After all the excitement of the Essex Young Farmers Show back in May, June has been a more relaxed month before harvest starts – but that doesn’t mean we haven’t been busy.

Many of our members turned out on June 8 to volunteer at the Essex Schools Food & Farming Day, held to help educate children on food sourcing and rural life, writes Beth Speakman.

Well done to those who gave up their time to help out.

Ashdon & Saffron Walden hosted their charity clay shoot for Riding for the Disabled and East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by members and subscribers. Well done everyone.

Members from surrounding counties recently joined Esssex Young Famers for competitions to decide who progresses to the national competitions.

In typical YF style, the weekend also included a party on the Friday night! Well done to the Ashdon & Saffron Walden girls and the Halstead boys for winning the pull.

Halstead also hosted their Mr Essex party, with an Arabian Nights theme, including a barn filled with sand and the appointment of this year’s “Mr Essex”.

Well done to Halstead for putting on another great party.

Lastly, we have held a county bed and bath race with entrants making their vehicles themselves with prizes for speed and appearance.

The entire evening turned out to be successful and very unusual.

As harvest approaches we still have plenty to keep us busy including the annual “Wix Free Booze” party on July 9.

There will also be the appointment of the new committee as Jordan Shynn takes over as county chair of Essex Young Farmers for the coming year.

Congratulations to her!