Jack Hunter, a twenty-five-year-old member of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) first joined Moneymore Young Farmers’ Club at the age of twelve and has never looked back, appreciating the opportunities he has received through the organisation’s programme of competitions and events.
Following in the footsteps of his parents, Jack always wanted to be a Young Farmer and this journey started for him back in 2012 when he attended his first-ever club meeting. “As a Junior member, I enjoyed taking part in various competitions, but during my studies at Stranmillis College in Belfast, I wasn’t as actively involved, though I kept updated with what was happening within the club. Then, after completing my teacher training and returning home, I was approached about training the club choir in preparation for the Choir Festival. Before long, I was back in the thick of it and every day and night was just consumed with Young Farmers’ work”, Jack explained.
Jack’s involvement within YFCU involves being club leader for Moneymore YFC, a member of the YFCU Wellbeing and Development Committee and a member of the County Londonderry Sub-Committee. Over the years, he has been a co-producer for Moneymore YFC when it comes to the Arts Festival competition and he enjoys taking part in the Stock Judging, Floral Art and Public Speaking competitions.
Jack explains that he has fond memories of being on the family dairy farm as a young child and he planned to get through school as quickly as possible and become a full-time farmer. However, these plans took a change and Jack excelled in his school examinations which led him to studying Primary Education at Stranmillis University College. “I graduated with a first-class honours degree in July 2022 and went on to accept a temporary teaching post in the Mid Ulster area before I secured a full-time permanent position in a small rural school outside Ballymoney in 2025”, Jack recalled. “I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world, but there’s nothing better than getting home, putting the wellies on and going and helping my Father on the farm”.
Jack led a busy social life during his time at Stranmillis College. He served as President of the Music Society, was Welfare Officer for the Students’ Union Executive, founded the Horticultural Society and was actively involved in the Drama Society and Christian Union. “Coming from a hectic social life in the City to moving back home to the farm with my Parents, it was a complete lifestyle change!”, Jack explained. “YFCU has given me incredible opportunities and I have always enjoyed meeting new people from clubs across Northern Ireland. Even within my job as a Primary Teacher today, I am always bumping into people that I have got to know through connections within Young Farmers. It’s the network of people I have met along the way that has meant the most to me as a member”.
Jack explained that his fondest memories of Young Farmers’ so far has been winning prizes at the Public Speaking, Arts Festival and Choir Festival competitions. “What I value most as a member is the sense of community within Moneymore YFC. Whether it’s catching up with friends during a club meeting, attending events or just having fun, it’s those moments that I cherish the most”, he commented.