Wow! What a month we have just had. The weeks have flown past and it has been non-stop action in the YFC calendar.

We started the month with our annual general meeting and presentation of awards. A great evening was had with more than 100 people present to hear Meurig Raymond, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union, speak on the future of farming for young people.

What an inspiration he is to all he speaks to. It was great to hear how the voices of young people in the industry are represented by an organisation that has such passionate people supporting what is great about agriculture.

Meurig also presented the years awards to members who have given outstanding support to the county and clubs. Well done to Anni Turner of Bury St Edmunds for her win of the David Reeve Trophy, Abi Dolan of Gipping Valley for winning the Best All-Round Club Worker title and to Matt Clements of Lark Valley for the Under 16 Worker award.

Richard Anscombe of Atlas Fram presented the hotly contested YFC Wheat Competition results. Bob Wrinch of Stowmarket YFC took the trophy for the senior competition with a cracking 20-hectare field of JB Diego while Matthew Clements of Lark Valley YFC won the junior section with a field of Santiago at Lawshall.

We said a fond farewell to our past chairman John Dickson who has had what can only be described as a spectacular year with growth in the clubs, events and all activities. Ed Binder has taken the mantle from John and is enthusiastic, full of ideas and ready to give Suffolk YFC an astounding year ahead. That’s if we can all keep up with him.

The tour of the clubs has continued and sat nav-free without major issue so far, with one minor detour and feeling of being lost between Halesworth and Framlingham. Walpole and Peasenhall were a delight on a blustery, dark October evening. With all clubs annual general meetings completed apart from the last one this week for Debenham it is on to the good stuff.

The first sports day of the year took place at Framlingham College and was a great day. The weather was looking a bit damp for a start but the clubs carried on despite this. It was amazing to see all 10 YFCs competing for glory in the men’s rugby, mixed touch rugby, netball and mixed hockey. Well done to all of the clubs who competed and the results are still coming in so watch this space.

Work has commenced on the YFC Country Fair taking place on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Easton Farm Park with all sponsorship in place and schedules in the first draft stage. The members are full of great ideas to keep this event growing and are looking forward to yet another great event.

Interviews are currently taking place for our newest member of staff to work with the EDGE apprenticeship scheme promoting agriculture as a career and working on developing the skills of our membership. An extra set of hands is always welcome in the YFC office.

Coming up in the next few weeks we have more sports with the ever popular Lazerquest competition, public speaking competitions and the seniors favourite event of the year, the Junior Ball. A great few months coming up as always in YFC.