Members celebrate success at the YFCU AGM at the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh

This event, in association with Lakeland Dairies, recognised the success and outstanding achievements of members across the province.

It was Randalstown YFC from Co Antrim that picked up the prestigious Ann Cameron cup for the club of the year award, which is proudly sponsored by Power NI.

This award is granted to the club that expertly maintains its accounts, is passionate about recruiting and retaining members, participates in events, demonstrates diversity in its programmes, is involved in the community, and demonstrates sustainability and promotional efforts for the club.

Representing Power NI at the event was marketing executive Caragh O’Neill who announced and awarded the prize.

The YFCU top officials and member of the year awards were kindly sponsored by United Feeds.

This group of awards recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of individual members across Northern Ireland who have significantly contributed to YFCU’s growth and success in the past year. Alan Boyd (sales director) represented United Feeds and presented the prizes.

Top officials awards

Top leader – Jack Hunter, Moneymore YFC

Top treasurer – Sam Blackwood, Newtownhamilton YFC

Top secretary – Erin Crawford, Randalstown YFC

Top PRO – Zara Ratcliffe, Collone YFC

Member of the year awards

Junior member of the year – Emily Maneely, Moneymore YFC

Senior member of the year – Jack Hunter, Moneymore YFC

One of the most significant competitions in the YFCU calendar is Ulster Young Farmer of the Year which is proudly sponsored by Danske Bank.

Rodney Brown (head of agribusiness at Danske Bank) was present at the AGM to present these awards.

This award gives young people the opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism in the agricultural sector.

Ukster Young Farmer prize

Ulster Young Farmer overall – Ryan Rodgers, Annaclone and Magherally YFC

Ulster Young Farmer u21 winner – Ryan Rodgers, Annaclone and Magherally YFC

Ulster Young Farmer junior winner – Robbie Linton, Ahoghill YFC

Ulster Young Farmer 25-30 winner – Joshua McClements, Ballywalter YFC

Ulster Young Farmer section winners

Countryside management, Helen Laird, Bleary YFC

Sheep section, Helen Laird, Bleary YFC

Beef section, Joshua McClements, Ballywalter YFC

Pigs and poultry section, James McConnell, Collone YFC

Grass section, Joshua McClements, Ballywalter YFC

Arable section, Joshua Moore, Artana YFC

Dairy section, Helen Laird, Bleary YFC

Farm safety section, Sarah Ruddell, Bleary YFC

Innovation section, Ryan Rodgers, Annaclone and Magherally YFC

Finance section, Joshua McClements, Ballywalter YFC

The top achievers for this year’s President’s Award Scheme were presented with plaques. This is a scheme that recognises members for participating in and contributing to competitions, events and activities that are hosted by YFCU.

President’s Award Scheme

Junior first, Emily Maneely, Moneymore YFC

Junior second, Katie Rose Wallace, Crumlin YFC

Junior third, Katie Mawhinney, Crumlin YFC

Senior first, Kerri Mullan, The Glens YFC

Senior second, Jack Hunter, Moneymore YFC

Senior third, Linzi Kennedy, Collone YFC

There were also several special cups awarded to clubs for their achievements throughout the year.

Special cup winners

Ballyvester Cup (18-30 years) – Collone YFC

J K Dobbs Cup (12-18 years) – Ballywalter YFC

Allen Cup (12-14 years) – Moneymore YFC

Limavady Cup (12-14 years) – Cappagh YFC

E T Green Cup (14-18 years) – Collone YFC

Mulholland Cup (18-30 years) – Spa YFC

Alfa Laval Trophy (awarded for recruitment) – The Glens YFC

The Pam Robinson Cup (awarded to a club for their member retention) – Finvoy YFC

The sustainability pledge competition, in partnership with Power NI, ran for the third year in a row and prizes were awarded to the club’s that implemented commitments to change the good of the planet, people and environment around the YFCU.

Caragh O’Neill (marketing executive at Power NI) awarded Crumlin YFC was first prize, said: “Crumlin YFC gave a fantastic presentation with very confident and relaxed delivery from all three members.

“The content was great, and showed a true understanding of sustainability and the challenges that we face.

“Slide design and animations were fantastic, and great to see photographic evidence of some of the activities completed.

“The members explained in great detail how they would use the £500 bursary, which we were delighted to award them with.”

President Kristina Fleming congratulates all the prize winners on their achievements throughout the year, commenting on their incredible contributions to their clubs and communities.

Chief executive officer of YFCU, Derek Lough, took the time to thank Lakeland Dairies and all competition sponsors for their continued support shown to the organisation.

He thanked the judges for their time and expertise given to make these competitions successful and for encouraging the continued development of their members.