Photos and report of Cornwall Young Farmers county rally 2021

More than 350 members from Cornwall Young Farmers took part in the first major event that the popular rural youth movement have been able to stage since March 2020 and last year’s county rally having to be cancelled.

For county chairman Ben Cavill, it was a triumph in a different way, as proof of the young farmers' resilience. He said: “The communities and friendships made within Cornwall YFC require something far greater than a global pandemic to break.”

More than 350 members from Cornwall Young Farmers took part in the first major event that the popular rural youth movement have been able to stage since March 2020 and last year’s county rally having to be cancelled.

The 2021 county rally was staged at Kilhallon Farm near Par courtesy of butcher and grazier James Kittow which provided the perfect venue for the representatives from the 20 Cornish Young Farmers clubs to compete in a range of competitions.

The young farmers with their hobby horses. Picture: Debbie Walters Photography

The usual array of competitions including cookery, handicrafts and sports were supplemented with an interesting and hotly contested hobby horse grand national and a sausage tying challenge overseen by host James Kittow, who is an award-winning sausage maker.

Ben said: “It’s been a difficult year for many of our young farmers and their families and the pandemic has obviously affected the number of events we’ve been able to hold.

"The annual county rally is hugely popular date on the calendar and thanks to the sponsorship from NFU Mutual it’s been fantastic to be able to hold the event this year, as restrictions gradually ease.

“The event usually takes place on a Saturday, but we decided a Sunday would make a nice change and create a lovely, relaxed atmosphere on the day.

"It gives members the chance to come together again, catch up and take part in different contests that allow them to be creative.

"Above all, it’s the perfect opportunity for them to relax and have some fun together.”

Roche & District Young Farmers Club were crowned the overall champions on the day with Liskeard Young Farmers taking second place and St Columb Young Farmers Club finishing third.

Other winners on the day were: Cookery Section: Roche & District Young Farmers Club, Handicraft Section: St Columb Young Farmers Club, Practical Section: Liskeard Young Farmers Club, Sports Section: Roche & District Young Farmers Club, Sheaf Pitching: Lostwithiel Young Farmers Club, Club with most points per member: Roche & District Young Farmers Club, Club with most points in the U17 Static Competitions: Roche & District Young Farmers Club, Pentathlon Cup: Wadebridge Young Farmers Club.

Ben added: “I can’t thank James Kittow and his family enough for allowing us to host the event at Kilhallon Farm. As far as venues go, this one was pretty special!"