YFCU Wellbeing & Development Committee host workshop at Ulster Farmers' Union Agricultural Conference

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), in partnership with the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) were delighted to hold their Agricultural Conference on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 at the Dunadry Hotel and Gardens in County Antrim. This event, themed ‘My Farm 2100: A Glimpse into the Future’ gathered over 150 farmers and growers together to look to the future of agriculture.

Back Row (L-R), David Jamison (Kilraughts YFC), Richard Beattie (YFCU President), Matthew Livingstone (Collone YFC) and Robert Allen (Moneymore YFC). Front Row (L-R), Emma Knox (Crumlin YFC), Kristina Fleming (Deputy President), Joyce Allen (Moneymore YFC), Claire Young (Dungiven YFC), Ellen Bates (Moneymore YFC) and Amy Ritchie (Bleary YFC).

Kristina Fleming (Deputy President), Richard Beattie (President) and Derek Lough (Chief Executive Officer)

The event featured an impressive line up of speakers including Jack Bobo, Rogier Schulte, Chris Elliott, Joe Stanley, and Abi Reader, who discussed topics including food security, sustainability and agricultural innovation. The YFCU Wellbeing & Development Committee were honoured to host a workshop and explain their focus on supporting YFCU members with their mental health and wellbeing. Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Emma Knox (Crumlin YFC) explained that they offer training to members who wish to become YFSeesYou ambassadors, who volunteer to deliver talks across Northern Ireland and help normalise conversations about mental health and wellbeing within rural communities.

Emma Knox (Crumlin YFC) and Grace Cotton (Crumlin YFC), representing the YFCU Wellbeing & Development Committee

Emma participated in an insightful panel discussion at the end of the conference, discussing the opportunities and challenges facing young people in rural communities across Northern Ireland. “The conference was invaluable as I was able to share the positive work of the YFCU Wellbeing and Development committee with business professionals, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders. I discussed our main focus and how those in the audience could provide their support for future campaigns”, Emma recalled. “I enjoyed being able to give a Young Farmers’ perspective of how farming will change and develop by 2100 and what the Young Farmers of today can bring to the table”.

Rachel Armstrong (YFCU Marketing & Communications Executive), Roberta Simmons (UFU Membership Development Officer) and Andrew Muir (Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland)

Deputy President of the YFCU, Kristina Fleming, attended the event and delivered the closing speech. “The conference was one of the most energising and positive events I have attended in my time as a YFCU member. I came away from the event feeling refreshed, positive and looking forward to the next 75 years of agriculture”. Vice President of YFCU, Matthew Livingstone (Collone YFC) said “it was a very interesting day to hear from lots of speakers on how they expect farming to look in 2100 and how we can move forward with the changes that lie ahead in agriculture”.

L-R: Ellen Bates (Moneymore YFC), Sarah Spence (YFCU Membership & Club Development Executive), Joyce Allen (Moneymore YFC) and Claire Young (Dungiven YFC)

The Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster and the Ulster Farmers’ Union were proud to have the support of key sponsors which included Calor Gas, Lightsource BP, NFU Mutual, Kilwaughter Lime, Kingsbridge Healthcare, Solar Power NI, Dunbia, Creagh Concrete and Lantra.