Cornwall's young farmers got together for the first time since the pandemic at Competitions Weekend.
On Saturday, May 21 sixteen clubs from around the county gathered, 170 young farmers in all competing in 30 different classes.
The much-anticipated event comes as Cornwall Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC) sees a surge in its membership.
The number of members dropped significantly during the pandemic as many events had to be cancelled or moved online.
In recent months though, the team has been working hard to boost numbers again and they’ve now almost doubled and are close to hitting their 1,000 target.
Competitions Weekend is open to all Cornwall Young Farmers members aged from 10 to 26.
The wide ranging classes include painting hay bales, cookery, archery, making and tossing pancakes, cross country running and the hotly contested tug of war competition.
Cornwall YFC general purposes chairman Sophie Olds, who organised Saturday’s competition, said: “Competitions Weekend is a highlight on the calendar for everyone involved and this was the first time members have been able to compete against each other in person since before the pandemic.
“The different classes are obviously designed to be great fun but as well as the social side of it, they also help members develop their teamwork, planning, communication and presentation skills.
"Thanks to the Knowles family for hosting us at their farm in Trink.”
All of the points scored on Saturday will be carried forward to part two of the event, the Stock Judging and Farm Skills Day, which will take place at Truro Livestock Centre on Saturday, June 18.
Categories on this day will include handling and operating farm machinery, tractor driving and safety checks, sheep shearing and livestock judging in front of industry experts. Following this day, the overall winners will be announced.
Cornwall YFC county chairman Rachael Benney, added: “If ever there was a time that has highlighted the importance of our events and competitions to our members, these past two years have been it.
"To see everyone back together in person on Saturday was fantastic.
“Though we held the event online last year, it’s not quite the same and thanks to the sponsorship and ongoing support of NFU Mutual, we have been thrilled to be able to bring everyone together to meet in person at long last.
"The competition has definitely been fierce and we can’t wait for part two on June 18!”
Roz Hills, south west regional manager at NFU Mutual, said: “We are proud to give our ongoing support to the next generation of young farmers by sponsoring this hugely popular event and Cornwall YFC.
"We are always so impressed by the planning and hard work that goes into making these events so successful and they highlight the resilience and determination of these young people despite a really challenging few years.
“The fact that the club’s membership has risen so sharply in recent months highlights how important it is to so many of our young people and the vital role it plays in bringing them all together.”
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