarmers.com.

The show is one of the biggest and best country shows in Essex and offers activities for the whole family. It has always maintained its agricultural roots and this year is no exception, with the main agricultural dealers present and the livestock area which always draws a crowd. We also have themed areas including forestry, horticulture, farmers’ market, food hall and crafts.

Prior to the show on Saturday, May 12, members head to their local town to publicise the show. In the past members have taken part in charity tractor pulls, had lambs for children to have a look at and learn about.

Not only can they inform the general public about the show but also what Young Farmers is all about. Watch out for our members in a town near you!

We hope you can make it to our show.

If you would like more information please have a look at our website www.essexyoungfarmers.com or call our lovely ladies in the office 01245 360442. We look forward to seeing you at the show!