January is always a very quiet month in the Young Farmer calendar, writes Jess Roche.

After all the spending at events over the Christmas period, everyone takes January to take a detox and rebalance their bank account. Although it may be quiet for parties, it is still very busy with meetings.

One of the biggest projects Essex Young Farmers has ever launched got under way, with the “Farming 4 No. 1” challenge. The idea is that Essex Young Farmers will attempt to get a Top 40 record into the Official UK charts by the Sunday of our Annual Convention in Blackpool. As this is the long weekend of May 9 to 12 it doesn’t give us long to write, perform and film our song. We have had lots of meetings and have already got our social media running! If you are on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, then just search for us under the “Farming 4 No. 1” name and keep updated with what we are doing, and how progress is going. We are also in the process of setting up a Youtube site, so you will be able to watch some of Essex Young Farmers auditioning for the main singing role in the song. We will be recording at the world famous Abbey Road studios in February, so next month’s report will give you a little insight into what it is like behind the scenes.

Our single when released will be available to download off iTunes and buy from Amazon, and we are hoping every supporter of the National Federation of Young Farmers will buy a copy, as well as everyone that likes supporting a good cause, and laughing at a bunch of farmers taking on the music industry. The single is benefiting two great charities, more to be revealed next month, and we would love to not only complete our Top 40 challenge, but also attempt the much larger goal of getting a No. 1. Watch this space!

Essex also attended the Eastern Area AGM in Newmarket. Our ex county chairman Duncan Howie was voted in as Eastern Area Chairman, and to celebrate, we went for dinner and then a night out in Newmarket! Judging by the stories the next day, a good day/night was had by all! One thing we always get competitive about is inter-club sporting competitions. On Sunday 19th we had rush hockey, which is always a good way to get the blood pumping and to win some points for your club. There was a very good turnout and fun was had by all! Public speaking is next month, which means all clubs are brushing up on their debating and “Just a Minute” skills ready to perform on stage. Essex has a good reputation for public speaking, and last year our team won the Nationals competition, so a lot is at stake!