I always start with saying how busy we have been in the YFC office and guess what? April was our busiest yet!

We started by booking a month of sunshine and for all of our events we have been lucky to have blue skies and mild weather.

The Suffolk YFC Clay Shoot took place on Saturday, April 5 at Bridge Farm, Stowlangtoft and the fine weather was a welcome relief, having spent the past couple of years cuddling the tea urn for warmth.

It was a fantastic day with brilliant support from shooters old and new and a great competition. It was a delight to see so many friendly faces returning and the Open competition was won by our good friend Jamie Pearce. It will be nice to put his name on our replacement trophy, the original trophy having unfortunately been stolen when we were burgled last autumn. Jamie’s name was a regular on the old one so it’s nice to start with him on it.

Well done to our other great friends Paul Fulcher and Tony Rogers and newest clay shoot Aaron Harvey for taking the other men’s prizes. The ladies trophy was won by Sarah Pearce, colts by Henry Bullock and Suffolk Show stewards by Brian Barker. Huge thanks to Stuart Clay Traps, High Flyers and Shelbourne Reynolds for their sponsorship.

And so we went on to our biggest fundraising event of the year. The Suffolk Young Farmers Country Fair is into its fifth year and has been a growing for the past few years. Last Sunday, following days of rain, dawned bright and a little bit breezy but stayed dry throughout the day for a truly amazing day for Suffolk YFC’s members.

The hours of planning and hard work definitely paid off and a great day was had by all of members. We thank all of the members of the public, supporters and tradestand exhibitors for making our day absolutely amazing and beyond our expectations. We had lots of people, lots of smiling faces and a great feeling at the show.

We were delighted to welcome as our main ring display the amazing Flying Fergies who wowed the crowds with their truly terrifying display. I was somewhat relieved not to be jumped over, although disappointed that this was apparently due to the size of my back axle...

The Young Farmers put on a brilliant display of farm machinery, creating a huge cloud of dust and flashing lights, exactly what we believe will inspire the future generation of farmers.

Our enormous thanks go to our sponsors, Ensors, Agroco Trailers, AtlasFram, Stanfords, Robinson & Hall, East of England Co-op, Boltons, Binders and Skinners Pet Feeds. The funds raised from this day go a long way to ensure the federation continues to grow.

So on we go. It’s nearly May already and we are planning our presence in the show season. Come and meet the young farmers at the South Suffolk, Hadleigh and Suffolk shows ? we are back in the ring with Tug of War at Hadleigh and Suffolk so come along and cheer along your local club!

Tory Lugsden