New YFCU presidential team is appointed via online AGM

Photo left to right, Peter Alexander, Lynne Montgomery, Stuart Mills, Hannah Kirkpatrick, Zita McNaugher and Richard Beattie

During the evening members voted for the YFCU presidential team for 2020/21.

Zita McNaugher (Moneymore YFC) was re-elected into the position of president of the association and Peter Alexander (Glarryford Young Farmers’ Club) was re-elected to the position of deputy president.

Peter Alexander, from Glarryford Young Farmers’ Club in Co Antrim, said: “During my fifteen years membership I have been club leader, county treasurer, county chair, vice president and currently deputy president.

“During my time on the presidential team my aim has been to support the president, staff through all our activities and represent all the members to ensure that our organisation remains the top rural youth organisation in Northern Ireland and that we make an impact on Northern Ireland agriculture and rural areas and society and build on the legacy of the last 90 years.”

The positions of vice president went to Lynne Montgomery (City of Derry YFC), Richard Beattie (Finvoy YFC) Hannah Kirkpatrick (Kilraughts Young Farmers’ Club) and re-elected Stuart Mills (Moneymore YFC).

Lynne Montgomery, 24, a deputy head veterinary nurse at Drumahoe Veterinary Clinic, and member of City of Derry YFC in Co Londonderry for 13 years said: “During my time in young farmers I have taken on many roles within my club such as, competition organiser, PRO, assistant secretary and secretary.

“At county level I have held the roles of PRO, treasurer and secretary. I’ve been a member of both the programme and development committee and Balmoral Show committee for the past three years.

“As a newly elected vice president of the association, I hope to continue to achieve new initiatives within YFCU and play an active role. I want to encourage our members to develop key life skills and build new friendships.”

Meanwhile, Richard Beattie, Finvoy YFC, said: “I joined Finvoy Young Farmers’ Club 13 years ago and have enjoyed every minute since. My involvement in the club saw me being put onto the committee 10 years ago and since then have held a variety of roles ranging from livestock organiser, assistant treasurer and club secretary.

“Within my own club I am currently club leader. I’ve also had the opportunity of sitting on the county committee where I have previously held the position of treasurer and now vice chairperson, something I have enjoyed thoroughly.

“At Northern Ireland level I have just been elected chairperson of the agriculture rural affairs and environment committee. This has been an excellent committee to be a part of as it involves members from all over the country and has excellent links to industry and opportunity to travel.

“For my time as vice president I want to encourage member participation across all ages and to maintain the YFCU’s position as the best rural youth organisation  in the country by encouraging members to get involved within the organisation  not just at club level but at county and Northern Ireland level.”