Events have been cancelled this season but that hasn’t stopped Young Farmers

“It is of course a very strange time for us in the young farmers as normally this time of year would be full of competitions and exciting events coming up. Mind you we have a lot of members who are still working harder than ever on the front line whether it be in hospitals, in shops and of course on farms,” said Naomi McConnell from Seskinore YFCU.
The Parker familyThe Parker family
The Parker family

Spa Young Farmers’ Club in Co Down have adopted a novel route in keeping spirits high during lockdown.

As the club is unable to meet for their usual busy calendar of outings and events, Spa YFC have instead taken to social media to showcase what their members are getting up to.

Sarah Dorman, Spa YFC said: “Social media had become shrouded in negativity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic – we thought, what better way of highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the key workers in our club than through a positive online campaign.”

The Rodger familyThe Rodger family
The Rodger family

Using the hashtag SpaKeepsFarming, and with a different member of Spa YF every day, the club have been able to showcase a ‘Day in the Life’ on both Instagram and Facebook.

The response has been extremely positive, with young farmers from other clubs all over Northern Ireland (and further afield in England, Scotland and Wales) logging in to see what members are getting up to on their farms in Co Down. 

Now coming up to its fourth week, YFCU has seen around farms in Spa, Teconnaught, Dromara, Newcastle, Tyrella and even in Armagh and Ballymoney.

The challenge has been on beef, sheep, dairy, pig and arable farms and it’s been great to see the wide range of skills and abilities that members have when it comes to working within the agri industry.

Matthew ClelandMatthew Cleland
Matthew Cleland

Co Antrim club Glarryford YFC have used the platform TikTok to reach a younger audience, spread positivity and keep their members connected.

In their comic videos the club has showcased that their new born lambs have moves to out dance Britney.

While in North Down, Ballywalter YFC, have been introducing followers to their club members, junior and senior, showcasing what their members are doing while the country enters it’s fourth week of Lockdown Protocols.

Jessica Lee, Ballywalter YFC, said: “Our main aim is to keep our members and friends safe as well as entertained and educated about what we are doing.

“We have ensured all government restrictions have been adhered to in the process.”

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